There’s excitement in Zara’s eyes. “I did. And I can do it again.”
“No.” I immediately shoot her down. “No fucking way. It’s too dangerous.”
“What if it wasn’t?”
Dad must have lost his fucking mind.
“There’s no way you can guarantee that.” I bite out, rising from my chair.
“Ares, I understand your reservations. Believe me, I have some too. But John and I have discussed things over the phone, and we came up with a plan. We would like to explain it to you before you make a decision. And I promise that if you and Zara aren’t convinced, we’ll let sleeping dogs lie.”
I’m not willing to explore any scenario where there’s the tiniest possibility that Zara might get hurt, but she covers my hand with hers.
“What’s the harm in hearing them out? Come on, babe. Your dad is right. Let’s at least hear what they have to say.”
I can’t say no to her pleading eyes, but I leave no room for misunderstanding as I sit back down. “Fine. We can hear their plan. But I doubt it’ll change anything. Maybe we should call Lev and Chance, too? I’m pretty sure they’re going to want to be in the know.”
Chapter 23
Ahead Of The Curve
LEV
Meeting John Fields was a childhood dream of mine.
I’d be lying if I said that I’m not a little starstruck when I shake the hand of the biggest motorcycle racing legend in history so far.
Chance looks just as intimidated as I am as he takes a seat next to Zara.
“Now that the introductions are out of the way,” Scott says, “you guys are welcome to some lunch if you’re hungry. I always get extra since tacos are Chance’s favorite.”
My best friend doesn’t hesitate to tuck in, grabbing a soft taco and taking a huge bite.
Some of the taco fillings come raining down on his plate, and there’s a smear of sour cream and guacamole on his mouth as he chews.
“You’re so messy,” Zara chuckles, wiping Chance’s mouth with a tissue. “There, that’s much better. Now you’re back to being kissable.”
She brushes her lips over Chance’s, and he cups her jaw, rubbing the tip of his nose against hers in an Eskimo kiss.
“Thank you, baby.”
When we arrived, I wondered if Zara had informed her father about her dating status. The way Scott introduced us—as his youngest son, Chance, and his best friend was pretty generic.
I get my answer when John’s jaw drops. “I’m sorry, but what’s going on?” His eyes move from Zara and Chance to Ares. “I’m glad you get along with both your stepbrothers, but don’t you think that’s a little too… affectionate? Ares, you can’t be ok with that. Right?”
We told my parents about our relationship when they coached us on how to speak during the town meeting. So, I guess we’re about to inform the last remaining parent right about now.
“Fuck me.” John rubs his chin, clearly surprised once Zara explains how she’s dating all three of us and she doesn’t intend to choose. “That’s… unusual.”
Scott agrees with him. “You can say that out loud. I’m still trying to get used to the idea. But it seems to work for them, and as long as they’re all happy and healthy, Kelly and I decided not to get in their way.”
Zara’s father looks at me and Chance with new interest in his eyes. “My daughter is an adult, and I guess I don’t have a say in her love life at this point. And she picked three excellent young men. I hear you two are excellent draft prospects.”
Having a myth like John Fields talking about me with respect and admiration is wild. “Do you follow hockey, sir?”
“I do. I’m a Golden Knights fan, but when I heard that Kelly’s stepson was a rising college hockey star, I began following the Star Cove Knights too. And you two are looking very promising on the ice.”
“Thank you.” Chance and I say in unison.
