I pause and turn toward Declan. His eyes are still on me, but they have a heat behind them. A fire.Is he jealous?
“Then why didn’t he ask me?”
“Maybe because you won’t tell your brother about the two of you,” he replies. “Did you ever think that maybe Declan’s holding back because a part of him feels like you’re not all in?”
“When did you become a love guru?” I laugh.
“I’m just saying both of you are holding back. Maybe you need to talk about why.” He shrugs.
“And if neither of us like the answers?”
“Then you move on.” He reaches for my hand and squeezes it. “But that doesn’t mean you get to start playingNHL 17with another player. I’d be heartbroken.”
“I wouldn’t dream of it.”
Neither of us has attempted to get out of the doorway, and I think it’s because neither of us actually wants to be here. It looks boring, and this comes from a girl who has spent most of her life in her bedroom. If I didn’t know any better, I’d think we’re at a funeral.
“One second.” He holds a finger up on his free hand, and his other hand leaves my back as he heads to the DJ.
I don’t know what Zeke said to the DJ, but before he’s back to me, the vibe of the music has completely changed.
“Come on.”
He grabs my hand and pulls me onto the dance floor before I have time to object. The second people see us, it’s like they feel like they have permission to dance as well.
Before I know it, I’m so lost in dancing with Zeke that I forget why I was even here in the first place. But the second I realize who’s missing from the dance floor, it hits me. But Zeke doesn’t let me get lost in my head.
And as a slow song comes on, rather than pulling us off the dance floor, Zeke pulls my body against him. One hand on my lower back, the other in one of my hands. I throw my hand over his shoulder and sway with him. It’s the first time I’ve ever slow-danced with a guy, and it’s weird because it’s not romantic. It’s just comforting.
“You know I always wanted a little sister,” he begins.
“Oh yeah?”
“Yeah,” he continues. “I used to beg my parents, but my mom had to get a hysterectomy. Then her health continued to decline, and it just was never the right time.”
“I’m sorry, Zeke.”
“It’s fine.” He shakes his head. “She’s doing good now. She’s rooting for the two of you.”
His head tilts back toward the table. I don’t even bother looking over there because I know he’s still there.
“And now I got you, so I guess my wish finally came true.”
“Oh, you wished for a sister that could kick your ass atNHL 17?”
“Only because she would’ve learned from the best.”
We laugh.
“Question,” I begin.
“Shoot.”
“You sleep around,” I continue.
“True.”
“You could’ve found any girl to bring tonight. I’m sure they were knocking down your door to be your date.”
