Aware the waitress was waiting, I ordered a soda.
Nick raised an eyebrow. “You’re not drinking?”
“No, not tonight.”
He nodded like that was interesting information, and I tried not to feel like Brody had just won.
“So, you’re a hockey player.” My attempt to initiate conversation was pitiful. “What’s that like?”
“Brutal.” Nick laughed. “But we have fun.”
Thankfully, he launched into a story about Coach Williams and Asher, and I just had to listen and nod along.
He had been going for a good five minutes when Winter nudged me.
“Look who just showed up,” she whispered.
I followed her nod toward the front of the bar.
Marcus walked in, deep in conversation with someone else.
Brody.
My heart leapt, suddenly beating fast.
What the hell?
Half an hour later, I’d lost all ability to concentrate on Nick and his hockey stories. Our food came, and I ate, listening along to the conversation and trying not to glance at Brody. I could feel his attention on me. From the moment when he’d realized it was us, to now, I knew that if I looked over, I’d find him scowling at me, like usual.
We finished eating, and I sent away a half-full plate. Nick disappeared to take a call. Winter moved to sit beside Asher while he was gone, and the two of them grilled me on how I’d liked the date so far.
When Nick came back, he slid into the booth beside me instead of waiting for Winter to retake her seat. He moved until his arm was around my shoulders. I stiffened, fenced in with nowhere to go. Winter widened her eyes at me, and I knew she was silently asking me if I was okay with Nick’s forwardness. Sure, I’d kissed guys and messed around a little since everything had happened, but that had beenmychoice. My way to control a situation.
My heart beat a little harder, shortening my breath. Was I going to have a panic attack right here and now? No, I couldn’t let that happen. I couldn’t let everyone see me so… weak.
“Wow, I suppose it’s true. This is the place to be.” A deep, low English drawl.
I swallowed my rising panic, suddenly calmer.
Brody stood at the end of the booth, looming over Nick.
“I saw you guys come in. Was this your pick, or Marcus’?” Asher wondered.
“Marcus. He was very insistent.” His gaze ran around us all and lingered on me. “How’s the double date going?”
“Fine, thanks,” I said when it became clear he was waiting for me to answer.
“Just fine?” He raised an eyebrow at Nick. “Sounds like you need to step up your game, Preston.”
Nick chuckled.Preston?Why did that name sound so familiar?
Nick’s arm tightened around my shoulders. “Don’t worry about me and my date, Sinclair. We’re having a great time, and I’m sure we’re only getting started tonight.”
I pulled a quick face, one Nick didn’t catch, but Winter did, and she hid her smile behind her hand. We both knew there’d be no continuation of this night beyond dinner, but Nick hadn’t realized that yet.
Brody leaned on the booth. “Oh, I wouldn’t be so sure about that. It’s getting late. It’ll be after some people’s curfew soon.”
“Curfew? Who the fuck are you talking about having a curfew?” Nick laughed.
