“Woah, not so fast.” Freddy’s voice makes my muscles clench and pull on my bones.
He keeps a hold on me, and my feet are glued to the sidewalk. My stomach drops as I look at him. Those eyes that once felt like forever, even at twenty-two. Like we were always meant to end up together, and the only reason it didn’t feel ridiculous was because we were high school sweethearts. We’ve all heard those stories. The couples who stay together, have kids, build the life everyone says you’re supposed to want.
And now I'm just wondering how to function without the person I’ve leaned on for longer than I can even remember.
“Who’s this?” He tips his head to Lane and I know he’s desperately trying to fill in the blanks.
“Lane Maxwell,” Lane responds as we bump shoulders, walking closer to me as I step out of Freddy’s grip.
“You're on the hockey team...” Freddy connects the dots and it looks like he could scream.
Chapter 9
LANE
Thisfuckerissizingme up. His eyes drag up and down like he’s taking inventory before he gives a small nod, then nothing. Doesn’t say a word. I don’t know his name, but it’s obvious he and Cora have some kind of history. She’s stiff beside me, like she’s turned to stone.
A laugh slips out of me as he looks away, and that’s when Cora jumps in.
“This is Freddy. He’s also a Great Lakes U athlete. Basketball.” The words come out clipped, too fast.
Freddy still acts like I’m not there as he says, “I texted you last night.” His voice is low, as if there’s still something between them.
I catch the slight tremble in Cora’s hand before she tucks her hair behind her ear. “I was busy. Taught early this morning and...” Her voice trails off as she tilts her head, like she’s about to explain. Then she stops and gives a small shrug. “Actually, I don’t owe you anything. You texted me. I didn’t text back.”
Ouch.
“Wow. Didn’t think that’s how we were playing this.” Freddy crosses his arms, a smirk creeping in. He’s got one of those faces you just want to punch. “Why don’t we grab coffee? Talk it out.”
Cora leans back the second he reaches for her.
I don’t know what happened between them, but I don’t care. We’ve got somewhere to be. That’s what I tell myself when I resist the urge to step in and help her. To make him take the hint.
My arm slides around her shoulders, pulling her close. She leans just enough as I say, “We’re in the middle of something. Maybe next time, Frankie.”
Cora presses her lips together, holding back a laugh, but I can feel it.
“It’s Freddy,” he says, finally acknowledging me.
Shrugging, my fingers draw lines on Cora’s shoulder. “Whatever. Gotta go.”
Freddy scoffs, annoyance rolling off him in waves as I step around him. As I start walking, a part of me prays that Cora comes with me. When she falls into step, not turning back, I know the punch has landed.
“Tell me that isn’t your fuck buddy or something,” I groan when we’re far enough away.
“Ex-boyfriend.” Her eyes don’t find mine and I try not to notice.
“You’re kidding.” I don’t bother hiding the surprise. He’s tall, all limbs, and his name is Freddy. Looks like the type to get jealous without earning it.
“Nope.”
“Wow. I wouldn't have guessed.” There’s no edge to my words. Just the truth.
She tucks her hair behind her ear, a little too quick. “Thanks for… whatever that was.”
“Guy seems like a dick. Just getting us where we need to go. That’s it.” I keep my eyes off her and put a step between us. When I glance back, Freddy’s already gone.
I shouldn’t look at her. But of course, I do anyway. My jaw tightens the second I give in. This thing—her, me, any of it—is a bad call. Hooking up with the coach’s daughter isn’t just stupid, it’s reckless. Once was already pushing it.
