Page 37 of Put a Rink on It

I’ve never spent more than a few days in his house, and our days were usually packed. I’m ecstatic to spend longer stretches with him, on a daily basis, in his environment, to prove I’m right.

Because of the nature of our relationship, the stakes are low for us living together. I’m not worried it won’t work because we only have to make it believable to outsiders. Without our hearts involved, there’s no way to get hurt.

In the distance, a door creaks open, followed shortly by a teenage girl wandering down to where we are, two steaming to-go cups in her hands.

“Did you do it?” she asks eagerly when she reaches us, setting the cups down out of the way.

“Yes. Thank you so much for your help.” Nero steps up to her and wraps his large body around her. A twinge of envy courses through me, but I shove it away.

I’ve got nothing to be envious of. Besides, if I’m going to feel jealous every time he hugs another female, I’ll give away our cover on day one. He’s never been shy about being affectionate toward fans. Respectfully, of course. Unlike with this girl, he won’t initiate a hug, but he won’t turn one down either.

“Well, let me see the ring.”

I hold out my finger to her, and the moment her eyes land on the ring, she lets out a squeal. “It’s so pretty. So big. I love the shape.”

“Me too.”

She glances at Nero. “Did you pick this out yourself?”

“Eh, I had a little help, but I know what she likes. It was only a matter of finding it in the right size.”

“I’m Marina, by the way,” I say.

“Arianna. I’m a big fan of Nero’s and was sad when he got traded. He was a great neighbor.” There’s a little hero worship in her eyes. “Oh, did the camera work out? Let me check.” She hurries to where a camera is propped up on a table, picking it up and examining it. When she pushes a button, Nero’s voice fills the cool night, words he said to me a few minutes ago resounding through the air. “Decent enough to share with your friends and family.” She hands the camera to Nero. “How long are you in town for?”

“Short trip. We’re headed back tonight.”

Her eyebrows shoot to her hairline. “Tonight? But it’s later there than here. Why the rush?”

“Hockey.” He shrugs.

While it’s a good reason for a lot of things—his schedule is intense—I can understand why she’d think we’re rushing. Why go through all this trouble for an hour visit? Though the answer gives me an idea to take the heat away from her questions.

“Did you help him set all this up? My man is good, but I can’t imagine he did this all by himself.” I swing my arm around at our surroundings.

She lights up. “Mom and me executed it, but the ideas were all his. The tea lights and the flowers. The twinkle lights are always up, but I think they elevated the vibe.”

“Indeed. You did a great job setting everything up.” I glance at Nero. “And you did an excellent job keeping this secret and remembering the details of an offhanded comment.”

“Wrote it down in my notebook.” I can’t tell if he’s kidding or not, but the details are almost identical to the scene I envisioned and spoke about the morning at the cafe. When we first concocted this idea.

“Wait, did you really?”

“Of course. Didn’t want to mess this up and take the chance you’d say no.” He extends his hand, bringing me into his side. It’s a move he’s done dozens of times, as recently as earlier today. Yet, it feels more charged tonight. More affectionate. Less platonic.

Huh. That’s certainly weird.

“Well, I suppose it’s time to clean everything up before we head back home.”

“Mom and me got this, Nero. You’ve got more important things to worry about.” She waggles her eyebrows at him. It’s not flirty, but teasing. A familiarity between neighbors.

“Okay, great. When I’m back in town, I’ll get you box seats to the game.”

“Yes,” she squeals, pulling her arm down in a celebratory fist pump. “I’m holding you to that.”

Nero lets me out of his grasp so he can hug Arianna one last time. And because she seems to be the touchy-feely type, I’m next.

She points to the cups. “Hot chocolate because you must be freezing out here.” Ironically, with this surprise, the frigid temperatures hardly registered. “It was so great to meet you, Marina. When Nero messaged us to ask for our help, I was shocked he even had a girlfriend, but then when I saw it was you through the window, it all made sense.”