Page 29

Riley hugged her waist. “I’m moving to Minnesota—next hockey season, this fall.”

“This fall? Why would you have to move?” His eyes fell to her arms wrapped around her stomach. “You weren’t drinking earlier…jeez, he knocked you up?”

“No!”

“Well, why move? It’s not like you’re married or any—oh!” His gaze roamed to her hands, but they were still hidden behind her waist. “Shit, are you engaged?”

Eyes glazing over, Riley opened her mouth. “Y-Yeah,” fell from her lips along with a soft exhale.

“Really?”

She answered with a business-like nod.

“Well, congratulations.” His raised eyebrows contorted with confusion and concern. “You don’t look very thrilled about—”

“I am thrilled!” Her face lit up with a defiant smile as she dragged her left hand through her hair.

Ben watched its progress through her locks and along her neck, where it paused to stroke her collarbone. “Where’s your ring? Didn’t he give you one? Is that why you’re not all sparkles and rainbows?”

“I don’t care about the ring.”

“Isn’t that what girls say when they receive a shite one?”

“No!”

He scoffed, playing with his straw. “What a naff proposal. No ring—”

“There was a ring! A toy one, something to have until he bought the real thing.”

“But you’re not wearing it.” Ben leaned forward. “Blimey O’Riley, you don’t wanna marry this bloke, do you?”

“I do!” Riley glared.

“No, you don’t—not if you’re keeping your engagement a secret, not wearing a ring…”

“It’s not a secret!” The loudness of her sharp retort caught the attention of a couple waiting for takeout. Riley hunched over the table’s edge, lowering her voice. “For your information, I lost the ring…on the bus, with YOU.”

“How old are you?”

“What does that have to do—” She huffed. “Twenty-two.”

Ben’s eyes widened.

“What? Lots of people get married young.”

“Yeah, if they’re religious types, saving themselves until marriage. Oh, shit, sorry—are you like a Mormon or something?”

“I’m not saving myself. Jeez, Ben!” She scowled, watching two old men at the counter eating donuts. “It’s none of your business, anyway.”

“You’re right, it’s not, but if you’re not keen—”

“I am. He’s great—we’re great.”

The server appeared with her wrap and Ben’s burger. “Do you need anything else? Mayo, hot sauce…”

“Malt vinegar, please?” Ben flashed a smile. The woman nodded and strolled away.

“Josh and I have been together three years.” Riley leaned over her plate, her voice barely above a whisper. “I’m really proud of him and I can’t wait for us to be together as a couple, okay?”