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Usually there are Plexiglass, rows of arena seats, and hundreds of people between us. But right now, there are like ten. Ten bodies I could easily weave my way through. He’s so reachable tonight, my heart is tripping over itself, bouncing around in my chest like it doesn’t know what to do.
“Well… tonight could be your chance to find out just how hot he is. I’m sure there are plenty of beds in this house that would happily accommodate your little sexperiment.”
“It’s not just about sex,” I mutter, gulping from my can of Malibu piña colada as nerves skitter through me. “I want to get to know him as well, you know? I’ve been crushing on him for well over a year now. Ever since the first time I saw him on the ice, I’ve been a total goner.”
“And yet you’ve never spoken to him.” She shakes her head while I practically whine.
“Come on. It’s like walking up to your favorite celebrity.”
“He’s not a celebrity.” Lani rolls her eyes.
“He practically is. He’s Nolan U royalty, and don’t try to say he isn’t. The whole team is, and you know it.”
She sighs, tucking a lock of wavy black hair behind her ear. “Okay, fine. Everyone thinks these guys are amazing, but they’re still human. They poop just like the rest of us, you know. Don’t turn him into some god when he’s just a guy.”
“You’re right.” I bob my head, trying to agree with her, but deep down knowing she can’t possibly be right, because Casey Pierce will never just be some guy. He’s the guy.
“Look, you can’t do any of the things you’ve been dreaming about standing here talking to me.” She nudges my shoulder. “So go on. Be bold. Be brave. Get your flirt on.”
I down the last of my mixer before handing her the empty can and adjusting my boobs. She smirks at my cleavage, then wiggles her eyebrows at me. She’s obviously trying not to laugh at how nervous I am but can’t contain her giggles as I fluff my hair, then dip my hip and try to look sexy.
“How’s this?”
“You’re a ginger siren.”
I laugh. She’s the only person on the planet who’s allowed to call me that.
“He’ll be putty in your hands.” She adjusts the strap of my blue sequined dress. “Just remember not to talk his ear off—you always get chatty when you’re nervous. You’ve flirted with plenty of guys before. You’re good at it, so just… don’t lose your mind because it’s him, okay?”
I nod, darting my eyes back across the room. Casey’s still there, laughing at something Asher Bensen just said.
“But still be you, because you… are freaking awesome.”
I blink and look across at Lani. She’s grinning at me, and I love her like the best friend she is. My heart melts as I give her a goopy smile.
She brushes my unsaid sentiments away with a flick of her hand, but I can tell by the way her cheeks are turning pink that she loves how well I know her and that I think she’s the best woman on this planet.
Glancing Casey’s way one more time, she turns back to me, her smile fading into a wince.
“What?” I take a quick look to make sure some puck bunny hasn’t gotten to him before I can. But no, he’s still standing there laughing with Asher.
“Just remember that… this is probably just a onetime thing for him. I’ve heard he’s?—”
I raise my hand to cut her off before she can repeat the rumors I don’t want to believe. I know I’m playing with fire. If every whisper I’ve heard is true, he’ll probably forget about me after tonight.
My lips pull into a thin line, and I start to wonder if I’m bold enough, brave enough, to play with fire.
“You know you want to.” Lani steps behind me, resting her chin on my shoulder as we stare at Casey like he’s a movie star. “Just… go in with the right expectations is all I’m saying.”
I nod, lifting my shoulder to nudge her off me. I don’t want her practicality tonight. I just want to dream and pretend like Casey will see me, talk to me, laugh with me, and fall madly in love after only one night of my company.
I know, I know. I’m the girl in la-la land, right?
But I don’t care.
I’ll regret it forever if I don’t take this chance.
So, I step forward, my heels hitting the hardwood floor as I weave through the crowd and make my approach.
