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The edges of Britt’s lips quirk before she attempts to suppress it. “I’ll leave that to you.”
“Coward. We should do it together. Give him both of our perspectives.”
Her attention stays pinned to the couple as we make our way around the ice again.
“Please don’t tell me that you’re upset that your admirer has found someone else to admire.”
Her surprised gaze slices to me. “Of course not. Lance is a great guy. He deserves a girl who will appreciate him for all his amazing qualities.”
“You’re one hundred percent right about that. And he does seem like a perfectly nice guy,” I agree. “But not for you.”
It’s adorable the way her face scrunches. “Excuse me?”
“Pretty sure you heard me the first time.”
She bristles. “I don’t think you know me well enough to make that kind of assessment.” Before I can respond, she adds, “You have no idea what I like or am into.”
Maybe not.
But I intend to find out.
Call it my new mission in life.
A lazy smile spreads across my face as I jerk my head toward the bench. “Were you interested in him? If so, I’ll do the noble thing and step aside. Far be it for me to stand in the way of true love.”
In answer, she presses her lips into a thin, tight line.
I grin and lean close enough for her floral scented perfume to tease my senses. “That’s what I thought.”
Instead of continuing the convo, she says in a clipped tone, “I’m cold. Are you ready to go?”
Not really, but…
“Sure.”
Britt pulls away, leaving me in her dust. By the time I make it to the bench, Lance is already introducing his new friend.
“This is Maddie. We have a data analytics class together this semester.”
“Hi,” Britt says easily. “It’s nice to meet you.”
“You, too.” With a shy smile, she glances at Lance and blushes.
If I had to guess, I’d say that someone has a little crush.
Good for him. The girl is a real cutie.
I wholeheartedly approve of the match.
He clears his throat. “You guys wouldn’t mind if I catch a ride back to campus with Maddie, would you?”
“Not at all.” Britt smiles, gaze shifting between the two of them. She certainly doesn’t look jealous or upset about this new development.
His attention settles on me. “You’ll make sure that Britt gets back to the apartment safely, right?”
Even though I don’t take offense to the question, I straighten to my full height. “Of course I will.”
I like that Britt’s neighbor is concerned about her and apparently not afraid to let me know it. It only reconfirms that Lance is a good dude. Maybe he’s not someone I would have befriended on my own, but I’m glad we got the chance to spend time together.
It’s only when the couple heads to the wooden shack to turn in their brown rentals that we’re left to our own devices.
“And then there were two.” That’s when I realize I’m not ready to let her go just yet. “Any interest in grabbing something to eat?”
As she opens her mouth to no doubt shoot down the idea, her belly lets loose a loud grumble.
“Excellent. I know the perfect place.”
5
BRITT
I’m still trying to figure out how I got stuck having dinner alone with Colby McNichols as he pulls his massive black truck into a crowded parking lot.
The first thing I realize is that it’s a diner.
A brightly lit, retro fifties one.
Harvey’s Eats and Treats.
This isn’t one of the restaurants located near campus. Instead, it’s on the outskirts of town.
Even though I don’t ask, he says, “A teammate mentioned that they have the best burgers here. So, I thought we could give it a try.” When he pats his toned belly, my gaze dips to the movement. “I really worked up an appetite after all that skating.”
“I’m sure you work much harder during practices.”
“You’re right about that. Coach is kind of a hardass when it comes to conditioning, but I can’t say we’re not in the best shape of our lives. So, it’s working.” He slants a look my way as we exit the vehicle. “Have you checked out one of our games yet this season?”
I shake my head. “Nope. I don’t really like hockey.”
Lie.
The last thing I need is this guy thinking I’m a fan. As painful as it is to admit, the Western Wildcats hockey team is a pretty big deal around here. You can’t step foot on campus without hearing people talk about them.
Especially number ninety-seven.
Colby McNichols.
“Maybe I’ll be able to change that.”
“I wouldn’t bet the farm on it.”
He flashes his trademark smile. The one that makes his dimples pop. It’s the very same one that makes most girls go a little stupid in the head.
Except…I’m not like most girls.
“Challenge accepted.”
This guy is so damn cocky and confident.
It should be a complete turn-off.
So…why isn’t it?
Once we reach the glass door, he holds it open. A little bell tinkles overhead as my gaze darts to his before I force myself to study the place.
