Page 34 of Scoring Chance

“The team is hosting a big party thing. It’s forties themed and there will be a band and games and a bunch of other stuff.”

She looked like she was holding back a laugh. “Sounds interesting.”

“I’m not explaining it well. All I know is we have to dress up for the theme and try to raise money for the homeless shelter.”

“Oh, that’s so nice.” Well, at least that part won her over.

“All the guys are bringing dates, and I’m wondering if you would like to go with me.”

Her lips quirked up at the corners. “As your date?”

Crap. What was the right answer? I wanted this to be a date, but what if she didn’t? What if this would ruin what we had?

I swallowed. “Yes.”

A wide grin broke out on her face, and she started giggling. “Of course. Thanks for asking.”

I closed my eyes and almost laughed in relief. She was an expert at driving me crazy. She was playing with me.

“That was mean.”

She grabbed my arm and squeezed. “You looked like you were going to faint on me. I had to lighten the mood.”

I groaned.

“Madi already told me about the fundraiser. Chloe called this morning to go over some final details.”

I let out a huff. “You could have said something sooner.”

She smirked. “I liked watching you squirm.”

I shook my head and this time, I did give into the urge to pull her into a hug. “You’re mean.” I wrapped one arm around her tiny waist. She felt so small compared to me, but it felt right. Her cheek rested against my chest and I never wanted to move. I was having a hard time keeping my breathing under control.

She tightened her arms around my waist, making my heart jump. “I wanted to go when Madi told me about it, but I didn't know you were going to ask me. So that’s exciting.”

I released her and met her gaze. “I’m going to leave before I make an even bigger fool of myself.”

She chuckled and took a step back. “I can’t wait to see you dressed up. I’m expecting a fedora.”

Oh great. I hadn’t thought that far ahead yet, but if that’s what she wanted, I could make it happen. “We’ll see.”

I winked before turning and walking out the doors. That went better than I expected, even with the teasing. It was worth it knowing she agreed to be mine. I mean my date.

12

Amelia

When Elena asked me to pick up dinner from Thai Palace on my way home from work, she failed to mention it was a catering order. I thought it would be a few to-go boxes for the two of us and maybe Nikolay. Oh no. She was hosting a dinner party and didn’t bother to mention it to me.

I loaded my arms with as much food as I could carry and wobbled to the elevator. I debated using Nikolay’s method of loading everything in one trip, but I couldn’t make it to my car and back without the doors shutting. I stepped out to our floor and banged the boxes against the door.

Elena swung it open and frowned. “Why didn’t you call me? I would have come down to help.”

That would have been a good idea, but I was too annoyed with her to think of that. “You can grab the rest. My car is still unlocked.”

She helped me through the door, then passed me, shutting the door behind her. I set down the heavy box filled with hot trays of food that smelled divine.

“Need help?” Nikolay walked up from the living room. Our dining room table was pushed off center and a folding one I’d never seen was next to it, forming one long table.