Page 56 of Center Ice

I rolled my eyes and looked back down at Dani. I couldn’t believe it. “Do you need somewhere to stay?”

I wanted to offer my spare room, but would that be too weird since it was where my mom passed? It was for me.

“I’m staying at Sydney and Brandon’s house for now.”

“Oh good.” I was pretty sure I was in a state of shock. My thoughts weren’t forming correctly. All I could focus on was that she was really here in front of me. In my arms. In Salt Lake. It was all coming together.

I’d been so ready for a letdown that I hadn’t let myself really get excited about the chance she would choose here.

The guys came around to welcome her and congratulate her on making the right choice, which made her laugh. I hung back and watched her slip right into my world. It was so effortless, so perfect.

Mom would’ve loved her.

I closed my eyes as that sunk in. I could picture her smile now. How she would have looked when I told her about Dani. If only we’d met just a few months ago.

But then things wouldn’t have worked out exactly as they had, and I wouldn’t want to change a second of our time together. This was how it was supposed to happen. Mom would be beyond happy for me. I knew that in my heart and soul.

Chloe slid in next to me. “How do you like our surprise?”

“I should have known that you were working behind the scenes.” I shot her a grin.

“I always am.”

I faced her. “I’ve heard you have a list of the best apartment buildings.”

She nodded. “I can send it over to you.”

“Thanks.” I was about to turn away when she stopped me with a hand on my arm.

“Are you looking for just you or …” She trailed off and glanced over to Dani.

I almost choked. “Just me. We’re a ways away from moving in together.”

She shrugged. “She’s looking, you’re looking. I’m just throwing the idea out there. It’s not like you have to share a bed. You can just be roommates.”

“That’s too much, too soon. Plus, this is my first chance at living alone. I think it’s something I need to do.”

Her eyes softened. “Right. That’s probably a good idea. Not that I really would have let you try to move in with her. That’s insane.”

I gaped at her. It had been a test. “What would you have done if I’d agreed?”

“Lectured you. Neither of you has any reason to rush things. Enjoy getting to know each other, and yourself. This is a period of change for both of you. That’s pretty fortunate. You can help each other, but you’ll also be able to give each other the space to figure things out. As you said, you need to try living alone. Living for yourself.” She emphasized that, and I nodded. “And she needs to focus on building her business. Going through that together will bring you guys closer.”

“Thanks, Chloe. I know people say you’re all talk, but I’ve always disagreed. You’re more than just a pretty face.”

She glared at me. “Hilarious.”

I laughed. “Seriously, thanks for all you’ve done for Dani and for me. If you hadn’t convinced me to go to Mexico with you guys, I really don’t know where I’d be emotionally or mentally. You pushed me at the exact time I needed it most.”

She tilted her head and wrapped an arm around me. “I’m happy it worked out better than I could have ever planned. It’s good to see you coming out of your shell, and I know the guys are all really excited about it too. I don’t want to say they missed you because that’s not really it. But in a way, it does feel like you’ve come back.”

I nodded. “I get it. I was always around, but never really as present as I should have been.”

“There’s no going back now, either. They won’t let it happen.”

“Good. I hope it doesn’t happen, but I’m glad I have them to pull me out if I do slip back into that place.”

She patted my back. “Nope. It’s too late. We all like you too much.”