Page 71 of Made Better Together

Jeremy nails the extra point, and the Waves are up 14–0.

“We love a low-stress game,” Avery says under her breath. “Keep it up, boys.”

Grace focuses back on my seat neighbor. “So, Eden, you should tell Avery about…”

Not for the first time, I’m grateful for Grace’s social skills. Seeing Eden connect with Avery and Grace with ease calms me. The three of them end up talking as much as watching the game.

Which turns into a runaway win for the Waves. We’re up 28–7 with three minutes to go, after our running back bolts in for a touchdown.

“I think that’s going to do it,” I say.

Eden grins at me. “Glad I got the invite up here for a win.”

“Grace deserves the credit, not me. I’m not the one who invited you.”

As soon as the words come out of my mouth, I realize they’re wrong. Too dry, too cold. Her big blue eyes look confused, and…hurt? Fuck.

I’m about to apologize when her phone pings. She lifts it, and I can see the message that’s popped up on her screen.

JAKE: Hey, we’re throwing a party at Hockey House on Thursday, if you want to come?

Who the hell is Jake? Hockey?

A small smile reaches her face, and she cocks her head like she’s deciding how to respond. Then I see her type out four letters. S-U-R-E.

Now I’m not only feeling annoyed I was an asshole earlier, but also fighting the discomfort growing in my gut.

Another ping indicates this Jake has responded, and—yeah, no shame—I angle my neck to peek.

JAKE: Could I take you out to dinner beforehand? Maybe around 7?

Eden reads the message right at the same time as me, because she crinkles her brow as my own unease skyrockets.

Are they dating? I don’t think so. Otherwise, why would she seem displeased? Maybe she has a conflict?

She gives a little shake of her head, like she’s talking to herself, and then finally she tucks the phone in her lap and swipes away the message without replying.

Jake. Tolliver hockey. I make a mental note to Google that combo later.

Grace glances over to me and then tilts her head. “What’s that expression? You look stressed.”

Because I am.

20

CONNOR

It was a hellish couple of days after the Waves game.

Once I saw that message from Jake on Eden’s phone, I shut down for the rest of the game. I was cold to her, like I was disinterested, fuck. But the alternative? Exposing the raging jealousy I was experiencing, and maybe being even more of a dick.

Because she didn’t belong to me. She could date anyone she wants.

Except.

Except.

By the time I got home from the game, my mind was moving in a different direction.