Page 35 of Breaking the Ice

“Do you think your dad would freak out if we were more than friends?”

I think back to the way my dad treated him at the hockey clinic a few weeks ago. To the way my dad glares anytime I so much as mention a guy.

“Um, yeah. I don’t think he’d be a fan.”

Evan takes a deep breath. “And that’s important to you? That he support your decisions?”

I flop back against the pillows—this is a great couch—and stare at a water stain on the ceiling. “I live at home, and I’m trying to improve that relationship. I’m just not sure the timing is right.”

I don’t mention all the other girls he’s been with. It feels mean and petty to bring it up. Which makes me wonder…is it petty and mean to feel that way? What really bothers me? All the girls on campus he’s slept with, or the fact it represents a cavalier, irresponsible attitude? I’m pretty sure it’s the second.

Evan’s quiet for a long time. I sit up and watch as his throat bobs in a swallow. “I can respect that. I don’t like it, but I’m not going to ask you to do anything that makes you uncomfortable.”

Ugh, why does he have to be so noble about it? Instead of crying about the unfairness of it all, I stand and offer him my hand. “I’m glad we’re friends?”

“Me, too.” He doesn’t meet my eyes, and my stomach sinks to my toes.

As I slip my palm into his, tugging him up to stand beside me, shivers race down my spine. My head knows it was the right answer, but my heart wishes I had thrown logic out the window and tossed him on the couch and let him show me exactly how indecent we could be together.

Chapter

Fifteen

EVAN

Evan: Come to the hockey Halloween party.

Evan: As friends, of course.

Isabella: Um, I hate to break it to you, but Halloween has come and gone.

Evan: Right? Candy is all on clearance now, we can get it dirt cheap.

Evan: It’s a hockey tradition, but we were out of town. The party is Monday at 8 pm.

Isabella: Okay. I’ll see if I can find a costume.

The furniture has been moved out of the center of the living room to create a make-shift dance floor, the kitchen counter is now a bar, the lighting has a purple hue to it, there are fake (I hope) cobwebs strung from all the corners, and someone put a spooky playlist on. Ah, the tradition of the hockey Halloween party continues.

One of the guys on the team previously was obsessed with the holiday, but he graduated, so I wasn’t sure if we’d keep having this party or not. His apartment has kept the tradition alive, though, and it’s probably the biggest party in Hockey Hall all year.

And I’m staked out by the door of John’s apartment, eyes peeled for Bella. I should never have told Hadley that I invited her, though. She is way too excited by the prospect of me dating someone, and she won’t leave me alone about it.

Joke’s on her because Isabella and I are just friends. I hate those words. I can’t argue with her and her reasons, and I won’t push. But that doesn’t mean I will give up, either. Maybe a few subtle temptations will get her to rethink her position. Girls like to be pursued, right?

Without an audience. I give Hadley a gentle shove. “Go, be with your boyfriend. You have disgusting matching costumes and everything.”

She gasps. “They are not disgusting. Take it back!”

Unfortunately, her shock does not distract her from the door opening. Her head swivels and she somehow dekes past me, beating me to it. I’m a damn good defenseman, but I’m not gonna hurt a girl.

“Bella! You made it! Cute costume.”

Isabella steps inside, not fazed by Hadley’s over-enthusiastic greeting. She spreads her wide skirt, a demure smile on her face. “This is no time for wearing the shallow mask of manners.”

I try to push Hadley out of the way without looking like that’s exactly what I’m doing, and she pokes me in the side. Ouch.

“Pest,” I hiss at her, before turning to Isabella.