Page 79 of Unleashing Chaos

She just keeps talking like I hadn’t even spoken. “That’s some chaotic shit Jace has going on. Are you sure that’s not why you’re attracted to him? Maybe you feel at home with his energy.”

“Jace? Chaotic?” I scoff. “You’ve lost your mind, angel. He’s the furthest thing from chaotic.”

But even as I say the words, I wonder if she’s right. Is this just a different kind of chaos that Jace hasn’t accepted? Did I come here looking for something different, only to find what I could’ve gotten from a demon this entire time?

The thought is sobering, and I meet Meredith’s gaze with a sad smile. “It doesn’t matter either way. You’re right, I need to let him go. He’s made it clear that he can’t be my partner. What do you think I should do now?”

She rests her hand on mine. I recognize that laid-back, calming feeling she emanates. It isn’t something I normally thrive on, but with the ache in my heart on the verge of debilitating, I can use a little peace. “I return to my first choice for you. You said some of your brothers have platonic partners. Asking Cannon has got to be better than going home and letting your dad pick for you.”

I let her words stew. I’ve already come to terms with knowing that if my father picks for me, I will have a platonic relationship. If that’s the case, why not do it with someone who has become one of my best friends?

“Thanks for coming with me tonight when you don’t even know what we’re going to do,” I say, looking over at Cannon as he speeds down the highway toward the surprise destination I’d researched after my chat with Meredith.

He meets my gaze and shoots me a dazzling smile that never fails to give me the distinct feeling that everything is going to be okay. I can only hope that feeling will last through the end of the night. Because what I’m about to reveal will be life changing.

“I know anything you have planned for us is bound to be an adventure, Desi,” he says, a teasing hint to his tone. “I wouldn’t miss it for the world, but it would be nice to know where we’re going.”

“Uh-uh,” I say, shaking my head. “It’s a surprise. Besides, we’re almost there.”

“Have you been there before?”

“No. In fact, I’ve never even done this thing before.”

He glances at me from the corner of his eye. “Oh jeez. You’re taking me turkey shooting, aren’t you?”

I whack him on the shoulder. “Cannon! No! That’s horrible!”

“What?” he says, trying not to laugh. “Our first outing was an archery range. It seemed like the natural next step.”

I shudder. “Absolutely not. No, no, there will be no animals harmed tonight. Or any night.” I point to the left. “There, turn up there, and it’s on the left.”

Cannon does as I say, and when he realizes where we are, he parks the car and looks at me. “You’ve never been to a ski resort?”

“I’ve never been ice skating, and they have two of the prettiest outdoor rinks. I’ve always wanted to try, and I thought you might want to do it with me for the first time.”

“I have to warn you, I’m an excellent skater. Double Axels and spins—we’re talking gold medal technique.”

“Well, who better for me to skate with for the first time than a would-be Olympic gold medalist?”

“No one, and I’ll keep you from falling on your ass too much.” Cannon gets out of the car and comes around to my side. He opens my door, holding out his hand. “Come on. Let’s turn you into an ice queen.”

I place my hand in his and hop out of the car. “I’m ready, but you should know that I’m a little clumsy, so be prepared to hang on tight because I might end up on my ass a lot.”

“I’m aware.”

Cannon folds my hand in his, and I expect it to feel weird, like we’re trying to force something that isn’t there. But it doesn’t. I’m just walking hand in hand with my best friend, and it feels nice.

We stroll down the cobblestone walkway through a small village of shops and eateries. Freshly fallen snow lines the road and river rocks and slats of wood make up the buildings. It’s charming and reminds me of pictures I’ve seen of the Swiss Alps. We enter the building to rent our skates, then head outside to put them on.

The enormous rink is surrounded by the hotel, and in the distance snowcapped mountains point toward the darkening sky. The breeze blowing off their icy peaks makes it much colder than I’m used to. Twinkling lights snake along the wooden railing around the rink and dozens of skaters glide in the amber glow. It’s one of the most magical places I’ve been to in this realm.

“Are you ready?” Cannon asks, standing in his black skates and holding his palm out for me.

I get to my feet and am immediately off balance. I snatch his hand and fall forward into his arms, my cheek smashing against his chest. “Yeah,” I mumble, my voice muffled in his ivory cable-knit sweater.

He laughs and pulls me upright, supporting my weight and slipping his arm around my waist, gripping my hip. “Off to a fantastic start,” he teases, pushing my hair out of my face and tugging my stocking cap down over my ears.

“I warned you. I think you underestimated my clumsiness,” I say as we make our way to the rink.

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