Page 19 of Blindside Love

All five of them have set their wings down and are watching me. Harris looks far too interested in this situation, but his interest is probably a mixture of curiosity and excitement at the idea of me back out in the dating world. He’s been trying to get me back out there, but I’ve declined every single time. The rest of them just have this gleam in their eyes like they know something I don’t—or that I’m not ready to admit.

Which they probably do.

“I heard you picked up some tickets for the game on Friday,” Cade says, a smug look on his face as he breaks the silence.

My eyes snap to him, surprised that he knows. “Who told you that?”

“I went in the other day to pick up my tickets, and you must’ve just left because Mary thought we had shown up together. She told me all about your little visit,” Cade says. So, he already knows and just wants me to be the one to say it. Even though it’s really not a big deal, it’s not like it’s a date or anything.

All I did was invite Ellie and her friend to our game. It’s not like they need to come hang out after, although I’d honestly love it if she did.

“Interesting. But I’m not sure what me picking up my tickets has anything to do with Ellie,” I say, doing my best not to smile.

“Cut the shit, Trev,” Cade’s grumpy ass mumbles.

“Fine, yes, I picked up my tickets. I invited Ellie and her friend, Natalie to the game.”

“Good job, Trev, you’re making progress,” Max says with a wink.

“What the fuck is that supposed to mean?”

“The first step is acceptance, my friend,” Max adds.

“Oh, because you were so fucking quick to accept your feelings for Cassie?” Rex jokes back.

“That’s different. She was my sister’s best friend. Speaking of sisters,” Max jokes. “It’s not like you accepted your feelings for Sawyer overnight, so don’t act like you’re Mr. Perfect.”

“Well, no. But I had your fucking ass to deal with. It was complicated,” Rex says with a shrug. “But your sister says I’m Mr. Perfect in bed, so I’ll take that as a win.”

“Oh, fuck off, Lockwood. I’m trying to eat,” Max groans.

I don’t have feelings for Ellie. How could I? I just met her a couple of weeks ago. But I’d be lying if I said that the times I’ve run into her haven’t been the highlights of my week. It’s so easy to talk to her, and she’s funnier than I expected.

Sometimes we see each other in the gym, and fucking hell, her body. Watching her in her tiny little workout shorts and sports bra is pure fucking torture. The military could use that as an interrogation tactic because I was about to tell her all my secrets if it meant I could touch her, taste her, and feel her body on mine.

“So, are you still going to deny it, or are you going to fess up?” Max asks, a smug look on his face like he knows exactly what I’m thinking.

“I mean… no, yes, I don’t fucking know, Daniels. My head is a hot mess when it comes to Ellie. I’m not exactly sure what to think.”

Just then, our waiter comes over with a new round of beer and wings, halting our conversation long enough for me to look down at my phone. I have two texts—one from my mom telling me they were having fun with my sister, who convinced them to come visit her. The second message, however, is much more exciting. Ellie.

Ellie

Hi. What the fuck do I wear to a hockey game?

One thing I love about Ellie is that she doesn’t pussyfoot around anything. She’s curious about something? She’ll ask. She wants to tell you something? She’ll say it without a second thought. She’s always kind, though. It’s been nice falling into these easy conversations with her. It’s like we’ve been doing it all our lives.

Clothes? I mean I’m not opposed to you not wearing clothes, but it does get kind of cold inside.

Ellie

You’re absolutely no help. :)

Are you asking me to come help you get dressed? Because if so, I’m on my way! ;)

Ellie

For fucks sake. Good byyyyye, Trevor.

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