Page 63 of Scoring Chances

“Need I remind you that you’re supposed to be helping me get a boyfriend–not scaring them away,” I inform him.

“Well, a good wingman knows when to help you out of a sticky situation.”

I cross my arms. “And that was a sticky situation?”

“The Rookie is Izzy’s ex. And Vance has a girlfriend back in Canada. So you tell me if those aren’t sticky situations.”

I scoff. “We were just talking–it’s not like I was going to bone them. And you can stop trying to scare off any male that approaches me, Hicks. I’m not your girlfriend.”

He stares at me, but doesn’t say anything.

Keelan’s voice comes on over the sound system. “Welcome to Heatwave Skate night. If you’re new here or it’s been a while. I’m going to let you know how we get down. We’ll kick it off with a few line dances, then we’ll add some skates, and when everyone’s loosey goosey we’ll start our beer league game. Everybody’s welcome to join! So let’s party, H-town style!”

Country Girl by Luke Bryan comes on over the speakers and people start making their way onto the fake ice. The lights dim and the Keelan jumps in and leads the pack.

“I’m guessing you’ve never line danced,” Joshua says.

I look at him. Because though I’ve never line danced in a country music club. I’ve definitely spent hours with my siblings learning all the moves on Youtube.

Without giving him an answer I jump in along with the group and pick up where they are in the song. We shuffle our feet and shake our hips to the song. And after a few turns, I do my best to forget that I’m mad at my hot boss.

By the next turn, I’m surprised to see it’s Joshua behind me clapping to the song. I tune out all the voices telling me I shouldn’t be here and focus on the fact that the guy I’ve crushed on for years is currently dancing behind me. And he’s watching me. Closely.

I feel his eyes. So I shake a little harder and roll with more gusto.

By the time the song is over, and a new song comes on. I’m approached by a few more Heatwave players.

I decide I’ve had my fun and I already danced for the one guy I care to engage with. I step off the dance floor and head up the stairs to the main house.

It’s quiet up here away from the party area. I think they did that on purpose since there’s kid’s sleeping upstairs. I open the fridge and grab a bottle of water.

I don’t hear the other person in the corner of the kitchen, leaning over the counter. I gasp, holding my heart.

“You must be the new fuck buddy.” The woman says, bored.

“Who are you?” I breathe out.

She stands up. She has dark, long hair and perfect make-up, curvy hips. “I’m assuming you haven’t actually fucked since… you’re still here.”

“Excuse me? You need to leave.”

She laughs to herself. “Sure thing, honey. I’m definitely leaving. I just came up to let you know that if he acts like he’s interested now. Don’t let it get to your head. You’re just nanny number two. When he’s had his fun with you… he’ll move on to the next.”

“I’m not with sleeping him. I’m here for the kids. And you need to leave before I call the cops.”

She holds her hands up. “Don’t say I didn’t warn you.”

I watch her grab her handbag and walk out the front door and I follow her to make sure it gets locked.

The second she’s outside I run up the stairs and check on the kids. I peek into Maddie and Parker’s rooms and they’re both sound asleep. Their heavy breathing and light snores giving me peace.

Then I check on Cole. His light's on. I can see it under his door. So I give two gentle knocks. I hear him get up and walk over to the door, unlocking it, before he opens it for me.

“Yes?” he asks.

“Just wanted to check and make sure you’re okay.”

He shrugs. “I’m fine.” But he doesn’t look fine.

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