Page 54 of Rinkmates

“Wait—what? Why don’t you have your clothes?”

“Long story. Just—please hurry. I owe you big time, okay?”

“I’m in New Jersey right now, giving the kids free skating sessions. It’ll take a bit to get to you. Are you all right to wait?”

“Wait, you weren’t just making that up to impress me?” I say, my heart warming at the thought of him working with kids in need.

“Nope, it’s my monthly altruistic deed,” he replies, sounding rushed, as if he’s getting all of his things ready to leave. “You know, I could send Ethan to pick you up. He might be faster—”

“No way, I’ll wait.” The thought of cranky Ethan escorting me in my semi-naked state makes me shudder.

“Okay then, what’s in it for me?” I hear a car door open, his voice dripping with cocky amusement.

“Anything you want,” I blurt out, immediately regretting my hasty offer.

“That’s a dangerous promise to make.”

“Is it? Maybe I’m just feeling generous today.” I reply, trying to sound nonchalant despite the nervous flutter in my chest.

“Generous, huh? I might hold you to that.”

“Just get here before I freeze.”

“On my way,” he replies, a hint of amusement in his voice.

“Lia?” Riley’s voice calls out in the studio’s parking lot.

I step out from behind the large concrete pillar where I’ve been hiding, my towel barely covering me.

His eyes widen as he takes in the sight, and he visibly swallows hard, his breath catching. His gaze roams, and he clears his throat. If I didn’t know any better, I’d think he’s making an effort to focus on anything but the fact that I’m standing there wrapped in just a towel.

However, he quickly pulls himself together and reaches for the black hoodie draped over his shoulders. With a quick shrug, he pulls it off and hands it to me. I slip in, grateful for its length as it reaches past my knees.

He opens the car door and practically urges me inside.

“I swear,” he says, sitting in the driver’s seat. “Press those thighs together for the life of you.”

“Um, okay?” I say, catching a whiff of his scent.

His hoodie smells like fresh laundry and a hint of musky cologne.

Damn, he smells so good.

The ride home is awkward.

Riley keeps glancing at me out of the corner of his eye, a frown tugging at his lips. He looks like he’s in pain, and for a moment, I wonder if it’s because of me.

At some point he finally breaks the silence and asks, “Who would do something like that?” I notice his tight grip on the wheel. “Steal your clothes, I mean. Is bullying common on set?”

“Not really,” I lie, my fingers tightening around the hem of his sweater. “It’s complicated.” Something in his voice makes me hesitant to mention that Stacey and her squad have been badmouthing Priya and me for a while now, or that one comment about my cheeky ass made me stick to salad for lunch whenever the girls are around. It might sound silly, but some habits are hard to shake off, especially when you’ve lived with them for so long. It takes constant effort to change. Even though I try to act confident and tell Priya that all bodies are great, which they are, my mind still quickly reverts to old insecurities.

“Why wouldn’t you just shower at home?” he presses.

I can feel his gaze on me, searching for answers.

“Because…” I trail off, not wanting to admit that it’s partly because of him. Not partly—it’s 100 percent because of him. “You know it’s not a big deal. It doesn’t matter. I’ll get it sorted.”

“Doesn’t matter?” He scoffs. “I wouldn’t shower on set again. Find out who did this. It’s bullying.”

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