Page 69 of Rinkmates

“I’m just on edge about next week’s game againstHouston,” he finally says.

“Are you afraid to meet Houston again?”

He nods and I lift my hand to touch him—just in comfort, of course—but I don’t and let my hand fall to my side again. He tracks my action and there’s a look of understanding in his eyes.

“Where is your game?” I ask, remembering that his coach said he’d act differently if I was around. I don’t want to read too much into it, but I also want to be there for him. Somehow.

“Boston. You coming?” There’s something like hopeflickeringin his eyes.

“If I can bring Priya?”

“Anyone.”

“I’ll be there,” I say.

The tension drains from Riley’s broad shoulders. “Thank you, Lia. That means more than you know.” He glances back toward the party still in full swing. “We should probably head back out there.”

“But we need to act accordingly,” I say, and I’m kinda nervous and happy that I can kiss and touch him out there. It’s a foolish thought though.

“We’ll manage.”

I nod, turning to leave, but Riley catches my wrist. “Wait. You might want to change into something a little more…appropriate first.”

“Well then, I guess you’d better unzip me,” I say, suddenly feeling bold.

I turn around and offer him my back.

Riley’s fingers trail along my spine to the top of my zipper. I shiver, mind racing ahead as he slowly lowers it.

How far will he take this?

And, more importantly…how far will I let him?

He touches the lower part of my back and I close my eyes. Too far.

I remember what’s waiting for me at home. The trailer. Mom. My life.

It’s not this bubbly life Riley knows. I don’t fit with someone like him. It’s not going to work, whatever scenarios I play in my head.

“T-Thank you,” I mutter and practically run into my room to get changed.

I’m really relievedto have my room back.

They replaced all the carpet, and it looks so fresh and clean now. The bathroom is still a construction site, but at least I have a room where I can walk around and lock myself in again.

I stand in front of my mirror and eye the slinky black cocktail dress I chose. It’s an old one. I wore it to a party I went to during training camp. It was the most expensive dress I’ve ever bought and I still love it. It’s short and A-lined but narrow on the top. It hugs my curves in all the right places. I’m about to choose my underwear, when there’s a knock at the door and I hear Priya’s voice.

“Can I come in?”

“Sure,” I say, and Priya rushes in with two blue cocktails in her hand.

“Priya, we can’t drink.”

“It’s just one, okay?” she tells me, and I know she already had one.

“Fine,” I say and reluctantly clink it against hers. “But after this one, we stop.”

“Okay. But girl. What’s with the chemistry between you guys!”

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