Page 15 of Pucking High School

Dash looked between the two of us, and then at something over my shoulder. Again, I was too invested in Dash's decision to look away from him. If he picked me, I'd get to kiss him.

Kissing Dash.

My brain was short-circuiting, thinking over all the possibilities.

“Come on, Dash. We don't have all night.”

He was still looking between us and when he sighed and leaned over, something in my gut was telling me that he was going to choose me. I wasn't sure I was ready, but would I ever be ready for my first kiss with Dash? Probably not, but I needed this. We both did.

He crept a little closer and I'd officially stopped breathing now. I closed my eyes in preparation, and when I felt hispresence, I tried not to squeal, even though I could feel myself sweating.

The room started cheering, and I opened my eyes.

Shattered.

What was left of my heart was shattered to pieces on the floor. Dash kissed Sydney. Granted, it must have been quick because it was over before I’d even opened my eyes. The only reason I knew it happened was because Dash was already back in his seat, grumbling something to himself.

“Madison.” My brother’s voice from behind startled me, and when I looked over my shoulder to see him glaring at me, I didn’t know what to do. “I think you’re done for the night.”

Well, that was enough to completely ruin the mood. Not that there was one because without even trying Dash broke my heart. He used the blade from his hockey boot and scratched it up until it was sliced into pieces.

I’d put myself out there so many times tonight, but maybe it was time to finally accept the L. Dash didn’t want me, it was obvious now. He chose Sydney, and if he was acting like it was a chore to kiss her, imagine how bad he’d be if he’d kissed me. I guessed having two guys clearly thinking kissing me was unpleasant in less than a month would ruin my reputation. So, maybe that was Dash’s way of doing me a favor.

“You know what?” I squeaked out, pulling myself up as gracefully as I could. “I think you're right. I need to go.”

“Aw man,” Kyle said, which I ignored. He was cute, but he wasn’t Dash. The guy that would do anything to protect me, except date me, of course.

“Come on, Tiff.” Tiff, who was standing by Cade, sprung into action, and followed behind me. I didn’t look back. What was the point? I assumed everyone was laughing at me anyway.

“How are we getting home?” Tiff asked as we walked out of the front door, making me slow. She had a good point. I’d been drinking, and I was supposed to be driving.

“Well, crap. We’re going to have to wait for Cade or get an Uber.”

“I’ll drive you.” I flicked my surprised gaze to Dash. What was he doing out here?

“You don’t have to,” I said with the sweetest smile, trying to pretend that his earlier rejection meant nothing, because it wasn’t his fault I’d built up this entire thing in my head.

“Well, I’m not letting you drive. I can smell the alcohol on your breath from here.”

“What about Cade?”

“What about him? He’s a big boy, he can take care of himself. Besides, I think he occupied himself after you left.”

Dash didn’t say anything else, he just pushed past me, and I assumed started walking to his car.

Tiff gave me a pointed look, but in the dark, I couldn’t really tell if she was angry or happy about the situation. “At least he has heated seats,” She whispered, dutifully following behind Dash. Okay, I guessed she was happy then. Maybe she didn’t see my humiliation in there, or maybe a nice, toasty butt on the ride home was more important. I took my time following them and when we got to the car, I stood behind Tiff, who was about to get into the back seat.

When she saw me, she scowled. “What are you doing?”

“Getting in the car with you.” I pointed to the door, confused.

“Are you kidding me? Get in the front. I left the front for you.”

“Why?”

“Because after that performance in there, you both clearly need to talk.”

“What do you mean?”

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