Page 22 of Three Pucking Wedding Dates

I shake my head, forcing a smile that doesn’t quite reach my eyes. “No, figure skating isn’t me anymore,” I admit, my voice tinged with sadness. Despite the lingering love for it, I know I can’t go back to that part of my life.

“Alright,” Gray says, understanding my decision.

“Hey,” Reid’s voice interrupts my thoughts as he returns from his conversation with the young store worker. His grin is wide and carefree, but I can’t help feeling a twinge of jealousy.

“Hi,” I reply, trying to sound casual as I turn my attention back to the clothes. My fingers brush against a soft sweater, but I’m too distracted to appreciate its texture.

“Find anything you like?” Reid asks, leaning against a nearby display, clearly unfazed by our earlier exchange.

“Maybe,” I mumble, not wanting to engage in conversation. I focus on the rows of clothing, pretending to be absorbed in my search.

“Are you alright, Oakley?” Reid inquires, his playful tone replaced by genuine concern. I can sense him watching me closely, and it takes every ounce of willpower not to meet his gaze.

“Of course. I’m fine,” I insist, still avoiding eye contact.

“She saw you flirting with that worker,” Gray comments.

“I didn’t know you cared so much about who I talk to,” Reid teases, his eyes twinkling with mischief.

“What? No, don’t flatter yourself,” I sputter defensively, my cheeks flushing hot. I try to appear nonchalant, but I can tell he sees right through me.

“You sure about that?” he challenges playfully, poking me in the side. “You’ve got that look in your eye. The one where you’re trying not to let something bother you.”

“Reid, seriously. It’s not a big deal,” I insist, avoiding his gaze and focusing on a rack of colorful scarves. In truth, it stings more than I care to admit, but I refuse to let him see that.

“Alright, alright,” Reid concedes with a chuckle, holding up his hands in surrender. “I’ll drop it, but just so you know, I wasn’t flirting with her. I could tell she recognized us, and I wanted to make sure she didn’t share it on social media or tell reporters or anything.”

“Did you…?” I start to ask, piecing together what happened between Reid and the worker.

“Consider it a little insurance.” He grins sheepishly, rubbing the back of his neck. “I wanted to make sure we could shop in peace.”

“Reid, you didn’t have to do that,” I say softly, touched by his actions.

“I know, but it’s worth it to keep you smiling,” he replies, ruffling my hair affectionately. “Now quit it with the attitude.”

As Gray heads to the checkout with our finds, I can’t help but feel a warmth spreading through me.

11

OAKLEY

The sound of laughter fills the room as Reid, Gray, and I walk into the cooking class. We’re greeted by Margot, a tall woman with fiery red hair and a bright smile.

“Welcome to the class!” she exclaims, her eyes scanning over all three of us. “Gray Archer, I presume?” she asks, directing her attention to him.

“Uh, yeah, that’s me,” Gray replies, clearly puzzled.

“Great news! You’re a lot better looking in person, aren’t you?”

“Oh, um, thanks?”

“You’ll be leading the class today, in front of the camera.” Margot seems thrilled by this revelation, but Gray looks like he’s been hit by a truck.

“Wait, what? I thought I was just participating in the class,” he stammers, exchanging a glance with Reid and me. I suppress a giggle, finding his confusion oddly endearing.

“Didn’t you get the memo? It’s your time to shine, Chef Gray!” Margot winks at him before leading him to the front of the room, leaving Reid and me to find our seats.

“Looks like we’re on our own, Oak.” Reid smirks as we settle at a front table. “Think you can handle it without Gray holding your hand?”

---