Page 38 of Ice Mechanic

Max yells at me through his open window. “I know what I saw between you two, McLanely. And if that was you fake dating, I don’t want to see the real deal.”

CHAPTER

TWELVE

APRIL

The next day,I wash Chance’s hoodie, fold it up and place it in a bag. I need to return it to Chance but, every time I take out my phone to text him, I end up deleting the messages and putting it off.

Three days of indecision pass by.

Today’s Friday and I’mdefinitelyreturning Chance’s jacket. It’s not that difficult. All I have to do is drive over to the stadium before the press conference, hand it over and it’ll be fine.

Walking to the living room, I take out the hoodie and spread it out on the chair. “Come on, April. It’s just returning a hoodie. You can do it.”

“Yeah, you can do it,” May says.

I yelp. “May! When did you get home?”

“Just now. Didn’t you hear my keys jangling in the lock?” She kicks her shoes off and springs into the chair. “Ooh. This is nice.” She grazes her hand over the hoodie. “And it feels so soft. Did Chance give you this?”

“No, he didn’t.” I snatch the hoodie from her, surprised by the level of possessiveness I feel.

May shrugs. “He hasn’t stopped by the shop lately. Has he talked to you since you both signed the contract?”

I shake my head.

“Huh.” May swings to her feet. “I’m making spaghetti. Want some?”

“No, thanks.” I purse my lips and stare at the hoodie.

It has to be today.

Chance will get incredibly busy once the season starts, and I don’t want him to think I stole his clothes.

Resolute, I return the sweatshirt to the bag and prepare to text Chance when my phone lights up.

It’s Evan.

I sigh heavily and ignore the call like I’ve been doing all week.

Immediately, he sends a text.

Evan: I need to talk to you.

Evan: If you won’t answer, I’ll stand outside your house until you see me.

The thought of Evan showing up at my door gives me a headache, but I know he’s good for the threat.

I text back.

Let’s meet at the park across from the stadium.

After a moment’s contemplation, I add:

You have five minutes. No more. No less.

Evan is alreadyat the park when I get there. He shoots to his feet and waves happily, as if we’re meeting for a date and not because he’s been harassing me.

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