Page 48 of A Whole New Trick

Dating Dane would be a dream, but it would turn into a devastating nightmare when it inevitably ends.

I shouldn’t cross that line with him. I know it. But my damn libido and heart have other ideas.

I shake my head and take a deep breath before sliding out of my car and walking the dark stone path leading to Dane’s condo. The bright white building with dark grey window accents and black roof give it a modern, masculine look. It’s the perfect fit for the manly hockey player.

I reach the porch when my phone dings.

I look and see a message from Joshua.

I’ve got another wedding next weekend. Save me?

I scoff.

Kinda short notice, don’t you think?

A bubble with three dots immediately appears.

I had a date, and she backed out.

He adds a pouting emoji with a single tear at the end of the message.

I purse my lips, intrigued that Joshua had a date. I’m about to ask who she was and why she canceled when footsteps sound behind me.

“Morning, Caldwell.” Strong arms wrap around my waist. Dane rests his chin on my shoulder. “What are you doing standing out here?”

My heart flutters at the casual affection. “Um. Good morning?”

Be cool, Morgan!

“I was about to knock, but I got distracted,” I add, holding up my phone in demonstration.

Dane’s eyes flick to the device. He does a double-take when it lights up with Joshua’s incoming text. He straightens and steps back. Immediately, I miss his warmth. “What does Joshua want?”

I tuck my phone away and smirk, turning around to face him. “Why? Jealous?”

“Yes.”

My smirk falls.Oh.

“There’s nothing to be jealous of,” my voice is soft. “Joshua is just a friend.”

“Does he know that?”

“Yes.” I don’t second guess myself when I reach out and take his hand. “Joshua is a flirt, but that’s all it is. I promise.”

Dane grumbles, but he laces his fingers through mine. “Fine.”

I smile, grateful that he’s willing to drop the subject. Wanting to reassure him further, I say, “Joshua has another wedding next week. He was asking if I could go.”

Joshua is at the age when many of his college friends are getting married. Add in his close-in-age cousins, and the poor guy has been to at least eight weddings this year.

Dane presses his lips together. “What did you say?”

“I haven’t said anything.” I tilt my head to the side and take in his expression. He has something on his mind. “Why? What’s up?”

Dane runs a hand through his hair and averts his gaze. “It’s not a big deal, but there’s an NHL fundraiser next weekend for Saint Ruth’s Children Hospitals. I was going to ask if you wanted to come with me.”

I know about the fundraiser. It’s one of the league’s more popular events, mainly because it occurs right in the middle ofthe playoffs. Players from the competing teams are invited to the event to draw a crowd of fans willing to pay to spend an evening in the company of their favorite players.

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