Page 97 of The Friend Zone

“Tell me more,” Rachel insists. “I have the feeling there’s a story there, and it’s going to be romantic.”

I really like Rachel Connelly; that’s exactly what my mom would say.

“Romantic?” Jagger snorts. “Not really, if you think that we have her ex to thank that we finally noticed each other. He’s a douche. You know his parents. The Mumfords.”

“Oh.” Jagger’s Mom’s lips twist with distaste, even though the moment is fleeting, and she soon finds her composure again. “I was going to scold you for using that kind of language, sweetheart. However, if I said that I disagree, I would be ahypocrite. I apologize if I’m too frank, Bay. We’ve known Rupert and Christine and their kids for decades. Let’s just say that you could do much better than Topher.”

I think that badmouthing one’s ex is in bad taste, so all I say is “I agree, Rachel. Let’s just say that Topher and I didn’t part in the most amicable terms.”

There’s understanding in Jagger’s mom’s eyes. “I’m not going to pry right now. But I can’t guarantee that I’m not going to initiate some girl talk while we get ready tomorrow afternoon.”

Keith chuckles, shaking his head. “If you want my unsolicited advice, Bay, be careful with this one. She’s been known to get every secret out of her targets without them even realizing it. She plies you with beauty treatments and champagne.”

The warmth in his eyes as he looks at his wife reminds me of the way Jagger looks at me when he teases me. “It’s ok. I’m an open book. But we’ve ordered dessert and I don’t want to put everyone off their food talking about Topher.”

Rachel takes a sip of her mimosa before continuing with her line of questioning. “I agree. Let’s not mention him, aside from what’s necessary to tell me how you and Jagger noticed one another.”

“We were dared to kiss,” I offer.

Jagger smiles the entire time, as I tell his parents about the kissing booth that ended up bringing us together.

“I couldn’t stop thinking about Bay after that kiss,” he says when I’m done with my story. “I had never felt like that while kissing someone.”

Rachel’s hands fly to her chest as she looks at us. “Aww, you two are adorable. Be still, my heart.”

“I have to say,” Keith interrupts his wife’s gushing over our first kiss, a serious expression on his face. “I understand why my son is smitten with you, Bay.”

Keith Connelly looks like I imagine his son will look in about thirty years. Attractive and still athletic, he has the same magnetic hazel eyes.

Rupert Mumford’s words last Christmas echo in my ears.

“Men like us have affairs with women like Bay Woods. We certainly don’t marry them.”

I have to fight the urge to squirm as he sets that piercing gaze on me. I sense a “but” coming and I brace myself.

“I just don’t want Jagger to get hurt if you chose Ryker Moore or their other teammate, Cole Marshall.”

That didn’t go where I thought it would.

I can count on one hand the occasions in my life when I was left speechless. This is one of them.

I open my mouth to say something. I don’t know exactly what, but Jagger is faster than me.

“Dad, the guys and I talked about this. We aren’t going to ask Bay to choose. The three of us are good friends and we can coexist. I’m not surprised that Cole and Ryker fell for Bay, and I can’t fault my girl’s taste either. They’re both great guys.”

Keith nods. “Fine. It’s just an unorthodox kind of relationship and as your father, I wouldn’t be doing my job if I didn’t at least try to protect you.”

In a way, I’m surprised that Jagger was so honest with his father.

He must notice my expression. “I hope you don’t mind that I told Mom and Dad about Cole and Ryker. I warned them about that video and I thought it was better to be completely honest with them. Almost losing you taught me that secrets have a way to come bite you in the ass, eventually.”

I’m actually relieved that the secret is out in the open. “It’s ok, Jagger. I think you’re right. And I promise I’ll never hurt your son. At least not intentionally.” I say to Rachel and Keith.

Jagger’s Mom smile is so similar to her son’s. It’s uncanny. “I have no doubt you wouldn’t. A mother has a sixth sense for these kinds of things and I can see how much you care about my son. Besides, I can’t blame you for dating Ryker and Cole. They’re both dashing.”

“Mom,” Jagger groans. “Gross. Those are my friends and may I remind you that you’ve known Ryker since we were in kindergarten?”

Rachel doesn’t look repentant. Again, her attitude reminds me of Jagger’s. “I’m just saying this in the nicest possible way, sweetheart. Besides, the fact that they could be my sons doesn’t mean I can’t see that they’re handsome. I can’t help it. I’ve always liked hockey players.”

---