Page 82 of Ice Bet

“Mm. You’re right,” she agreed, standing back with her hands on her hips. “I’ve gotta give you credit. You’re brave.”

I put my phone in my back pocket and followed her out the door. I knew the guys were already at the rink, warming up, so I wasn’t worried I’d run into Aasher, and even if we happened to cross each other’s paths in the hallway, I was pretty certain he’d keep his reservations to himself.

Before we crossed a million lines the other night, I didn’t think twice about his reaction to me wearing this to their game, but then I wondered if it was a good idea.

That thought vanished when I showed up to play hockey for our night-before-a-game tradition, and he was nowhere to be found. I stayed and participated with Taytum and Sutton because I enjoyed their company, and the more I was on the ice, the better, but there was no sign of a tall, dark-haired hockey player who’d had his mouth between my legs the night before.

He went right back to avoiding me.

It did nothing but leave the taste of confusion behind. He was playing mind games, whether he meant to or not, and I was pretty certain I was losing.

“Why am I brave?”

Sutton and I climbed into Taytum’s car, and she answered for her.

“Um. That’s why.” Taytum pointed to the Rosewood jersey. “The guys will never stand for this.”

Claire laughed. “That’s something I would do to make Theo mad.”

Taytum pulled away from the curb. “Honestly, it’s a good idea. I might steal it.”

“To make who mad? Ford?”

Taytum grinned, but all attention was on me again.

“I’m not trying to make any of the guys mad. I’m doing it to irritate my ex.” I leaned back and stared at the red color on my chest. “They won’t even know. I’ll be sitting on the opposing side.”

Even though it felt all wrong.

Sutton squinted at me.

After Taytum parked the car, she turned around in her seat. “They’ll know exactly where you are, Riley.”

“Well, then, they’ll just have to deal. This isn’t about them. It’s about me.”

It was Aasher who told me I needed to do things for myself and no one else.

Watching Gray’s face twist with confusion was one minor tweak I needed to make to show everyone at Rosewood that I was back.Their rumors would die on the end of their lips, and the pity would turn to envy real quick.

Just wait until they find out I’m skating again.

There was a dimple digging into Sutton’s cheek. “I like this new attitude. I’m all for it, and I am totally on your side. Fuck hockey players.” She grabbed my hand and pulled it to the center console. Taytum put her hand on top of Sutton’s, and Claire put hers on top of Taytum’s.

“Solidarity, besties,” Taytum mused.

We all laughed and piled out of Taytum’s car. We linked arms, and although I was wearing a Rosewood jersey and looked out of place, I felt right at home.

Sutton leaned in. “Don’t worry. We will save you a seat just in case you want to ditch those loser Rosewood friends and root for the team that Iknowyou want to win.”

My confidence didn’t shake, but I placed my head on her shoulder as we disappeared into the crowd, because no matter what happened in the future, I was beginning to think that everything happened for a reason. I was right where I needed to be at Bexley U.

* * *

Mya’s slender arms wrapped around my neck, and her familiar rose-smelling perfume engulfed me. “I’ve missed you so much!” Her hands fell to my sore shoulders—thanks to the quick pregame hockey sesh last night. “You look good, Ry.”

I knew that would be the consensus tonight. My weight loss and lack of sleep wasn’t noticeable to everyone while I attended Rosewood, but Mya had paid attention. She was the only one who announced her concern, and I blew her off.

Something I still felt guilty over.

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