Page 74 of Face Me Off

We approach the turnoff as Easton’s parents’ house comes closer. Thank goodness. I need to steer my dirty thoughts somewhere else.

I clear my throat. “Was the dinner at least good?”

“No!” She scoffs. “Not that it was Applewood’s fault. I was too nervous to enjoy anything.”

“Ah, you have it catered?”

“You don’t think Mom is getting her hands dirty, do you?”

“I didn’t realize she doesn’t cook.”

“Her skills are coordinating dialysis for her patients. Cooking is better left to the professionals. Her words, not mine.”

“You really aren’t like your parents, are you?”

“Night and day difference.”

Somehow, I knew that, but I’m also glad. Because Maddy is the type of girl I want to be with. Genuine. Passionate. She is not afraid to speak her mind and go against the grain.

“Though, I have one thing in common with Mom; I can’t cook either.”

“Is it because you don’t want to learn or nobody has taught you?”

She stares straight ahead, giving it thought. “I wouldn’t mind learning how, but honestly, I’ve never had to before. Amanda does the heavy lifting when it comes to our meals.”

“You’d be great at whatever you set your mind to,” I say with conviction because it’s true.

“Thanks.” Her voice is soft, making me smile. I’m glad her anger is lessening.

I pull up to the Malibu house and park. I turn and look at her. “I’m really sorry you had to go through that.”

“Thanks, but it’s not your place to apologize. I should’ve done this a long time ago.”

“But you did now. That’s what counts.”

She practically beams as she stares up at me. With the slightest shake of her head, she leans back in her seat and looks out the windshield. “You sure Easton’s parents aren’t home?”

“Nah, East joined them in Aspen. Since we have practice this weekend, he’s returning to campus on Friday.”

“The place looks beautiful in the daylight.”

I take in the expansive home and agree.

Once inside, we bypass the inside of the house and head to the back patio. This place is incredible. I can’t imagine owning a place like this.

We found our place by the infinity pool.

“The skills competition is coming up. I want you to go to it.” It’s more of a command than a request, but I’m tired of her not showing up for my games. The girl loves hockey.

“Okay.”

Her quick answer catches me off guard. “What, no flack?”

She shakes her head. “No flack. I want to be there for you.”

My chest constricts. God, I love this girl.

“You don’t know how happy that makes me.”

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