Page 54 of The Girlfriend Zone

“Does he know? Or suspect?” I ask carefully, my jaw ticking.

“No. God, no.” She takes a beat. “He’s just doing his due diligence, I think. It was more likeI know how hockey players are—charming and most don’t want to settle down yet, so be on your guard. That kind of thing.”

If she only knew I’d settle down with her in a heartbeat.My failed relationship with Joanne wouldn’t even stop me. I know how to work hard and learn from the past. So if I could, I’d explore the fuck out of this ludicrous chemistry that crackles and sparks every time we’re near each other. I’d see her every night and prove the lie in her father’s statement.

But I also get that proving him wrong has to be earned.

Over time, with evidence, and probably not while I’m trying to become co-captain. It’s too complicated. That’s the big issue—I’ve got responsibilities, plans, and most of all, a second chance.

I don’t want to fuck with something that required so much work and so much rehab to get.

“Your dad’s right about one thing,” I say, keeping things light.

“What’s that?”

“I’m charming as fuck.”

“So cocky.” She shakes her head, amused.

“You’re not denying it.”

She leans forward, locks eyes with me. “I think we’ve already established I’m charmed by you.”

“It’s the same for me.”

I say it quietly, but she hears me. Her smile is soft, borderline sexy. We’re silent for so long that it threatens to tip over into something else, something warm, something dangerous.

But then, Leighton sits taller and clears her throat. “Anyway, the promise we made to never be alone together might need revising due to work circumstances.”

The idea of working closely with her sparks excitement that has no business zipping down my spine. I should focus on the team, the potential captaincy, myfamily, the increased media scrutiny from Tyler on the team, two Falcons playing together. Already, the press requests are coming in fast.

“We’ll need to interact one-on-one sometimes,” I say thoughtfully. “Maybe the best way forward is to focus on building a genuine friendship.”

Her smile spreads, nice and easy. “I’d like that, Miles.”

I arch a playful brow. “So no stalking?”

“I don’t think friends stalk each other.”

“But they can have coffee and pastries,” I say, offering her a fork.

She takes it with a reluctant laugh, but a flicker of something warmer in her eyes. “Let’s be friends. It’ll be easier that way.”

If friendship is all I can have with Leighton, I will take it. Oh hell, will I take it. “Everyone can use a friend.”

“They can,” she says, then hands me the other fork.

We dig into the caramel toffee bar at the same time, the tines of our forks clinking. That feels a little like a metaphor.

And since friendship starts with talking, I point my fork at the bar, saying, “Caramelandtoffee?Do you think Birdie’s saying you don’t always have to pick sides.”

Leighton thoughtfully polishes off a bite. “So you’re saying this pastry is kind of subliminal messaging?”

“That feels like Birdie’s style.”

She laughs, warm and bright, and peers down at the treat. “I don’t think she’s wrong. Too much of a good thing doesn’t necessarily make a bad thing. Maybe it just makes a very good thing.” She wiggles her brows. “How’s that for philosophy?”

“Very philosophical, Shutterbug,” I say.

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