Page 43 of Unwritten Rules

But Kelly encouraged adventure and hot guys.

I just didn’t think a hot guy would include the notorious campus playboy, Brent Vaughn. He was ause her and lose hertype of guy.

The lights flicked on with a loud hum and my thoughts dissipated.

“Miss me?” His voice came from behind, dripping with the same charm that he wielded like a weapon.

I grabbed the skates from him forcefully and plopped down on a bench to try them on. No way was I giving him the satisfaction of a response. He was far too cocky in his confidence. He played the cool guy routine way too hard—there was no way girls fell for it.

If they did...ew.

“Let’s see what you’ve got.” He stepped out onto the smooth ice, gliding backward with an ease that felt more like a taunt.

I took my time easing onto the ice and found my footing as if it was only yesterday I was on the ice last. Despite bouncing from hobby to hobby, Ialwayswent back to skating. Sitting still was never really my thing.

The sound of the blades slicing the ice felt like a lullaby from home. It reminded me of Mom. She always encouraged me to try anything that caught my eye and even joined in on some lessons despite her complete lack of coordination.

I started off slow to let the rhythm of the blades on the ice calm my nerves. I could feel his eyes on my back as I made my rounds to shake off the residual tension. I wondered what we were doing here tonight. What we were doing here together. What were his intentions?

“I think I’m warmed up,” I called out across the rink. I shrugged off the anger and frustration that had been my life lately.The ice was working its magic. Depending on how Brent behaved, staying calm could still have been an option.

He was still there, watching me from the sidelines. The expression on his face—the cool guy look—wasn’t there anymore. Was that a curious look painted on his face?

Whatever it was, it made me feel weird.

What did he want from me?

It didn’t take him long after I slowed down to push off and skate directly toward me. His movements were practiced like he spent a lot of time on the ice. Pretty funny for a baseball player if you asked me. The way he moved on the field and the ice screamed athlete. That, and major confidence—well, cockiness. He had that way about him.

“Someone is full of surprises,” he said on his way over.

“Am I?” Facing him, I pushed off to skate away from his approach. I knew his intentions with me, and I wasn’t going to let him get there.

He leaned into his movements to try to catch up. “I didn’t take you for a pro.”

“My mom let me take lessons.” I pulled myself into a small spin to divert my path away from him. “I was encouraged to explore my own interests in life. She even joined me a few times for my lessons.”

“She sounds great.” His voice dropped lower–softer than his usual tone.

“She was.” He matched my pace, gliding up next to me. I looked up at him for once, meeting his softened eyes. “What about you? You’re a baseball guy. I didn’t think they were too good on the ice.”

“I am a baseball guy, but there’s a lot you don’t know about me.”

“Care to elaborate?”

That arrogant ass smile came back, lighting up his face. “Question for a question?” He shifted to skate backwards, taking my hands in his.

“Is this how you usually impress girls?” I challenged.

His eyes focused on mine. “Only the ones who won’t fall for my boyish charm.”

I rolled my eyes. “You think you’re so smooth, Brent.”

Ignoring my comment, he pondered within himself for a moment. He took the question for question game seriously. “What is the biggest secret you’re keeping?”

He thought he was so funny, didn’t he? “Nice try, buddy.”

“Had to try,” he shrugged.

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