Jack nods, as if he can read my thoughts. “He said he had to make a stop before heading here.”
I don’t know why that irritates me so much. It’s not like we’re in a real relationship and Jack knows it. But Miles has been so good about keeping me informed and guiding me through the entire process of his level of life, that I’m kind of hurt he didn’t say anything when we texted earlier.
The Zambonis finish and the opening begins. A woman belts out the national anthem when I catch movement in my peripheral.
I turn to see Landon and Rachelle walk into the suite. “What are you two doing here?”
Landon juts his thumb over his shoulder and says, “Miles invited us. He figured it would be a good night to invite a bunch of people.”
Rachelle smiles and says, “And guess who else is in town?”
I frown, not sure who she could mean. I turn to see Rachelle’s sister Hillary walk in the door. With quick steps, I walk up and give her a hug.
“What are you doing back in Boston?” I ask, stepping away. The last time I’d seen her had been at our siblings’ wedding to each other on a beautiful cliff that the bride had to take a chairlift to get to.
“I figured it was time. You can only live on a tropical island for so long. And pirate talk is fun and all, but after a week, I was over it.” We laugh and she says, “We got a new boss and I decided it was time to come back and take part in the non-tourist crowd.”
Millie turns around with wide eyes. “You lived on an island? How was that?”
Hillary turns and glances at Rachelle and then to Dani. “Definitely eye-opening.”
About eight months ago, Hillary had been engaged to a man but had done a runaway bride act. Rachelle hadn’t heard from her until the cruise, and then Hillary attended Landon and Rachelle’s wedding. They’d had their rough moments, but it seems like things were starting to change to make Rachelle and Hillary closer.
The puck drops and I realize Miles is standing at the side, watching me. I walk over to him and wrap my arms around his waist. “Thank you.”
“For what?”
“For inviting my brother and his wife.”
I glance up as he shakes his head. “It wasn’t a big deal. Landon mentioned how he’d love to go see a game some time, and I figured we could make it a party.”
Something in his eyes causes my breathing to catch, and I wonder if he’s feeling the same pull I am. Without thinking too long about it, I go up on tiptoes and kiss his cheek. His lips are only inches away and so tempting.
Spencer walks up to Landon, Rachelle, and Hillary, introducing himself and Jack. It’s not until he motions toward Jack that Hillary says, “Jack Benson?” in a low voice.
I shrug, not knowing his last name. Miles steps forward and says, “Yes, do you know him?”
“Something like that.” The way her eyes narrow, it’s probably best to leave that topic of conversation alone.
I grab a plate of food and join Kenzie in the seats facing the ice, who is transfixed on the players skating below.
“Do you want something?” I ask, pointing to the food in my lap.
She turns, looking a little dazed and shakes her head when she sees me. The woman is usually into games, but bringing her to the actual arena has brought out a different side of her.
“Okay, so Carson Carver is number—” I begin.
“Eighteen. Trey is twenty-two, and Jason Styles is thirty-six.”
“Who’s Jason Styles?” I ask.
Kenzie turns to me, swiping a carrot from my plate and taking a bite. “The goalie.”
I nod, acting like I totally knew that.
The game goes back and forth throughout the first period, the goalies playing amazing defense to keep the game scoreless. With only ten seconds left, the Breeze are on a breakaway but the goalie for the Sabers snags the puck with his glove.
And that rounds out the first period.