Page 39 of Power Play Pursuit

“Friends,” she repeats, almost in a whisper.

“Um, okay then,” I say, clearing my throat and averting my gaze. I need some breathing room, or I might do a very unfriendly thing, like pin her against the wall and kiss her senseless. “See you later, Elizabeth.” I turn on my heel to walk away.

“You know,” she calls, and I turn back around. “All my friends call me Beth.”

I fight a smile and pretend to think it over. “Nah. I like Elizabeth better.”

Her shoulders drop, and she chuckles. “See you.”

It takes everything in me to turn back around and walk away, but I have to. Baby steps. Plus, I meant what I said. I’d settle for friendship if that’s all she can ever give me. Which is why I need to learn to keep it together. For my own sanity.

19

"I've never seen a kitchen make a girl blush that hard before."

Beth Bowen

When I push open the door to Rise & Grind, I find Marissa leaning over the counter, wearing a full grin—Cheshire cat style. “Look who has a personal bodyguard now.”

“I think the word you're looking for isfriend,” I say, unable to suppress my smile as I think about the talk I just had with James.

“Suurrre. If that’s what you’re going with.”

“I mean it, Marissa. There’s nothing else going on between us. I’m not ready for a relationship. Definitely not with a hockey player. And especially not withJames Adler.”

She arches an eyebrow. “What’s wrong with James Adler?”

I avoid her gaze as I walk behind the counter. “Well, James Adler is just—he’s just too—hot.” And so are my cheeks as the confession spills from my lips.

She lets out a loud snort. “Yeah, ‘cause that’s a huge problem. Also, why are we using his full name?”

The bell on the door jingles, and the expression “saved by the bell” never made so much sense.

“Bonjour!” Alice gushes, marching in with Emma.

“Hey, guys. What’s up?” I ask, tying my apron on.

“Nothing much,” Alice says, walking in. “We just had a spicy lunch, so now we need some sweet treats.”

Emma nods, her black fringe bouncing with the movement. “And coffee.”

Marissa and I both chuckle. “Of course,” she says. “I’ll get right on it.”

“What about you?” Emma asks, leaning her elbow on the counter while Alice perches on the stool. “What’s got you so worked up, Beth? Oh, by the way, how’s James?”

I really wish I could control theblush that’s spreading over my cheeks right now.

“James Adler istoo hot,” Marissa says, turning around as she grabs a cup. “That’s what’s up.”

“Marissa!” I scold.

“What! It’s true, isn’t it?” she says with a smirk.

Emma nods, lacing her fingers. “I mean, I'm very happy with Auston . . .”

“And me with Deacon,” Alice continues, her brown eyes sparkling like they do every time we discuss relationships—or Deacon. “But yeah, James Adler is particularly handsome.”

“Why is that a problem?” Emma asks.

---