Page 68 of Absolutely Not in Love
“So this is happening?” he says, his voice low. “How’s it going?”
I run a hand through my hair. “It’s happening. And it’s good. Great, even.”
Logan’s gaze narrows. “But?”
I shrug, my eyes cutting toward Gracie and Parker. “No buts. It’s good. Everything’s good. Just hoping the hockey thing isn’t actually a big deal.”
“The hockey thing?” Logan deadpans. “You mean that thing you do as your profession?”
“Shut up.”
“Don’t make it complicated. Just invite her to a game and see how she responds. Invite her to tomorrow’s game, even. She might have fun.”
“Tomorrow’s game has been sold out for days,” I say.
Logan grins. “Yeah, Parker’s last viral video went bigger than the norm. Who knew Alec in a bikini would get such a response? But dude, that’s not a problem. Parker could get her in.”
We turn our attention to Parker and Gracie, who, it sounds like, are already talking about tomorrow’s game. “You could sit with me,” Parker is saying. “I absolutely have an extra ticket.”
“That’s really sweet of you,” Gracie says. “But I’ve got a gig tomorrow afternoon. I don’t think I’ll be finished until after the game starts.”
I rack my brain, trying to remember if she’s mentioned a gig this weekend. She has an audition with the Knoxville Symphony in a few weeks, something I remember specifically because she was so excited when the email came in, confirming her audition time, and there’s another symphony concert here in Harvest Hollow next weekend. But I don’t remember anything about a gig.
I quickly check my thoughts. I’m not Gracie’s keeper—or even her boyfriend. It’s totally reasonable to think she has something on her schedule that she hasn’t discussed with me. I’m just acting weird because I really would love for her to come to a game.
“Next time, then,” Parker says. “Have Felix give you my number. Text me anytime.”
Gracie and Parker hug—it always amazes me how quickly women can connect—we say our goodbyes, then we’re alone again.
“She seems great,” Gracie says as we approach my car.
“Yeah. And she and Logan are great together.” I open the door for her and offer a hand while she lowers herself into the passenger seat.
I crank up the heat once I’m in the car, and Gracie reaches up to turn on her seat warmer. I love that she doesn’t ask—she just does it. Like she’s comfortable—familiar enough that she knows she doesn’t need to. She settles back in and wiggles her butt around a little. “Hmmm, I love your fancy car, Felix.”
My heart stretches and pulls. I love having her inmy fancy car.
As I ease the car onto the main road, Gracie sits up a little taller, shifting her body so she’s facing me. “Okay, so I have a surprise for you. And I’ve been wanting to tell you all week, but I thought it would be fun to save it for tonight.”
“A surprise?”
She nods. “Yes. And if you have something else planned, that’s totally fine, too. But if you don’t…I was hoping we might head back to the apartment so I can play something for you.”
My eyebrows lift. “On your cello?”
“Nope. On the tuba,” she deadpans.
I grin. “I walked right into that one, didn’t I?”
“I’ve been working on it at school because I didn’t want you to hear it. But it’s finally ready, which meansI’mfinally ready to share.”
“I didn’t make plans beyond dinner, so heading back to the apartment sounds perfect.”
Honestly, I can’t think of anything I’d enjoy more.
But if she thinks she’s going to play for me, looking as beautiful as she looks right now, without me kissing her senseless, she’s got another thing coming.
Chapter Sixteen
