Page 21 of Fear of Love
“Yesterday when I went to do the interview for Hockey for Kids. Before I left, he apologized.” I said it like it was no big deal.
“A full out apology?” Tasha asked.
“Yeah. I was just as shocked as you guys. Still am.” We all knew how Landon was and heneverapologized, even if he was a complete and utter dick to your face.
The urge to tell them about us going out to eat together sat on the tip of my tongue. It was only a day ago, but the need to tell them was overwhelming.
“He also, uh…” I hesitated as all three stared at me. “He took me to Rick’s,” I muttered out in a rush.
“He did what?” All three leaned in closer, waiting for me to answer.
“We went to eat at Rick’s.” I was met with silence.
“You and Landon went to Rick’s… to eat? Alone? Just the two of you?” Josie questioned slowly. I almost laughed at her expression but pressed my lips together and nodded.
“That’s…” Tasha started to say.
“Wow.” Mila gave a nod with wide eyes.
“Okay,” Josie finished.
Their reaction was exactly like mine when I got home last night. Landon and I purposely being alone together was a shock in itself. We didn’t argue once or try to kill each other.
Josie reached over and pressed a hand to my forehead. “Do you feel sick? Woozy? Quick, girls, does she look pale to you?”
“He wanted to apologize by paying for my food. Who am I to say no to free food at Rick’s?” I gently pushed her hand off my head.
“True, but it’s you guys. You’ve hated one another since you met.” Mila sent me a curious look.
“I never hated him.” Which was true. Landon got on my nerves and annoyed the shit out of me, but I didn’thatehim.
“No, sheloveshim,” Tasha cooed jokingly.
I rolled my eyes and snorted. “Never gonna happen.”
“What’s not gonna happen?” A voice suddenly asked next to me. My neck twinged in pain at how fast I jerked my head to the side. Landon loomed over us, his gaze steady and one brow lifted in silent question.
I’m pretty sure all four of us looked like fish out of water with our mouths wide open. My throat was dry as I swallowed.Oh god, how much did he hear?
“Lydia said she’s never going to get on the ice again,” Tasha suddenly explained.
“Probably for the best,” Landon responded, the corner of his mouth tilting up as he looked at me. I narrowed my eyes at him back.
“If I was taught to skate better, I would kick your ass.” I huffed, turning back to look at the ice.
“Uh huh.” Landon took a seat next to me. His response said he didn’t believe me in the slightest. I didn’t even believe me. I was like a newborn calf trying to walk for the first time when I was in skates.
All of us girls played a game against the guys months ago and quickly found out that I can’t skate to save my life. I could barely stay on my feet, let alone move. I spent most of the time clinging to Mila or the sideboards while they all played, the girls bringing out the win, no thanks to me.
“Not all of us grew up on the ice,” I mumbled, arms crossed. “Or have a famous hockey brother.”
“Don’t worry, we still love you.” Josie patted my thigh with a joking grin.
“Here.” It was then I realized Landon was holding a drink carrier filled with beer. This was the third time in the last twenty-four hours he surprised me.
I reached for the beer, my fingers brushing against his. A flicker of heat shot up my arm. “Thanks,” I managed, the word catching slightly in my throat. As I went to pass them down to the others, I ignored the looks the girls were giving me.
“Trying to bribe us with beer?” I questioned.
