Page 133 of Undressed In The Crease

Nick and Greg are having their own silent conversation, giving each other looks and eyebrow raises.

“Yeah, no thanks.” I decline his offer, not wanting this awkward rejection to last any longer than it has.

Alex and Bridget are too engrossed in their own conversation, but Layla could have backed me up there. Instead she watched while sipping on her water.

“Anyone can go! Technically they say it’s also a singles mixer, so if you don’t have a partner you may just find one there.” Layla finally chimes in, after I silently plead with her to say something.

It’s not exactly the response I’m looking for.

“Yeah!” Greg adds. They’re like an evil matchmaking tag team. “Bridget! Want to go to a dance class? It’s for singles and couples. Next Saturday.”

“You could totally meet your soulmate there.” Layla jumps in.

Bridget rolls her eyes at them. “No thanks.”

Nick isn’t helping either. He hasn’t said anything, but I see the fear in his eyes. I know he hates this. We’re not a couple. Even when we’re hooking up, he’s been very clear that I am in no way a commitment to him.

“Too bad Alex won’t be able to come, we have the perfect even number right here,” Greg says, earning another glare from Nick.

“It’s ok.” Alex laughs. “I’m sure there will be more next year.”

“We have to get you in first.” Nick jumps in changing the subject.Finally.“Let’s see what you got.”

Chapter 28

Nick

I could kill Greg.

Serious thoughts of me wringing his neck run through my head when he brings up that dance class.

I confessed to him earlier that I can’t stop thinking of Lenny. We had an actual serious conversation about how I feel about her. Things came up that I didn’t even know I was feeling. Everything Just came out about how I blamed myself for our big loss, and how I didn’t want anything to get in my way this year. Then again, seeing and just knowing Lenny was in the stands for me brought out the best game of my life.

I felt lighter on the ice. I felt happier than I’ve been in a long time. It was as if I’ve been missing something all along.

The hurt in her eyes, even if it was only there for a split second when she saw that girl latching onto me, that look crushed me. I never want to make her feel that way.

Lenny has made it clear, she only wants to be friends.

I want more.

I even admitted to feeling jealous watching Greg with Layla snuggle by the fire. I want that.

So, with Greg’s love expert advice I’m giving Lenny some space. I’m flirting and being friendly, but I’m not pushing the boundaries she set.

Yeah, I may have touched her more than I needed to as we skated around the rink, but I didn’t once try to kiss her or ask her to meet me in the back, like I thought about doing.

Over and over again.

Greg said to find what’s important to her, and here it is, her brother.

I see the way she looks at him when he talks about going to Drexton. She’s worried. She’s worried he won’t get in.

First step is to figure out if this kid can make it.

The girls return their rental skates and the six of us head to the back of the rink and through the hall that leads past the training facilities and into the Hockey arena.

“Umm, isn’t the arena closed?” Lenny asks nervously, catching up to where I’m walking.

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