Page 21 of Thoroughly Pucked

My heart sags a little. I don’t want to be a pity plus-one. But before I can ask if that’s the only reason they’re suggesting this, Ledger clears his throat and says with authority, “But you’re our friend now too. We want to do this. He’ll be chill.”

And, really, what’s not to be chill about? I’m not involved with either guy. And they do feel like friends. “Did we just become best friends?” I say, borrowing the movie line fromStep Brothers.

“Damn straight we did,” Ledger says.

I smile, relieved. But I want to be one hundred percent certain. “You guys don’t have stuff to do?”

“Training camp doesn’t start for another week,” Ledger says.

“Who else can take time off at the drop of a hat?” Dev adds, then steps closer, swiping a strand of hair off my cheek, and tucking it gently behind my ear, making my pulse skip a beat. “My schedule is clear.”

When the shiver fades into a warm glow, I shift to Ledger, hunting for any sign he’s not on board. “You really want?—”

“Yes,” Ledger growls, and my damn pulse skitters again. That was a firm, sexy declaration. “Are you in or out?”

I stop thinking. I start planning. “Yes. I’m in. Butwhat about the airfare? We had two seats, and even though Aiden doesn’t need his, I don’t think you can just change names on tickets. Plus we’d need one more.” I bet Aiden canceled his ticket this morning. Maybe no one scooped up his empty seat yet. I hope there’s another one.

I grab my phone from my purse. An email from the airline blinks in the notifications.

“Yep,” I say sarcastically, waving the phone around. “He canceled his ticket. So thoughtful. Since he only canceledhis. Didn’t even bother to see if I still wanted to go or not.”

“That guy,” Ledger grumbles, taking a step toward the hotel. “I should pay him another visit.”

In no time, Dev’s hand curls around Ledger’s shoulder. “He’s history, man. Let him be. Let’s do this and help Aubs.”

Help. Yes, that’s what this is. A friendly, helpful gesture from my new best friends.

“Fine. You’re right,” Ledger admits. “Let’s see if there are seats.”

In seconds, they break out their phones. We search for tickets, plugging in permutations. Dev shows me flights to Seattle tomorrow, checking them against mine. Ledger tests other options, and my heart races, but reality is making one thing clear.

This is just a pipe dream.

The flights are full. Tonight, tomorrow, and the next day.

All the air leaks out of me in a sigh, but I shrug like it’s truly no big deal, even though I wanted it badly for afew minutes there. “It was a fun idea, guys,” I say, then lift my chin. I’m not going to run off with my tail between my legs. “But I’ll go alone. I don’t want to waste the money, and I think it’d be good to get out of town for a little while.”

I suck down my disappointment. I’ve had a good day, all things considered. I blew off steam at an amusement park and got some revenge thanks to my brother’s two sexy, charming, protective best friends.

My friends now too. That’s enough of a win.

“It’ll be fine. I’ll be fine,” I add, but Dev isn’t paying attention. He’s tapping away on his phone.

He hits a button and brings the device to his ear. “Hey, Spencer. I need a favor.”

There’s a pause, then he chuckles.

“You guessed it, buddy.”

Another beat.

I turn to Ledger, asking with my eyes if he knows what Dev’s up to. Ledger shrugs ano idea.

“Can you swing it?” Dev asks.

Another pause.

“Excellent. Gimme one sec to make sure this works for my friends.” He covers the phone. “Can you meet at the airfield in Novato at two p.m. tomorrow? Guy I know charters private jets, and he’s got a bird available then. He’ll put it on my tab.”

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