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I love this all so much that I pick up a small token of my appreciation for them. A vintage edition of Candy Land. Before the next hockey game, I’m wrapping it for them when my phone brays. It’s a local number—a familiar one, and it makes me freeze. A mix of terror and excitement courses through me all at once.
It’s hard to contain my thrill at the hockey game that evening. Partly because they’re winning. But partly because I kind of feel like I’m winning at life right now.
When the game ends with another victory for the Golden State Foxes, I’m that much closer to telling the guys the good news.
The call originated from Steven’s office, but the caller was a woman named Zora, with a warm, husky voice. She said she ran the independent firm that handled the contest judging. Of course he did this too, hiring a woman-owned firm like I’d suggested. Not that I’m unhappy. I’m glad Zora got the gig since she said Cracking the Case of the Missing O was eye-opening and authentic, though I truly don’t know if Steven has been informed that Just A Girl is his ex-girlfriend. Somehow I doubt it. If he knew it was me, he’d have nixed my prize.
I pace in the corridor after the game, waiting for the guys. When the three of them finally arrive, I practically vault into their arms, waggling my phone. “I won the contest!”
Hollis scoops me up first, wrapping me in a warm embrace that feels like home. I catch a whiff of his clean showery scent. It makes my head spin. Rhys is next, holding me like he doesn’t want to let go. My skin tingles. Then Gavin embraces me, and his arms band around me, possessive, protective.
When they let go, I feel fizzy, frothy even. Like a bottle of champagne, bubbling over. I’m intoxicated by them. I don’t know that I can last much longer just being friends. I don’t know if they’re ready for more than friendship though.
But I know this—I am. Finally. When I was with them in the cottage, I believed it was a mistake to get involved with three guys on the rival team.
That was what I needed to believe because I was afraid of being left again, not like Steven did, but like my mom did many years ago. I was afraid of not being enough for someone.
I’m not afraid anymore. I can handle whatever challenges the “rivalry” might bring because that’s not the real issue. It was never the real issue. I was always strong. But I’m even stronger now that I know myself better.
There’s another thing I know too—I need them by my side, however they’ll have me. “There’s a gala this weekend for the awards. I don’t have a thing to wear. I have no clue if my ex will be there or not. I don’t even know if they’ll take away the prize when he figures out it’s me. But I really want to go. I want everyone there to know what truly makes a great boyfriend. Do you want to come with me? As friends,” I say quickly since I don’t want them to be uncomfortable, but I want them with me. Desperately.
Rhys’s lips twitch in a tease of a smile. “Yes.”
Hollis nods solemnly. “Definitely.”
Gavin says, “It’s a plan.”
I hand them the wrapped game of Candy Land. “Thank you,” I tell them. “I couldn’t have done it without you.”
Without them, there’d be no boyfriend project. But without me, there’d be no piece. I told the story. I put it all together. I deserve the prize.
65
THAT’S IT
Rhys
Like hell are we settling for friendship.
66
PACKAGE PARADE
Briar
The next morning, the doorman buzzes me. “Package for you, Miss Delaney. It’s from some fancy department store. Want me to send it up?”
“Yes,” I say, and a minute later, Donut’s trying to jump the door open when a building maintenance guy knocks on it.
I understand my dog so much right now. I’m bouncing with excitement as I yank open the door. “Thank you,” I say, taking the box.
Once I shut the door, I undo the white satiny bow then carefully unfold the tissue to find a shimmery pink dress with a plunging neckline and a halter top tie. It’s stunning, and I’ve never had anything like it before.
Gingerly, I pull it out, hold it up against me, and peer in the mirror. My heart gallops. “Wow.”
I’m amazed at the dress but also the gift. The care in choosing it. The way I’m sure it’ll fit. How they’ve once again solved a problem for me.
When I set down the dress in the box, I spot a card in the tissue paper. I open it. Pink is your color.
