For a second, I think Blake is going to dig deeper but he doesn’t. He just throws me another crooked smile. “I’m happy I got a chance to see you again, you come here often?” he asks and cringes immediately after.
“To men’s hockey practices? Or to nearly empty parking lots?” I chuckle, and then slide my phone back into my bag, steadying my shaking hand as I play with the bags cold metal strap.
“Both?” He scratches the back of his neck; the tip of his ears burns bright pink as he looks at his feet.
Cute.
Wait…no.
Not cute.
Absolutelynotcute.
“No, I like to stay away from serial killers, you know?”
“Oh, definitely, you can never be too careful.”
I can see him scratch the back of his neck again from my peripheral, a small smile tugs at my lips before I quickly drop it. The air around us is thick with awkwardness as he and I stand in front of one another not saying a word.
But what am I supposed to say?Wow, Blake, I didn’t know you played for my dad. Or, you have an excellent tongue…maybe the best I’ve ever experienced. No, neither of those sentences will be coming from my mouth. I shift my weight onto my other leg uncomfortably.
Blake does an awkward cough before looking back up at me, his eyes lock with mine, and my stomach drops for only a moment as we stare at each other.
“About the party, I—”
“CJ! Wait up!” Jace’s loud yell breaks through whatever held Blake and me in our staring contest, and I sigh as I let out the breath of air I’d been holding in.
Jace furrows his eyebrows at Blake as he approaches. Blake rolls his eyes as Jace throws an arm around my shoulders, pulling me into his side.
“Yes, sir?” I peer up at Jace as he groans.
“Oh, c’mon mama, don’t call me that, you know what it does to me.” Jace smirks looking down at me, I gag as he proceeds to give me “fuck me” eyes and laugh when his façade fades. “You’re no good for a man’s ego.” He sighs looking down at me for a split second then back up at Blake.
Both Jace and Blake are about 6’4”, with the same muscular build, though I’d say that Jace was slightly leaner than Blake.
“Sir, what do you want? I have to call for my ride or else I’m going to be standing out here all day.”
“Uber? Baby doll, you’re coming with us.”
“With us? Who isus?” Looking around, I note that the lot is empty save for us three.
“Us… the guys…” He rocks on his heels, looking to Blake for help.
“Didn’t your car break down?” The words spill out of me before I can stop them, and I mentally slap myself for it.
Good going, CJ.
Blake’s cheeks and the tip of his ears redden as he looks everywhere but me while Jace dies of laughter.
“Then we’ll all take an Uber with you. I’m not letting you out of my sight now that you’re back in itandI have questions for you, missy.” Jace’s voice is stern as he looks down at me, booping my nose. I scrunch it immediately and roll my eyes; I’d rather drown on the Titanic than answer any of his questions.
“I can get to my apartment on my own.” I sigh just as Jace’s eyes brighten.
“Your apartment?! Do you live here? Why are you holding out on me, Cleo? You got a roommate? Is she hot?” He’s practically buzzing beside me.
“Sheis Georgia.” I laugh, feeling him stiffen around me.
“Gross.” He grimaces.
