Page 57 of Snowflakes and Ice Skates

“I’ve got some work to do for tomorrow. Maybe next time.” I gave a small wave and skirted out of the room. I didn’t wait for them to catch up at the elevators by taking the stairs. Maybe it was immature, but I wanted to avoid any additional awkward situations.

It worked. For a few minutes. Unfortunately, I didn’t think about running into anyone at the garage level. It wasn’t Lance, thankfully, but it was Reese and Erik. They were terrible together. I wouldn’t say they were bullies, more like big brothers that enjoyed teasing me relentlessly.

“Jessie!” Erik called as they stepped away from Reese’s car.

I loathed that nickname and they knew that, but it didn’t stop them from using it.

“Chloe’s brother,” I nodded in acknowledgment and continued to my SUV parked down the row.

“I told you that doesn’t bother me,” he lied. I knew it drove him crazy. He was the famous twin and didn’t like even a moment without the spotlight.

I glanced at Reese and offered a too-sweet smile. “Chloe’s son’s father.”

He narrowed his eyes but chuckled. “I’m not even the husband anymore?”

I raised a brow and continued walking.

“You’re not coming to dinner? I heard Lance was going to invite you,” Eric called once I was a few steps away.

I bit the inside of my cheek and sighed before turning. “I can’t. Maybe next time.”

“Next time he isn’t there?” Reese added, and when I didn’t contradict him, they both started laughing.

“Poor guy can’t take a hint, can he?” Erik said.

“You’re breaking his heart.”

I scoffed but didn’t acknowledge them again. I almost felt bad that Lance’s teammates were aware of my rejection but not enough to change my mind and go with them. I couldn’t see an outcome that didn’t end with at least one of us hurt, and I didn’t want that to happen even if it made me the bad guy.

Two

Lance

I shouldn’t have come. I realized that about two seconds after sitting down.

“Solo again?” Erik asked with a smile I didn’t trust.

Madi, his wife, elbowed him in the side but didn’t say anything. I knew they spoke about me behind my back and in front of it. It wasn’t like I made much of an effort to hide my efforts to get Jessica to go out with me. Why try? The guys on the team, and the Pride, were notorious for sniffing out crushes and potential romances like bloodhounds. I figured if I was open about it, then they couldn’t mock me.

I was wrong. They could laugh and tease and make comments with pleasant, friendly smiles because it wasn’t a secret.

“Yup.” I picked up the menu and held it up to block my view of the table.

“Be nice, you guys. I have a feeling she’ll cave soon,” Dani added. She’d been saying that for weeks, so I no longer believed her. At first, it gave me hope and I doubled my efforts to get Jess to agree to just one cup of coffee. But after a solid week of rejection, I stopped listening to Dani. She might be Jessica’s closest friend, but she was also too polite to hit me with the truth.

“Why don’t you move on? There are plenty of other women that would love the chance to date you,” Reese said, without a hint of mockery.

I lowered the menu and narrowed my eyes at him, waiting for the punchline.

His brows rose. “What? I’m being honest.”

I sat the menu down on the table and relaxed my shoulders. “Because I really like Jess. If I just wanted someone to hang out with, then yeah, it would be easy to find a willing woman, but that’s not it.”

Jake leaned forward, “I think you’re trying a little too hard though.”

“I was just trying to be nice,” I argued. Well, at the beginning that was my only intention. I saw her around the front office and obviously was attracted to her. She’s gorgeous. All curves and sass. Her shiny chestnut hair and warm smile. Who wouldn’t want to go on a date with her?

“That would fly a year ago, but now? You’re blatantly pursuing her,” Jake pointed out.