Page 74 of Snowflakes and Ice Skates

“You want the press to write about us? You know they’ll start rumors.”

He reached toward me and took my hand. “I don’t care what they do. You’re my . . . date. I’m not going to hide that.”

I wanted to question his hesitation. Was he going to say something else?

“So you’re ready for us to go public? As friends?” Ugh. I just wanted him to tell me what we were. It may have only been a week, but we were more than friends. Right?

“I am if you want to, Jess. I like you. I thought I made that clear.”

We were running out of time. We were less than a block from the valet. If I was going to dodge the cameras, I’d need to make a move now. But he didn’t deny we’re friends. Just friends.

Take a risk, Jess. I could practically hear Dani screaming at me.

“Okay,” I said.

“Okay? You’ll come with me?” He asked, and I nodded.

He brought my hand up to his lips and pressed a kiss to my knuckles. “Thank you.”

I didn’t think it would matter to him, but the smile that took over his face told a different story.

“Ready?” He asked once we were next in line.

“I think so,” I sucked in a breath.

The valets opened our doors, and I stepped out. Lance met me on the passenger side then took my coat and purse and handed them along with his jacket to the waiting attendants. The red carpet was lined with heaters so we could make our way without being cold.

“I’ll make this quick,” he whispered against my hair as he squeezed my hand.

He led us with confidence to the first of the flashing lights. I clung to him, trying not to let how overwhelmed I felt show. He was a pro and answered each question with a smile, never pausing in one spot for more than a few seconds. We were through the entrance within two minutes.

“Thank you,” he said while I surveyed the room.

I met his eyes and smiled. I was glad he asked me. Only a few reporters asked about our relationship, and Lance played it off perfectly. If rumors started, we’d deal with it, but I doubted people would care.

“This looks amazing.” He was scanning the area with a wide smile. “I can’t believe you guys did all this.”

That was the best compliment I could get. All of our work definitely paid off.

“Let’s go enjoy it.” I nodded across the room. “There’s a Philly cheesesteak stand waiting for you.”

His face lit up like a child on Christmas morning, and he tugged me to follow him as he carved a path directly toward the stall.

“This is the best team party ever!” he cried after he took his first bite.

“I agree. We should do this theme every year,” Wyatt, the Fury’s captain, announced.

I smiled at Kendall next to him. “Are you guys having a good time?”

She laughed. “I’ve never seen any of the guys have this much fun. You guys really raised the bar.”

What a relief. This wasn’t a failure. I was pretty confident, but you never really knew until the party was in full swing and you could see people’s reactions.

“I’m so glad.” I laughed as Lance pulled me against his side and draped his arm over my shoulder.

“My girl did good.” His laugh rumbled against my arms. His girl? When did that happen?

Wyatt and Kendall walked away, and I tipped my chin up toward him with my brows raised.