Page 42 of Robbin’ the Rich

I crossed my arms.

She winced. "Don’t tell Van."

I looked back and saw Van looking over at us.

"I'm not even drinking!" Ariel leaned forward slightly and gave me a sheepish smile. The kind specifically designed to get away with things. "Keep my secret?"

God help me. The kid was impossible.

I sighed dramatically. "You're lucky I like you."

Ariel grinned. "I knew it."

"You should not have that much confidence."

"Too late."

I shook my head while she laughed and returned to her friends.

Back at our table, Belle slid a basket of fries toward me. "Who is that? I’ve seen her around a lot lately."

"Her name’s Ariel. She’s been coming to the open skates, I think she wants to join."

"Is she any good? I feel so out of the loop after that stupid injury."

“Stupid injury that landed you a handsome, growly, rich guy,” Zella said.

Belle just shrugged and ate another fry.

"She was asking for a job at the rink,” Mel said. “I hired her part time. I’d love to give her more hours, but that’s all I got."

“If she needs any more help I can always use more cleaners, since I’m a businesswoman now,” Belle added.

I smiled at both of them; I couldn’t help it. I had the best friends. I opened my mouth to argue when my phone buzzed. And every woman at the table looked down at the device like moths to a flame.

Traitors.

Micah: How was practice?

My stupid heart did a stupid little thing. It was annoying.

Robin: I survived. Meanwhile Belle remains a public safety concern

His response was swift.

Micah: glad to hear she’s staying consistent

A smile tugged at my mouth before I could stop it, which only made things worse.

"Oh no," Belle said.

I looked up. The entire table was staring.

"What?"

"You're smiling at your phone."

"I smile all the time."