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I can’t believe I almost kissed my assistant. In front of her family, no less.
What the hell was I thinking? I wasn’t. That’s the problem.
“You need to be more careful where you’re going next time,” I scold Presley like a total jackass, but I desperately need to put some distance between us before I do anything else reckless.
Her demeanor abruptly shifts from carefree to seething with anger.
“Geez, you don’t have to be such a jerk.” She scrambles to get up, shoving me back when I try to help. She storms off toward her mom, leaving me alone on the ice.
I scoot to the wall, grabbing the side, wobbling as I try to stand. I’m like a newborn calf trying to find my footing, keenly aware of everyone watching me.
I’m contemplating if it’s possible to get off this rink without making a bigger fool of myself when Lola glides toward me like it’s the easiest thing in the world.
“Want some help?” she chirps.
“Uh, sure. Thanks, kid.” I hesitantly accept her small, outstretched hand and let her guide me to the exit.
“Daddy says you’re Aunt Presley’s boyfriend. Is that true?”
“Uh, yeah.”
“She doesn’t seem very happy. Did you make her mad?”
“Yeah. I said something I shouldn’t have and hurt her feelings,” I admit.
“Oh boy.” She gives me a disapproving look. “I yelled at my friend Henry last week because he was playing with my favorite toy, and Daddy made me sit in time-out for five whole minutes. Is Aunt Presley going to make you sit in time-out too?”
I let out a chuckle. “I sure hope not, but I’ll find a way to make it up to her, I promise.”
“You could make her hot chocolate. That’s what Gigi does whenever I’m upset.” Lola’s eyes light up.
“Thanks for the tip.” I’m relieved when my feet are firmly back on solid ground. “I appreciate your help.”
“Just remember,” she says in a hushed tone, “I love Calico Critters, and I know for a fact that Santa isn’t bringing me the panda family for Christmas.”
“Good to know,” I say.
Damn, this kid is persistent. Once Presley and I are back on speaking terms, I’ll have to ask her to take me to the local toy shop so I can see these critters that Lola keeps talking about.
She grins at me before skating away. “Daddy, come skate with me,” she hollers over her shoulder.
“I’m coming, ladybug.” Dylan glares at me as he passes, not even bothering to say so much as hello.
“So you’re the boyfriend, huh?” One of the guys who was next to Dylan approaches me. He’s got shaggy brown hair, hazel eyes, and a jagged scar across his left cheek.
“Yeah, that’s me.”
“I’m Cash, Presley’s favorite brother.” He smirks. “Sounds like Lola’s gotten to you too, huh?”
“Yeah, she’s quite the little smooth talker. What’d she ask you for?” I’m curious if we’re both being duped by a five-year-old.
“A giant giraffe stuffed animal. She says it’ll fit perfectly in the corner of her room and will scare all the monsters away. She even said we could go in on it together,” he says, pointing to his stoic brother standing next to him. “How thoughtful of her, right?” His tone is filled with amusement.
The serious one must be Harrison, Presley’s oldest brother. His arms are folded across his chest, and his face remains in a permanent scowl. He’s taller than his brothers, his black hair styled in a tapered fade, and he has the physique of a hockey player—lean and athletic. I’m used to being the most powerful person in the room, and even I’m intimidated by him.
“Do I know you?” he asks suspiciously.
“Nah, I don’t think so.” I shake my head, not wanting to imagine what he’ll do if he finds out who I really am.
