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She flips me off and I laugh harder. “There’s my feisty girl.”
We get dressed and join everyone for supper. The longer we sit there, the more I’m throwing myself back into the box of denial. Or at least trying to, because every time my eyes meet with Lilly’s across the table, I can’t stop thinking about how I was so damn close to kissing her.
“Lilly,” Rain says. “I got a call from Mike, the rec center director. He said they’re looking for some skate instructors this year. The ones they had last year have all graduated and moved away. I said I’d ask you and see if you're interested.”
The smile that lights up Lilly’s face makes my heart thump harder. Fuck me.
“I’d love to! Oh, that would be so much fun.”
“Awesome. I’ll call him back and let him know. It starts next week, Sunday nights from six to seven. It would be right after dinner, is that alright?”
“Yup, works for me.”
“Also, if you know anyone else who might want to volunteer, let me know.”
“I’ll do it,” I say before I can stop myself.
Lilly and Rain’s eyes turn to me. “You will?” Lilly asks.
I shrug. “I have Sundays free. And who better to teach kids to skate than a hockey player? Plus, we can ride together, I’ll drive.” I wink.
Okay, so maybe I’m looking for an excuse to spend more time with Lilly, sue me. With school and hockey, it’s not as easy as I thought it would be.
“Good point. Thanks, Bishop.”
“You should see if Toby would be up for it,” Ellie suggests.
The smile on Lilly’s face drops. “Oh, ah... I don’t know if this would be his thing,” she stammers, moving her food around while keeping her eyes cast down to her plate.
“Wouldn’t hurt to ask. If Bishop is willing, maybe he will be too.” Ellie keeps going, not picking up on her daughter's body language. But I see the way Rain is watching her. I have a feeling that the fiery redhead knows more than Lilly’s other parents.
“Maybe.”
Once supper is finished, it’s time for us to head back to school, but Bennett wants to show her something he made for school before we leave, so I wait downstairs outside by the front door.
“Hey.” I look over and see Rain stepping outside.
“Hey.” I give her a friendly smile.
“So....” She gives me a look. I swallow hard. Not going to lie, she kind of scares me sometimes.
“So?”
“I saw you two in the pool, you know,” she states, crossing her arms as she raises a brow.
My stomach drops. “It wasn’t what it looked like.”
She snorts a laugh. “Don’t treat me like I’m stupid, boy. Look, that girl is my whole world, alongside her brothers, of course. I love Toby like he’s mine, but sometimes I want to slap that boy. All I’m saying is my baby girl has had enough heartache to last her a lifetime as it is, don’t add to it.”
My eyes widen. “I wouldn’t.”
“Really? Because what I saw out there... that has the potential for heartache if you're not careful. Don’t start something with her if you can’t follow through. Don’t lead her on. Don’t crush her. Or her dads and I will be the ones to crush you.” I can tell she means every word too.
“I...” My eyes flick to the door and back to hers. “I don’t think she feels the same way.”
“I think Lilly is stuck in a place where she doesn’t know what to feel and who she's allowed to feel it for. But if she has the chance to get out of that isolated tower she put herself in, I want that for her. So, if you manage to bring her down from it, don’t be the reason she goes back up, if you know what I mean.”
“I think?” I blink at her. “Okay, dumb jock here. Are you okay with her feelings for Toby?” I ask and she nods. “And you would be alright if something happened between us?” She nods again. Interesting. “What if it’s all three of us?” She shrugs. “And if we add another–”
