Page 307 of Faking the Goal

"So that's non-negotiable?"

"Completely."

*****

By Sunday afternoon, I must've changed outfits at least four times before finally settling on the one Caroline practically forced me to buy yesterday.

I have to admit, she has good taste.

Instead of my usual bodycon dresses, I'm wearing a soft ivory midi dress with tiny blue flowers embroidered across the fabric. The fitted bodice and flowy skirt make me feel effortlessly feminine, while a pair of nude ballet flats and simple pearl earrings finish the look. It's understated, pretty... and completely different from what I'd normally reach for.

I make my way downstairs, lightly gripping the banister to keep from tripping over my own excitement, and the moment I step into the living room, a whistle echoes through the otherwise quiet hockey house.

"Damn," Conrad says, looking me up and down with an approving grin. "Somebody's ready for her hot date."

A laugh escapes me before I can stop it.

"It's not..." I shake my head, already feeling my cheeks warming. "...Okay, maybe it is."

He chuckles, leaning back against the couch.

"I've never seen you this excited."

"Have not."

"Have too."

I roll my eyes, but the smile refuses to leave my face.

The boys should be back any minute now. Kentaro texted me about half an hour ago when they landed, and I've caught myself glancing out the front window so many times that I've completely lost count. It's honestly kind of ridiculous how nervous I am. We've kissed more times than I can remember, we've slept in the same bed, we've practically lived together these past few weeks, yet somehow the thought of our first real date has my stomach fluttering like this is my very first one.

I smooth my hands over the skirt of my dress before giving Conrad a small twirl.

"So?" I ask, stopping in front of him. "Be honest. Does it look okay?"

He doesn't even pretend to think about it.

"Taylor, you look beautiful."

"You think?"

"I know." He flashes me two thumbs-up. "Your boyfriend is one lucky man."

My smile grows a little wider.

"Thanks."

As I turn toward the front window again, ready to resume what has apparently become my full-time job of waiting for Kentaro to arrive, I catch something different in Conrad's expression.

The smile is still there.

It just doesn't quite reach his eyes anymore.

I turn back toward him.

"Hey..." I tilt my head. "Is everything okay?"

"Yeah."