Page 37 of Breaking the Ice

I shrug. “It doesn’t bother me anymore. Frankly, she was right. I was kind of a mess—only into video games, hockey, and parties.”

After that, I pretty much threw myself into those activities. If it was what I was meant for, I might as well go all in. Why bother with more? And I liked it. Until I didn’t.

“I’m so sorry that happened to you, Evan.” Isabella puts her hand on my arm in a comforting gesture, staring up at me with compassion in her gaze.

“Thanks.” Her lips part and I want to kiss her, but I stay strong. “And thanks for thinking that I’m worth more. Part of me wanted you to suggest we date in secret, but you’re right. We’re both better than that.”

I swallow and pull her in for a hug. Do I inhale the strawberry scent of her hair or linger just a little too long? Maybe. But she smiles at me when she steps away, so I don’t think she minds.

“Hey, will you help me study this week?” I ask. “I’m doing better in math but still behind in history. If I can bring that grade up, I should be back on the ice soon.”

Her grin widens. “I can definitely do that. We’ll have you acing that test in no time.”

“I’m not sure about acing, but if I can just pass, that would be a start.”

Isabella laughs. “Don’t sell yourself short.”

“I’m just trying to have reasonable expectations.”

The lighting is dim, but her eyes gleam. “Evan, I’m pretty sure you can do anything you put your mind to.”

I hope it’s dark enough that she can’t see me blush. No one has ever had this much faith in me before.

Mario and Princess Peach stumble by, bumping into her, and I steady her before she falls.

“Thanks,” she says, her voice breathy. She’s in my space now, and she doesn’t step away. I don’t move, either.

So that’s how we’re going to play this, huh? Friends who are flirting with fire. I don’t see how we won’t get burned, but I’m a moth drawn to the flame. I can’t resist this girl, and I don’t want to. We could be great together, I’m convinced. I just need to prove it to her.

Chapter

Sixteen

ISABELLA

Isabella: I’ve got our seats saved!

Vanessa: Thanks! I’m excited!

Ariana: See you soon.

“Let’s hear it for your Harrison Griffins hockey team!” The announcer’s voice echoes throughout the arena and the crowd cheers. The scent of hot dogs and popcorn fill the air, and I sit on my hands to keep them warm. It makes sense, but hockey arenas are cold. A rush of pride fills my chest as the players take the ice.

Pride? That’s new. I’ve been to a thousand games as the coach’s daughter, but this is only the second one as a Harrison student. My mom forced me to the home opener to be supportive, but this time I’m here voluntarily, wearing a jersey and everything. Maybe I have school spirit. Who knew?

Or maybe after hanging out with Evan and his friends at the hockey Halloween party, it hits different when I watch them skate around and warm up. I helped them with their hockey clinic a few weeks ago. Hell, if it wasn’t for me, Evan might not even be out there. I’m a part of this. I never planned on it, but I don’t hate it.

A hot emotion floods my veins when I spot his name and number on the back of his jersey. It’s not pride, anymore, not exactly. Or it is, but it’s mixed with something else. Something like lust and affection.

Uh-oh. That is still not how I’m supposed to be feeling. We’re just friends, because he’s one of my dad’s players, remember?

Not to mention the way he plays the field. Although when I’m with him, I never see him glance at other girls.

Besides, I’m allowed to be proud because I know how hard he’s worked to get here. Yeah, focus on that. He’s brought up his grades in Elementary Math and US History and fought his way back on the ice. My affection is just, um, because I’m his tutor. Yep. It’s what any teacher would feel for a student. Totally normal.

For good measure, I focus on my dad for a second, hovering behind the bench with a clipboard and a scowl. You’re building a bridge, I remind myself. That’s why you’re here.

“Hey, Isabella!” Ariana waves at me from the aisle, a blessed distraction from my runaway thoughts. I invited her and Vanessa to join me at the game tonight because I’ve missed spending time with them after the play ended. I still see them in vocal pedagogy, but it’s not the same.