Page 22 of Only Ever You

“I could keep working with her if I moved to Boston and stayed with my grandparents. They’d be happy to have me.”

His warmth is gone the moment the last word leaves my mouth. He moves away, dropping his arm from my shoulder. I turn, eyes locked on his in an instant.

In the dark, his features are shadowed but still visible. “You’re not serious.”

“It’s just an idea. Mom mentioned it after practice last night.” I give him a small smile. “Nothing is set in stone yet. It’s all talk.”

Eyebrows drawn together, he shakes his head. “I can’t believe you’d even consider it.”

“Michael, I’ve been working since I was five to be where I am now. All the hours I spent on the ice, all the bruises, all the mornings I’ve woken up sore or numb.” I suck in a breath, my hands trembling. “I couldn’t have done it without Elena. So, if I want to continue improving, if I want a chance at the Olympics, I can’t just start working with a new coach now.”

“Why not?” he asks. “Sienna has worked with at least three coaches since she started practicing privately.”

A burning sensation in my chest sends my heart galloping. I puff out my cheeks, trying to control my tone. “No offense, but she’s not even close to my level.”

He blinks and rears back. “Wow. Some friend you are.”

My stomach sinks, but it’s the truth. Plus… “She and I may hang out sometimes, but I wouldn’t say we’re friends.” My shoulders sag. I could never be her friend, but I can’t tell him why.

We’re both crushing on the same boy…on him.

“I don’t understand.” He threads his fingers through his hair. “What about me? What am I going to do without my best friend?”

The tension in my muscles loosens a little, and warmth spreads through my veins. “I’m not moving anywhere yet. And even if I do eventually go to Boston, we can still talk to each other. We can text and FaceTime every day.” I smile gently. “Plus, you have Asher and the guys from the team, all your classmates. You have no shortage of friends.” I lower my gaze to my skirt, surveying the pink floral pattern. “It’s different for me. I might be ‘popular,’” I say, using air quotes, “but that’s only because of who my dad is. And with my busy schedule, it’s hard for me to get involved in anything. I don’t have time to make meaningful connections with my classmates. I know almost nothing about what’s going on unless you mention it. All the parties you go to and dances…I haven’t been to a single one. Not even birthday parties for my classmates. No one invites me.”

Except Cade, but I know better than to bring him up.

“That’s because you come across as unapproachable. You know that, right? To the guys and the girls.”

My heart sinks. “So the ‘Ice Queen’ nickname is because I’m unapproachable? Not because I’m a figure skater?”

Cringing, he threads his fingers through his hair. “I’m sorry. I made sure no one called you that around me. Kinda hoped it’d just…stop. I had no idea you knew about it.”

I blow out a breath, ignoring the pain in my chest. How could I not know? Some of the kids even call me that to my face.

“Unbelievable.” I shake my head and then take his hand in both of mine. “Please don’t be mad at me. All this talk about me moving to Boston is just that—talk. You know how my dad is. He won’t want me to be so far away. And if he says no, then I won’t be going anywhere.”

“I’m not mad at you… I just don’t want to lose my best friend.”

“You won’t lose me. Ever.” I take a deep breath. “And I won’t lose you. True or not true?”

“True.” He wraps his hand around my wrist and pulls me into him, shifting and moving me like I weigh nothing until I’m sitting between his legs with my back settled against his chest. “And we’re going to work on your social status this year. I’ll take you to some parties. They’re usually pretty chill. Definitely something you need to experience at least once.”

“I’ll take your word for it.” I giggle, melting into his embrace. If anything, my crush on him has only grown stronger…and he’s oblivious, like he’s always been. “Your birthday is coming up. Are you excited?”

He grunts. “Uh-huh. You don’t turn sixteen every year.”

“Planning something big for your sweet sixteen?” I tease.

He trails his fingers against my ribs, tickling me, and a burst of laughter escapes my lips. As I try to scoot away from him, he tightens his grip, pressing me closer to his chest.

“My only plan right now is to get my driver’s license.”

“Do you know what kind of car you want?”

“I want a motorcycle. A Ducati, but a Kawasaki would be good too.”

I let out a loud laugh. “Yeah, I can totally see your dad saying no.”