Page 30 of Only Ever You

Since that night, I’ve been telling myself Isla doesn’t know about it. She wasn’t there, and I can’t see anyone telling her. Sienna definitely wouldn’t. Why would she? It wasn’t even a real kiss, and she didn’t look thrilled about the way I turned my head before she made contact.

But why else would my best friend be avoiding me? Why won’t she look at me? Did I do something wrong? Say something stupid? Miss something important?

She’s never hidden her feelings from me before. She’s always been an open book. This not knowing is torture.

Then, there are the implications that come with that stupid dare-kiss. Did I mess everything up by not rejecting Sienna? Am I still allowed to want our pact kiss?

I don’t have a clue. I want it, I do, but that doesn’t mean I deserve it.

“You’re stalking her?” Turner’s voice breaks through my thoughts.

Annoyance surging through me, I turn.

He’s already in his gear, helmet tucked under his arm and a stick in his other hand, smirking at me.

“Shouldn’t you be stretching?” I ask.

He shrugs. “Eh. I’d rather watch what’s going on out there.”

“She’s practicing. Don’t be a creep.”

“Look who’s talking.” He barks out a laugh. “But honestly, she’s great, on and off the ice. She’s been helping me with my essay, and damn, even her brain is brilliant.”

I clench my teeth, making my jaw ache. “Didn’t know you were into being a girl’s charity case.”

“Think whatever you want. I don’t really care about your opinion.”

Before I can snap back, the music stops, and I whip around. Isla is skating toward the boards now, pushing the loose hairs at her temples away from her face.

Her chest rises and falls as she grips the boards, listening to Elena. Then, her coach pats her arm and walks toward another girl who’s lacing up her skates.

Isla turns, headed for the opening that’ll lead her off the ice—but she halts in her tracks when she notices Turner and me.

My heart lifts, hoping for a smile. Instead, all I get is a polite nod as she steps off the ice.

“Hey,” I say hoarsely.

“You were amazing out there,” Turner adds.

She holds my gaze for a moment and then shifts her attention to him. The smile that blooms on her face when they make eye contact is like a dagger to the heart.

“Thank you, Cade.”

“Of course. You deserve all the praise in the world.”

“And now you’re being a kiss-ass.” Her giggles are light and melodic, but they land like sucker punches because he’s the one making her laugh. “I better go. Mom’s waiting for me.”

“See you tomorrow,” he calls as she heads toward the locker room.

Without looking back, she lifts her hand and waves.

Once the door to the locker room shuts behind her, Turner turns to face me. He’s wearing a shit-eating grin. “I don’t know about you, Thompson, but I don’t think Coach’ll be happy when he sees you’re still in your clothes.”

Dammit.

“Thanks for your concern.” I push past him, bumping my shoulder into his. “I’m touched.”

“It’s not concern. I don’t want practice to go to shit because our star player is too busy being a stalker to get changed and stretch.”