Page 64 of The Breakaway

“Why? Why can’t we be friends? I don’t get it. I—” Another bump, and I was latched onto him like a baby sloth.

My breath came in staccato bursts, my heart punching a hole in my ribs as I waited for Rob’s answer. He didn’t say a word, and I smacked his leg in frustration. “Rob Thompson, I swear?—”

We careened sideways, and I toppled down the hill, tangled up with Rob, until we jolted to a stop. My back sank deep in the snow because I was heavier than usual. I opened my eyes and saw the reason why.

Rob stared back at me, his nose inches from mine. “Are you okay?” I nodded, struggling to draw a full breath. Rob shifted, starting to roll off me, but I grabbed on.

“Give me an answer, Rob.” I was suddenly desperate. I was teetering on the edge of a cliff, and I was either going to take a step back or topple off, but I couldn’t stand on the precipice like that a second longer.

“You already asked for answers. For Christmas.”

I rolled my eyes. “Oneanswer, and this one is more important.”

His chest rose and fell against mine, and his exhale warmed my cheek. “Then I’ll add it to the list.”

My eyes narrowed. “Just tell me.”

Rob’s eyes dropped to my mouth, and my heart stuttered. “Christmas. I’ll give you your answers then.”

I groaned in exasperation. “This is so stupid! Why won’t you just say it? Is it that bad? If I did something terrible, I’d like to know!” The cold from the snow seeped into my back even with my coat on. My jeans were already damp.

“Don’t be a brat. I don’t have to give you exactly what you want.”

I gaped at him. “You think this is exactly what I want?”

He pushed himself off me and kneeled, straddling my waist. When he spoke, his voice was rough. “Obviously not.”

Chapter

Twenty-Two

The Outlaws wonboth games on Saturday, which meant they were heading to the championship Sunday afternoon. As fantastic as that was, it threw a wrench into our party plans. None of the players were allowed out past eight, per their coach’s rules. When I tried to convince Maddie to see if she had any sway with her stepbrother, her cheeks had flushed so pink, I wondered if she could give Rudolph a run for his money.

As we strolled across campus, Crystal turned to us with a mischievous grin. "Sooo, my roomie's having this epic bash at a friend’s place off campus. And I may have heard through the grapevine that a certain Outlaw or two might make an appearance?—”

“What? Hockey players breaking their coach’s rules?” Maddie feigned shock and awe.

Maddie pursed her lips, considering. "What kind of party? Is this going to be “everyone’s having sex on the available surfaces” or actual fun?"

Crystal laughed. "Only one way to find out." She turned to me, her eyes hopeful.

"Alright, alright, I’ll go to your sex party."

Crystal let out a whoop and dragged us off to her place to get ready. We raided her closet, swapping outfits and giggling like schoolgirls.

"Oh hey, I meant to ask," I said, touching up my lipgloss. "What's the deal with you and number twelve?"

"Ooh, yeah!" Maddie perked up. "You were all up in that cafeteria tray."

Crystal ducked her head, fighting back a smile. "His name's Jake.”

“Jaaake,” Maddie said seductively, and Crystal laughed. “Let me guess, he’s going to be at this party?”

Crystal shrugged. “I may have told him about it.”

Ah. So that’s what this is about. She needed wingwomen.

Maddie clicked her tongue. “I’m all in as long as I don’t see your thong.”

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