Page 66 of Pucking Off-Sides With My Brother's Best Friend

“So, tell Auntie Kat all about it.”

I chuckle and shake my head. “Ugh, fine. But it really isn’t a big deal.” I take a deep breath as Katarina waits eagerly. “So, you know how Turner showed up here a few days ago?”

Katarina nods. “I still can’t believe his ass showed up. I mean, what did he think would happen; you would say yes and go galloping into his noodle arms? Absolutely not.”

She huffs and fakes like she’s flexing, making me laugh again. “I so wish I could have been there to see you drop his ass. I’m so proud you had it in you.”

I shake my head but can’t help but smile.

“I didn’t drop him—I mean, he didn’t fall or anything. Truthfully, it probably hurt my hand more than it hurt his face. I’d never actually thrown a real punch before.”

“But still, the bastard deserved it. I bet the boys were impressed.”

I shake my head, trying to dislodge thoughts of Turner. That’s ancient history. But as I look at Katarina’s knowing smirk, I realize I’m about to make some very recent history public knowledge. My heart races like I’m watching the final seconds of a tied game.

My cheeks heat as I remember the way Aiden’s mouth parted as he looked at me. I’m not sure if it was the punch that had him impressed or the way someone, namingly me, went to bat for him. In his words, ‘for the first time ever.’

“They were,” I confirm, nodding with a grin. “Jax even joked that I should join them on the ice when a fight breaks out.”

Katarina laughs. “I would pay big money to see you don a hockey uniform and get out on the ice.”

“That’s because you’ are a sadist,” I giggle. Me on the ice would not be a thing of beauty. I don’t have the kind of coordination that’s needed to keep me from busting my butt.

“Anyway. So, Turner left, and Jax sort of…got Aiden to admit that he liked me.”

I’m expecting Katarina to say something in her normal smartass tone like ‘No fucking way’ or even ‘That’s so weird,’ but she says nothing.

The quiet isn’t what I’m expecting. She just sits there looking at me like she’s expecting me to say more, but I don’t have anything else. That’s it, as unbelievable as it is.

“Really, Kat? Say something.”

“I’m just trying to figure out what the surprising thing is supposed to be,” she replies. “Anyone who was ever around you guys can see that Aiden likes you.”

“What?” I ask, my voice going slightly shrill. “No, they can’t. I mean, I thought he barely tolerated me until he kissed me.”

I slap my hand over my mouth, but it’s too late. When Katarina’s eyes widen, I know there’s no way I’m going to get away without talking about this.

“Hold up,” she says, leaning toward me. “You and Aiden kissed? How many times?” I shrug, trying to pretend I feel nonchalant about the whole thing even though I’m freaking out on the inside. It’s not like I never thought we would talk about this, but the feelings surrounding it are still so fresh. I haven’t even had time to talk to Jax or Aiden about it again before they left for their away game.

“A few,” I admit. “I don’t know why this is such a surprise. You already knew he was the one I lost my virginity to.”

“Yes, but I thought that was a one-off, not a pattern of behavior. Oh my God. This is so exciting!” I frown, not understanding what’s so exciting about it.

“Why? It’s not like we’re together or anything.”

“Yeah, but you could be,” Katarina persists. “I mean, he likes you, you like him. If you’re already kissing, then your relationship is halfway there.” It’s like a record scratches to a stop in my brain.

What the hell is she talking about? I didn’t say anything about liking Aiden.

“I mean, sure, he’s a good guy when he’s not being all growly and annoying. And when he opens up, the vulnerable side of him is attractive, but that doesn’t mean I like him as more than anything other than a good friend.”

“Please tell me you told him you liked him back.”

I frown. “Of course, I didn’t,” I reply.

Katarina pauses, her expression making me tense. She’s never thrown this look at me before, and I’m not totally sure what it means.

“Aurora, I love you like the sister I never had, so forgive me when I say you are as blind as you are pretty.”

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