Page 22 of Rush the Edge

Leave my plants out of this.

I want to laugh, but I refuse.

Me

Hurry up. My car is idling.

Daisy-Petal

I don’t need a ride.

My gaze flies toward the other cars in the parking lot. Which one of my idiot teammates decided to offer her a ride home? I’ll slash their fucking tires.

I exhale loudly.For fuck’s sake, chill.

Me

You’re moving into the arena just to get away from me? You shouldn’t have.

Daisy-Petal

That's a good idea.

I’m becoming impatient.

Me

Where are you?

Daisy-Petal

I’m about to turn the corner to Roosevelt St.

Did she…walk? In downtown Chicago? Knowing her, she probably has a trail of men following her, and I don’t mean the good kind in business suits with Rolexes on their wrists.

I drop my phone and shift into drive.

Daisy-Petal

Gotta go. I need to use my map. Thanks for the job that you most definitely assumed I would not take. I’ll see you on the ice, Barlow

My hands grip the steering wheel tightly as I tear out of the parking lot.

Nine

DAISY

I smileto myself as I walk down the busy streets of Chicago. My feet hurt, but I don’t let that deter me. Granted, I won’t be able to walk to and from the arena after working as the mascot, because I’ll likely be too fatigued, but right now? It feels pretty damn good not to rely on Kane.

He didn’t think I’d take the job, but I’ve got news for him: he’s not going to bully me into hating it here. It’s not like I’m going to up and move away just because of his insults and unexpected hatred toward me. I’m here for a reason—many reasons, actually—and none of them have to do with him. Not that he’s privy to that information, but it’s not like I’m here because of him. It’s a total coincidence that my health has led me to the same city he’s residing in.

The job, though…that’s all him.

A slight chill wracks through me from the gust of wind, and I find that ironic considering I was thinking of Kane at the same time. There’s no coincidence there. He’s cold—especially toward me.

“Hey, pretty girl.”

I quickly look to my right and stare into the eyes of a rugged man with a crooked grin. My mouth forms into a half-smile because though I’m not rude, I am leery.

---