Page 73 of Puck Me Secretly

“To have yourback.”

This conversation was confusing me. “You don’t have to protect me! I can handle myself.”

“Rory, why is this such a big deal?”

“Because I don’t want to be different.”

“You are different.”

“What does that mean?”

He thought about his answer. “You’re not good in fist fights, so we watch over you. That’s the difference.”

“Max! There you are! Max!” A high-pitched female voice pierced the air.

We both lifted our heads.

Katrina was on the next level and she waved as she worked her way down the stairs towards us.

“I wish I belonged here,” sadness tinged my voice.

“You do.” He held my gaze.

Katrina ruined the moment as she rushed up to us.

“Max, I’ve been searching all over for you!”

“Katrina.”

Katrina stared down her nose at me. I knew she wanted me to leave, but for that reason alone, I stood my ground.

She tossed her head. “So, as you know, the Autumn Ashford Gala is coming up and your attendance is mandatory.”

Max didn’t answer.

She reached out and put her hand on his forearm. “I know you don’t love these events, so I thought we could make it a work event. I could go as your date and help you navigate the gala. You know, introduce you to the right people, that kind of thing.”

Max winced. “You don’t have to do that.”

Her laughter echoed through the corridor. “Nonsense. I’ve reserved us two seats at one of the best tables.”

I almost admired her for how she so effectively backed Max into a corner.

“Which table is that?” I joined the conversation.

She beamed up at Max. “It's the hockey royalty table. Rory and her plus one will be seated there."

What the hell? I hadn’t been planning on bringing a date. “You must be mistaken. I haven’t bought tickets for this event.”

Her singsong voice grated on my nerves. “I ran into your mother. She said you had a hot date lined up, and she was picking up your tickets for you.”

Ohshit. Mom was matchmaking again. She had told me that her friends had lots of nice sons who were worthy of dating me, but I had laughed her off. It appears she had taken that as a concession for her to proceed.

Max’s eyes zeroed in on my face. “Sure, Katrina. I’ll attend with you.”

He might as well have sucker punched me. Excusefuckingme? I never thought he’d agree to go with her. I felt myself flush hot.

He held my gaze for a moment longer than necessary.

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