Page 15 of The Love Comeback
“How come you didn’t marry Kade? He’s super cool.”
My smile falters as I push open the door for him. “It just didn’t work out.”
And he didn’t want to marry me.
Chapter Six
Kade
“You’ll find someone. You’ve just got to put yourself out there more.”
My brother’s words echo in my mind as my foot taps nervously on the floor. My eyes are glued on the front door. Maybe I should’ve picked a better place for me to meet up with Mallory’s friend than The Wedge. Maybe I should’ve gone upscale, or even rented out a club or something, but honestly…
I just want a normal date at my favorite place.
Plus, it’s close to the rink, so I knew I could make it here on time after my skating lessons with Colton.
But everything starts to fall apart the moment I see a brunette step through the door in a black bodycon dress and strappy stilettos.
Oh shoot.I can’t be sure it’s my date, but the way she looks at me when she sees me tells me everything I need to know.It’s her.
And she isnothappy about the place I picked.
I give my date a small wave, trying to swallow the nerves as the overdressed model struts to the red pleather booth. Her perfectly manicured eyebrows furrow as she eyes the casual setting, and I can practically see judgment oozing out of every pore.
“Hi, I’m Kade.” My voice comes out stilted, and she looks at me like I’m insane.
“Zena,” she says promptly, not even bothering to smile as she curls her lip up at the booth seat. It has a tear right down center, and her brown eyes laser focus on it. She hesitates, hovering like it might stain her expensive-looking dress.
“I can put my jacket down,” I say quickly, grabbing the leather coat from beside me and half-standing to toss it over the seat.
She stays silent for a minute, but then slowly eases into the seat. “Thank you.” She flips her dark waves over her exposed shoulders, eyeing me. “So … you’re Nate’s twin brother.”
“Yep, that’s me.” I shift in my seat, trying to regain a bit of confidence. “You’re Mallory’s friend, right?”
She gives me a funny look. “Um, yeah. Obviously.”
I swallow hard, taking in her striking features. She has a lot of makeup on, and it’s clear she put a ton of effort into her appearance. She looks great, but … she’s not really my type.
What is my type?
Ella.
“What can I get you two?” The waiter cuts through the awkwardness to take our order, and now I’mreallyglad I didn’t opt-in to the buffet.
I order a regular meat lovers and a chocolate malt. After a solid five minutes, Zena decides on a veggie pizza with no sauce. She makes the waiter go back and ask to see if they have wine.
Lucky—or maybe not so lucky—for me, they have wine.
Zena lets out a sigh. “So, hockey?”
“Yeah.” I nod. “Hockey. I’m the goalie for the Glaciers.”
“Hmm.” She purses her burgundy lips together. “I’ve never been to a hockey game. Or watched one.”
“Well, maybe you should come to one of my games?” I offer it up carefully, not sure how this woman will respond.
“Maybe. I take it you make good money, though?” She leans back against the booth, her shoulders drooping slightly.
