Page 81 of Breakout
“I told you I wasn’t spending any more money, so yes. Hayes is my new jersey.” I try to play it nonchalantly.
“Oh, come on. Stop lying to yourself. You have the hots for him,” Cora presses.
“Yeah, you barely hang out anymore, and neither does he. You might think you are being sneaky, but I saw you two the other day at the coffee shop.”
I swallow hard. Have we been being careless?
“So friends can’t get coffee anymore?” I throw back.
“Fair point. If that’s all it is, then we will let it go, but I still think there’s something there. If you aren’t exploring it, you should,” Grace says.
“Ooh, let me write his number on your cheek. You’ll match us.” Cora pulls out her eyeliner.
I act reluctant, but the truth is as soon as I saw them do it, I wanted to have his number, 23, painted on me too. It feels like a claim to him. Something showing he is mine.
“Fine.”
I turn my cheek, my eyes on the ice. When she finishes, she pulls me in.
“Selfie.”
After she takes the photo, my phone dings as she sends it to me.
Opening my phone, I stare at it.
I look like I belong. Like I’m one of them. For the first time in a long time, I’m truly happy.
Shooting the picture to Beckett, I include a kissy face.
He responds almost immediately.
Beck
Looking beautiful. Sure love seeing my number on your skin. Maybe we can tattoo it there.
I snort, replying.
Me
In your dreams. No way is your number being tattooed anywhere on my body, least of all my face.
Beck
A man can hope. Wish me luck. I’ve got to get out to warm-ups.
Me
Good luck. Win it for me, hubby.
When I look up, I find Grace and Cora smiling at me.
“What?”
They shake their heads.
“Nothing. You look good is all. Oh, here come the guys.” Grace says.
I turn toward the ice, my heart racing in my chest. When I see him, I feel like it skips a beat. I don’t even notice anyone else as I keep my eyes glued to him as he searches the stands. I know the moment he sees me. I can feel his eyes lock onto me. Then he smiles big.
