Page 47 of Snow, Ice, and Spice
Rod stands there with his mouth open but says nothing.
“Good chatting with you, Rod. Now if you’ll excuse me, I’d like to watch the rest of the game.”
I don’t wait for him to respond before I walk off and head for my seat. I sit back down next to Maya and watch the rest of the game, feeling like I won even though I’m not even on the ice.
Chapter17
Maya
Itake a sip of my drink and glance over at Theo. His eyes are glued to the game, captivated by the action on the ice.
I turn back to the game, feeling the tiniest bit silly. Last night he acted so weird when he insisted he come with me, and for a while, I thought it was because he was jealous that Xander invited me.
But now I realize I was totally off. It probably had more to do with him being nervous about watching his team play without him. But clearly, he’s cool with it.
A weird embarrassed feeling hits me. After overhearing Theo’s and Xander’s conversation yesterday at the arena, I should know better than to think that Theo would be jealous of anything I do. He made it clear that he doesn’t see me as anything more than a friend.
I let that feeling fade and focus on this moment. I’m here having a great time with Theo. I should be happy that we’re able to hang out as friends after all that time I spent loathing him.
The game wraps up with the Bashers winning one to zero. While Theo and I finish our drinks, my phone beeps with a text alert.
Xander: Hey, gorgeous. You still in the club lounge?
Me: Yup! Thanks again, it was really cool to watch the game from here.
Xander: No problem ;) I’m going to get cleaned up, do you want to grab a drink with me with I’m done?
I glance up at Theo. “Do you mind if I grab a drink with Xander when he finishes up here?”
His eyebrows furrow, turning the easy expression on his face stern. “I’ll come with you.”
“Oh. You don’t have to.”
“I’m your ride. It makes sense for me to come along since I’m going to take you home.”
I’m surprised at how insistent he’s being. “It’s really fine. I’m sure Xander won’t mind giving me a ride back to Ingrid’s place.”
Theo’s shaking his head even before I finish my sentence. And that’s when I notice: the flash in his eyes, the bulge in his jaw as he bites down, how he’s pursing his lips like he’s tasting something bitter.
He’s jealous. He doesn’t like the thought of me hanging out with Xander alone.
I let that thought tumble around in my head as I take a long sip of my drink. I guess I wasn’t totally off after all.
* * *
An hour later, Xander, Theo, and I are sitting in a ratty vinyl booth at a random bar a few blocks down from the arena. I’m seated between them picking at a basket of fries, trying to ignore Theo as he death-glares Xander while he smiles and chats with me.
“So. How was the game from the club lounge?” Xander asks. He half-smiles as he pushes back his damp chestnut hair that’s fallen over his forehead.
“It was great. I didn’t realize hockey arenas could have such luxurious seats,” I say.
Xander laughs. His hazel eyes flick to Theo. I notice Xander’s smile falters a bit.
Xander clears his throat. “You sure you don’t want a beer, man?”
“Nope,” Theo mumbles.
“Come on, live a little. Just one beer.”
