Page 14 of Pucking Tangled
But a strange new current seemed to brew between them.
She wondered if it was the newness of their current situation. Or the fact that they were suddenly living under the same roof. Or maybe it had something to do with Owen—sweet, steady Owen—who was now part of the equation in a way she hadn’t let herself fully process.
Could Casey feel it too?
“You’re staring,” she said finally.
Casey didn’t flinch, didn’t advert his gaze. “Am I not allowed to look at my best friend?”
“Not like that.”
His lips parted, then closed again. “Like what, Mia?”
She hung the dishrag on the sink and dried her hands before leaning on the opposite counter and crossing her arms over her chest. “Like you’re seeing me for the first time.”
Casey didn’t speak at first.
He continued studying her. His eyes flicked over her face like maybe he was trying to remember every detail.
“I’m trying not to mess everything up,” Casey finally confessed.
“Mess what up?”
“Everything. With you. With Owen.”
Mia raised a brow. “I don’t think you are.”
“God. I hope not. It’s just…” He blew out a breath. “I’ve missed this. Missed having you around all the time. I know we’ve both got our own lives. I’m busy, you’re busy…”
Her heart thumped louder. “Me too,” she whispered. “Text messages and the occasional phone call and random visits weren’t the same.” She smiled sadly.
Casey snorted. “Not at all.”
Silence stretched between them again. And then, as if on cue, Owen popped back into the kitchen and cleared his throat. “Uhm. So, we need you to come settle a bet, Casey.”
His gaze snapped to his boyfriend. “What’s the bet?”
“Luca doesn’t believe that you once kissed a goalie on a dare.”
“Who did you kiss?” Mia asked wide-eyed.
Casey groaned and pinched the bridge of his nose. “It was a long time ago. College. Spring break. He…nevermind.”
“Younevertoldmethat story.”
“I was hoping to take it to my grave.” He glared at his boyfriend.
“Too late,” Owen smirked. “Waylon’s already googling goalie rosters.”
“Well. Sounds like you better go set them straight.”
He gave her a reluctant nod. “You good here?”
“Almost finished. I’m fine. You go.”
Casey lingered, with Owen watching, just long enough to make her wonder if there was something more he wanted to say. Then he turned and jogged toward the living room. “Yes, I kissed a goalie. Worst two seconds of my life. I don’t even remember his name!” he shouted playfully.
Mia put both hands on the counter and took a deep breath.
