Page 42 of Rule 2: Never Join a Christmas Dating Show
“Not with you?”
This time Oskar actually frowns. “I’ll be staying with my dad. I, um, didn’t think any of the other players would want to share with their coach...”
“You’re right...” Luke says quickly. “Sorry. I-I just assumed.”
“Is everything okay?” Oskar’s eyes round. “I think there’s a motel near here. I could check if they have space.”
I stare at the carpeted floor. My whole body droops. My heart pounds. I’ve heard this conversation before. I’ve been unwanted before. I didn’t think it would happen...now.
Luke picks up all the bags. “Come, Sebastian. Let’s find our room.”
I dart my gaze to him, confused, and he smiles back at me, but everything is still off.
“Cool. I’ll leave you to it.” Oskar wanders away, heading to give other keys to other players.
I follow Luke. “I-I can carry my things.”
“I know you can,” Luke says lightly, as if he didn’t just try to get me to room with Oskar. “But you don’t need to with me here.”
I frown, but he marches to the elevator, then hits the button with his elbow. The elevator pings, and a few of the guys rush toward it. I move closer to Luke. More guys enter, and I press against the wall, trying not to touch Luke as the elevator zooms up.
Luke slides his gaze at me. His nostrils flare, and his face is stony. I hurry to our room once the elevator lands on our floor.
I want to tuck myself under the covers and pretend he doesn’t look angry, doesn’t look like he despises me. I want to sleep and pretend this evening didn’t happen, and the day ended after Luke’s hockey win, and I could pretend if we had to share rooms, it wouldn’t matter to him.
I fiddle with the plastic card, but my fingers tremble.
He frowns. “Are you cold?”
Thankfully, the key pod flashes green, and I hold the door open for Luke. “After you.”
Luke frowns, as if he wants to carry all my stuff, all his stuff,andhold the door open for me, but he gives a curt nod, then enters the room.
I follow after him, my heart pounding. This will be fine. I’ll go to bed, and we’ll pretend in the morning we never had to do this.
But this is nothing like last night’s suite.
This is the same hotel, but the hallway is narrower, the carpet worn, the luxurious wallpaper replaced with plain paint.
A thought occurs to me, and my steps falter. Surely not...
But then I see it: one bed. One queen bed.
CHAPTER SEVENTEEN
Sebastian
Luke puts the bags down, his gaze also on the bed.
I close my eyes. He didn’t even want to share a room with me. And now he has to share a bed with me?
“Maybe I can see if there are rooms at that motel, after all,” I say. “Don’t worry. I’ll—I’ll take care of it.”
I inch backward, then my shoulders hit the wall. God, this room is tiny. My insides sliver together, molding in new and unconventional ways.
Luke frowns. “The weather is bad, Sebastian. You shouldn’t go anywhere.”
“But—” I stare at the bed again.
