Page 74 of Don't Puck His Best Friend
“So, you know when I left coffee on your hood?”
I nod.
“He caught me.”
I almost chuckle, imagining it.
“He knew I was choosing you… he said that if I change my mind, he would…”
I stare blankly at her, imagining Liam putting himself on the line for this girl. I exhale. Wow.
She quickly catches herself. “I told him that I was sorry I let it drag on and that I don’t want to be with him.”
“You said that?”
“Not those exact words, but he knows. He knew at the team dinner, which is why he was upset.”
“Do you want to see where it goes with him?” I ask because I have to know.
Her breath catches, and her brows furrow. “No.” She shakes her head. “No, I already know.”
“You do?”
She nods. “Yeah. He’s impulsive and doesn’t communicate. When I was with him, I felt alone.” She shakes her head, hugging herself. “Truth is, I wasn’t looking for a boyfriend. Maddie had other ideas… clearly… Then I met you and you were so sweet and polite. Honestly, the contrast is like night and day. I was hooking up with him, not knowing where I stood with him, and then I met you, and suddenly I realized,wow, this is the kind of man I want to be with. You and I were instantly friends. I felt comfortable with you. Coming over to play that board game was the most fun I’ve had in so long. I––I… I’m really cold, Cole. Do you want to talk at my place?”
I drop my bag and take off my hoodie. As I put it on her, I say, “If you want me, it’s me. All in. No him. No half measures. No hiding anything from me. You don’t even have to choose either of us. You can just forget about him and me and move on.”
I pause, letting that sink in.
“No, Cole—” She shakes her head. “No, I don’t want that. I want you.”
I look at her lips that are turning purple. “You should get in the car.”
“Cole––”
“I need time. Have a good night.”
I turn and walk to my truck. I’m freezing now that my adrenaline’s not pumping. I replay her words in my head. She wants me. She picks me. She chose me.
The next time we speak, it’ll be because I want her back. But I’m not sure if that’s what I want. First, I need to talk to Liam.
35
Plan C
Harper
IgetintotheBMW, watching Cole’s truck taillights disappear into the stream of traffic leaving the arena. The cold air bites at my face, but I barely feel it. My fingers ache from gripping his hoodie too tight, and there’s a hollow sensation in my chest like someone just scooped out everything important and left me empty.
I spilled my heart out, and he said he needs to think?
“Everything okay?” Maddie asks from the driver’s seat.
“He needs time,” I whisper.
She shrugs. “Okay. That’s not bad.”
“Yeah,” I stare blankly. “I don’t know.”
