Page 22 of Broken Hearts
“I should let you go,” he says. “And you should change into something far more revealing, call Josie, and then go to that party.”
“Tempting,” I muse.
“I’m texting her now. Better think up a really good excuse or hide.”
“How do you even have her number?”
“We exchanged after your accident last year. In case of emergency.” He says it all so casually. Funny how a few near-death experiences can make a person so blasé about it all.
Elias and I have the same heart condition. That’s actually how we met. I was scrolling YouTube one day and stumbled upon a video where he was talking about the condition and how it impacts his training. It seemed like fate to see another figure skater my age dealing with it. I reached out, we started messaging back and forth, and now he’s stuck with me for life.
My phone pings with an incoming text.
“That was fast,” I say as I read the message from Josie.OMG. I’m jumping in the shower. I’ll be ready in thirty minutes.
“I knew I could count on Josie.”
“I don’t think this is a good idea. I told him no and basically implied that he was a slut. Won’t I look like a bitch showing up now?”
“Please. If you show up looking hot, he’s not going to remember anything you’ve ever said or done.”
“I have too much going on right now.” It’s a last-ditch, bullshit excuse and he knows it. Of course, he calls me on it.
“You need to get laid,” he says loudly.
I duck my head in embarrassment, even though no one can hear him, thanks to my ear pods. He’s not wrong though. “Fine, but if this ends badly, I’m blaming you.”
“I can take it. Call me tomorrow or later tonight if you’re doing the walk of shame.” He makes an X over the left side of his chest.
I do the same and then flip him off for good measure.
Oh, crap.What have I gotten myself into?
7
Rhett
“Ha ha, very funny,” I say when I see the mysterious gift left on my bed—a shopping bag filled with three different brands of energy drinks, condoms, and a box of Kleenex.
“What are the tissues for?” I ask, bringing the entire bag out into the hallway. Music blasts through our apartment as we get ready to go out. There are two bathrooms in this place, but the guys are all crowded into one fighting over the mirror.
“Those are for the girls you make cry,” Heath says. Mav elbows him, and Heath rubs his arm as he adds, “I mean, that’s what I assume.”
“Please, I know this was all you two.” I hold up the box of glow-in-the-dark condoms.
Mav cackles. “Those are fun. Makes your dick look like a lightsaber.”
Adam meets my gaze in the mirror. “Maybe the glow will help keep you awake.”
“I hate all of you.” I take the bag back to my room and toss it all on the bed except the largest energy drink.
“That Carrie blowing up your phone earlier?” Adam calls across the hallway.
“Yeah.”
“Everything good?” I know he’s terrified I’m going to get back with her. Adam never liked Carrie. The feeling was mutual, actually. Carrie didn’t really get along with any of my teammates.
“All good.” I don’t know if I manage to sound like I don’t care, but that’s the vibe I’m going with tonight. I don’t give a fuck. About any of it. Not that my ex won’t stop fucking calling or that every time I try to move on with someone else, it blows up spectacularly.
