Page 36 of What Are The Odds?
Me: Huh?
I’d text Stella and Ava last night that I was crashing at Levi’s. They’d sent dozens of follow up messages, each of which I’d ignored after climbing into his cloud-like bed.
Stella: With his rep, I didn’t expect he’d even allow you to stay over after the deed.
Me: Didn’t sleep with him, Stels.
Ava: Why not? :(
Stella: Good. Sleeping with Levi Holloway would certainly dim your chances of getting with Ryker.
Me: Not the goal here. And unrelated... down for dinner with Ryker before the game tonight?
Ava: Does he have any hot friends?
Stella: Of course he does. He’s the QB.
Me: Does it sound like I’m turning a platonic hockey-watching-catch-up into a triple date if I ask Ryker to bring two friends?
"What’s wrong with that?” Stella asked, throwing open the dorm door.
She was holding a takeaway bag and Ava had two disposable coffee cups.
“He asked you to dinner, Grace,” Ava said, sitting on the edge of her bed. “If anything, you’re putting the brakes on by bringing friends.”
Stella nodded thoughtfully. “Good point. We should meet you at the game.”
“No,” I said quickly. “You’re both coming to dinner.”
I unlocked my phone and scrolled to Ryker’s message.
Me: Sure. Stella and Ava are keen as well. Feel free to bring some friends too.
I hadn’t realised Stella had moved to look over my shoulder until she let out a grumpy huff. I picked up my towel and headed to the bathroom.
“Not so fast,” Ava said, jumping in the way. “Details. Go.”
“There aren’t any details.”
Stella scoffed at that. “You think it’s normal that you–” quotation marks “just sleptin Levi Holloway’s bed?”
I glared at her. “We did just sleep.”
“And I trust you babe, but that’s the thing.” Her eyebrows furrowed and her lips contorted in thought. “You don’t think he likes you, do you?”
“No,” I quickly answered. “We’re friends.”
Ava studied me thoughtfully. “But doyoulike him?”
“No.”
My answer came too fast for either Ava or Stella to believe me. They shared a knowing look. Was I attracted to Levi? Sure. It was almost impossible not to be. The looming height. Strong arms. Muscled stomach – like, ridiculously toned. Did I like Levi? Fine. Maybe a little bit. His confident arrogance had grown on me. Was anything going to happen? I doubt it. Did I want it to? Good question. Would I stop it if it did? An even better question. There was no way I was voicing any of those thoughts to Stella and Ava though, so I walked into the bathroom and closed the door on that conversation.
19. Smooth Holloway
Levi.
We were five minutes from the arena. Will was driving, with Tripp and Ryan in the back. I was never nervous before games. I’d been playing so long it was like autopilot for me. Even the big games, when everything was on the line, I’d lace up my skates calmly like I would before an everyday practice. Tripp groaned from the backseat before taking a big gulp from his sports drink. I should’ve passed on Grace’s hot tip. My hangover was non-existent. I needed to steal her pool access pass after every night out. Or better yet, maybe I’d just get her to take me. I unlocked my phone and pulled up her number.
