Page 68 of The Rival (Looking to Score 2)
“Meanwhile, Alex had already accomplished most of his goals, so he was looking for someone to settle down with. He couldn’t keep up, and I couldn’t slow down. I resented him for it. I felt like he owed me a fraction of what I gave him. I still feel that, to this day, but now I have Holt.”
Eden’s eyes shine with unshed tears, and a contagious smile breaks out across her face. I don’t realize I’m crying too until a fat tear rolls down my cheek.
“And if I hadn’t ended things with Alex, I would have never given Holt a chance. It’s the best decision I ever made.” She sighs contentedly, spinning the engagement ring on her finger. Shaking herself out of her reverie, she laughs breathlessly and nudges me with her shoulder. “All that to say Alex wasn’t right for me. But that doesn’t mean he’s wrong for you.”
She does know. Maybe she has all along, since that first video conference I had with her in Canada when she spotted him in the background of the screen.
I take a shuddering breath, releasing it with a heavy sigh of relief. With only a few words, Eden has lifted the weight I’ve been carrying around for weeks.
“Why did you decide to tell me all of this?” I ask, searching her expression for answers.
She giggles a little, almost embarrassed. “Alex actually came to see us. To talk about you. And he called me out for all the ideas I put in your head about him.”
“He did?” My voice catches in my throat.
“Yeah. And based on the way that he’s looking at you tonight, he’s a man who’s hurting.” She nods toward the building, which is all lit up and filled with happy partygoers.
My heart squeezes with nerves. “Do you think I should go talk to him?”
“Only if you want to.” Eden leans over and kisses me on the cheek.
Do I want to talk to him?
The realization crumbles inside me like a warm cookie straight from the oven. Of course I do. I’ve never wanted anything more in my life.
“Okay, let’s go.” I link my arm through hers, and we make our way back inside.
28
* * *
ALEX
I tug at the collar on my shirt again. I hate wearing a tuxedo, even if it’s for a good cause. Tonight’s the charity gala for the Children’s Haven project the team supports. It’s an event I’ve looked forward to in the past—the chance to stuff myself from the buffet and drink free booze . . . the chance to hang out with the team away from the ice.
But tonight, I’m all kinds of on edge.
Having Saint with me helps, I guess. He decided not to bring a date, and offered to give me a ride.
“You okay, buddy?” he asks from beside me.
I straighten my tie and nod distractedly. “Sure.”
The ballroom is buzzing with excitement, and there’s a long line at the bar, which I eye with disdain.
Saint brings one arm around my shoulders and leans in. “Okay, so let’s talk game-plan strategy. Here’s what we’re going to do.”
“We?” I stiffen.
Saint chuckles, and the sound vibrates between us. “Yes. We. I’m helping you.”
I step back to meet his eyes with a look of confusion. After all, he’s the one who warned me not to fall for her. “But why?”
He gives me a kind look. “Because you love her.”
I make an exasperated noise. His words are true, and I’m tired of denying it. “Okay, fine. What’s the plan?”
His mouth breaks into a happy grin. “First, we have to locate her. Are you sure she’s going to be here?”
“She’ll be here.” I’m not sure why I’m so confident, because she could have changed her mind about coming tonight. Somehow, though, I can sense that she’s here. Somewhere in the crowd of people.
Saint nods. “Okay, while we locate her, do you want to get a drink? Some liquid courage?”
“No, I’m good.” I’d rather have a clear head. And I don’t want to waste time standing in line at the bar.
Saint nods. “Okay. We’re going to figure this out. Let’s head in.”
The crowd parts as we make our way into the ballroom. A glittering chandelier hangs overhead, painting everything in gold hues. The setting would be romantic in any other circumstance. But I’m not optimistic enough for all that right now.
When we move past the banquet tables displaying items up for auction, something makes me turn. And then I see her.
Aspen.
She’s wearing a pale pink gown with lace sleeves. It’s so Aspen. Feminine, simple, and fun. My chest aches at the sight of her.
I elbow Saint’s side. “There she is. I’ll see you later.”
His hand grips my shoulder, and he pulls me back a step. “Hey. Hold up. What’s your plan?”
“I’m going to talk to her.”
He frowns. “That won’t work. What else you got?”
