Maverick leaned closer. “Cole’s wearing one of Wyatt’s old uniforms since Wy’s not here. Number fifty-three. In case you were wondering.” He pointed toward the ice.
And sure enough, the second I located number fifty-three, Cole turned to look up where I was sitting with his uncle. I couldn’t make out all his features, but the smile that appeared assured me that this was a great idea. I wanted to keep that lookon his face forever. He raised his hand in greeting, and I couldn’t help but blush.
“Look at that,” Ezra murmured. “Kid’s all lit up like the fourth of July.” He leaned forward and across Maverick. “Might have something to do with you, pretty boy.”
My ears burned. Was that a compliment? “Thank you.” I tried to sound normal, but I was anything but. Like I said, Ezra was terrifying. It always felt like he was judging me.
“Behave yourself, boo.” Maverick slapped at his friend playfully.
I chewed on my bottom lip. “I’m not as pretty as you, Ezra.”
I hoped that didn’t sound like I was trying to win him over or anything. I just meant it. Ezra was stunning. He always looked ready to walk on a runway somewhere. He wore makeup, dressed like a runway model. He was fucking stunning. He had his own clothing line that he designed himself. I was not even close.
“Mm, keep talking like that, and I might have a new best friend.” Ezra winked and leaned back in his chair.
Maverick snorted, and the three of us sat watching the ice. I didn’t really understand the sport much, but I should probably learn. Especially if my boyfriend played. It looked a little scary, if I was being honest, with the sticks and the puck flying around. I shuddered at the thought of one hitting Cole. Did that actually happen? I remembered the bruise he had come home with. Was that what it would be like? His body broken and battered from the sport he loved so much. At least the goalie was covered from head to toe. I could probably do a little research, too. Cole looked good out there, though. He moved like he was part of the ice, gliding across it like he was born to be there. And he was able to keep up with the other guys. The ones who were professional players or had been at one point.
“You know what I think?” Maverick wasn’t really talking to me, but I saw the way his and Ezra’s eyes landed on me. “We should take Reed out.”
My brows shot up. “When you say take me out, what exactly does that mean?”
“We’re going to spoil you, boo. Our treat,” Ezra added. “Don’t worry, you’ll love this. We’ll even stop and grab Saint on the way. He should be done with his classes.”
Maverick nodded in agreement. “Should we grab all the WAGs? I mean, it’s kind of a WAGs thing.”
WAGs? What was... “What is going on here? Are you going to sacrifice me or something? Punish me for dating Cole? I mean, I get it, but I don’t want to end up with no eyebrows or something like that.” I touched my forehead.
“No one is getting sacrificed. We’re inviting you into our group. That’s it,” Ezra assured me. “And trust me, no one looks good without eyebrows. Yikes.” He grimaced at the thought.
I glanced back at Cole, who gave me another little wave. “Okay, yeah, sure, that sounds like fun.” I didn’t have a lot of friends now that they had all graduated, and this would help me make a few more. I might actually enjoy myself.
I just hoped that I didn’t regret it.
Chapter Seventeen
Cole
Ihadn’t expected Reed to show up while I was on the rink with Jackson and the other guys. It had been kind of exciting to have my boyfriend watching me. And then he waited while I changed into my regular clothes, I couldn’t help but smile with excitement. This was happening. Reed and I were going to make this work. Tonight, I wanted to talk to him about the things I had been thinking about. Like switching schools so we could be closer together. And possibly not signing with Boston if they picked me, maybe waiting for New York instead. I wanted to be with him, and that was all that mattered.
“Hi,” I greeted Reed when I reached the seats where he was still sitting with Maverick and Ezra. “I’m so happy you’re here.” I leaned down to kiss him lightly, and Ezra and Maverick both squealed in unison.
Reed giggled. “They’re really happy for us.”
“I know.” I wrapped an arm around his waist. “Did you have fun? Did they behave?”
Ezra gasped. “Excuse me? When do I not behave?” He pressed a manicured hand against his chest in mock horror. “I swear, I’m so unappreciated around here. We invited your boyfriend to come out with us.”
“Really?” My brows shot up. “And who isus?” I wanted to protect my boyfriend as much as possible.
Maverick smiled. “Easy, Cole. It’s just the WAGs.”
“You’re inviting him to be one of the WAGs already?” I glanced down at Reed, who beamed up at me. “Is that what you want?”
He nodded. “I would like to see what it’s all about.” Reed leaned into me a little more, and I could feel him shaking from the cold. “Let’s get you outside where it’s warmer.”
I led him up the stairs and through the doors with Maverick and Ezra right behind us. I stopped when I saw Matthias Hampton, Holt Brooks, Saint Ripley, and Seth McCormick-Murray waiting by Maverick’s SUV. Guess they were doing this.
“Not everyone is available today, but these four are.” Ezra batted his lashes. “We’re going to take extra good care of your boyfriend, Cole, don’t you worry.” He placed his hands on Reed’s shoulder. “You ready, boo, or do you need a few minutes to say goodbye to your man?”