The locker room. The way she cried in my arms and somehow made me feel moreneededthan any goal I've ever scored.
I've never had that. Never had someone fall apart against my chest and trust me to hold the pieces.
Hell, I've had women come undone for me a thousand different ways, but not likethat. The handjob-weeping combo has been playing on a loop ever since she went home that night.
"It's been so long, Colt."
Unfortunately, she's been so busy that I haven't seen her since.
But I shake it off and force my legs to keep moving, because I finally get to see her later this afternoon.
I'm rounding the goal line when Delaney appears at the boards, leaning over the glass in a black coat with her hand wrapped around a Frost Café cup.
"Morning, Lane."
"Evans."
"How's the return going?"
"Like an angel choir descended from heaven," I say, winking through a smile.
"Um, okay." She sips her coffee. "How's theothersituation going?"
I glide to a stop, leaning my forearms on the boards. "If you mean the ambassador role, everything's progressing nicely. I'll swing by Butter Batch right after this."
Her lips curve into a knowing smile, those icy blue eyes seeing right through me.
"I'm sure you will, Lane."
"What doesthatmean?"
"It means I have eyes." She taps her temple with one nail. "And I haveears. I also have a brain that connects very obvious dots you keep leaving around in the events room."
Oh shit.
"Del—"
"It's fine, Colt. The launch party is shaping up beautifully." She smiles into her coffee. "All thoseadditionalcontributions you're making… they're nice touches. Just give me a heads up if there's anything I can do to help you further…woo…our girl."
My gut sinks and I cut her a piercing stare.
My plans. The things I've been quietly,carefullynudging into motion behind Zoey's back whenever I get a spare moment. I need everything to go perfectly at the launch event, forher.For Zoey to finally see her dreams aren't as far away as she thinks.
"Delaney.You can't tell Zoey," I hiss.
"Oh, relax. Your secret's safe with me." She winks and pushes off the boards. "For now. Skate well, ambassador."
She strides off, heels clicking against the rubber matting, and I watch her go with my heart in my throat.
"LANE!" Willa's voice cuts across the rink. "Stop loitering! You've still got five more laps!"
I push off the boards and finish strong.
The bell above Butter Batch's door chimes as I push through, and the smell is…
It'swrong.
The usual punch of melted butter and vanilla has been replaced by the unmistakable stench of something that's beenburning.