Page 79 of Rival Darling

I’d always been fearless about most things in my life, both on and off the ice, but I’d learned the hard way that it was better and safer to guard your heart. The thought of opening up to Violet only to have her reject me was terrifying. And despite what Mia said, I knew I had to be sure about Violet’s feelings before I told her mine.

The problem was our fake relationship had an expiration date, and I was running out of time. I had one week to figure out if Violet shared my feelings; one more week to prove to her that not all hockey players were bad and that if she was going to make an exception it should be for me.

“I’ll think about it,” I said, but then I tilted my head as I looked at Mia. “I know you don’t trust me. Why are you encouraging me to pursue your friend?”

“Because I think there’s a chance Vi might be right about you,” she said. “And if the worst thing about you is that you broke Jeremy’s nose, well, that might just make you my hero.”

“I’m no hero.”

“Well, I’m not so sure you’re the villain either.”

Her comment left me stunned. I couldn’t remember the last time someone other than Violet was willing to give me a chance or even considered I might not be the terrible person everyone made me out to be.

She drew in a breath before she continued. “But, either way, I will do horrible things to you if you break my cousin’s heart. You know that, right?”

“You don’t need to worry. I would never do that.”

“Good.”

“Also, please don’t say anything to Violet about all this. I don’t want to freak her out, and I’d like to be the one to tell her when the time is right.”

“You think I’d go and ruin your dramatic outpouring of love? Please…” Mia pretended to zip her lips shut. “Don’t stress. Your secret is safe with me.”

I wasn’t completely certain if I could believe her, but I didn’t have much choice other than to nod in agreement.

I left the coffee shop, uncertain what I was going to do. I didn’t want to get hurt, but it was hard to ignore the small scrap of hope Mia had given me. And I just kept wondering if Violet felt the same way.

I turned to walk back to my truck, but I paused after I’d only taken a few steps. Jeremy Hoffman was walking toward me. He strode down the sidewalk like he owned the place. To be fair, his family name was plastered across numerous shops and businesses that lined the road. It was no wonder he always had such a smug look on his face.

When he caught sight of me, his arrogant grin twisted into a scowl. I wasn’t in the mood to deal with Jeremy, but he didn’t break stride as he approached.

“Get back to your side of the river, Reed. You’re not welcome here.”

I folded my arms over my chest and gave him a hard look in return. “You might own half of Sunshine Hills, Hoffman, but I’m pretty sure the sidewalk is fair game.”

His expression only darkened, and several people gave us concerned looks as they walked past. With the tension radiating between us, they were probably concerned we were about to fight.

“I know you’re only messing with Violet to get to me,” he said. “Well, you’ve had your fun. Now give her back.”

“She’s not an object,” I replied. “And it’s not my fault you were stupid enough to lose her in the first place.”

“Yeah, well, at least I’m confident enough in my hockey skills not to use a girl to try and win a game.”

I coughed out a laugh. “You think I’m using Violet to help me beat you?”

“We’re playing each other next week. What more reason do you need? Unless…”

“Unless what?” I growled.

“Ah, I know what this is about.” Jeremy’s smug smile had returned.

“You don’t know shit, Hoffman.”

“I know you better than most people, Darling.” He smirked. “We used to be friends once, remember.”

Looking at Jeremy now, it was almost impossible to recall that time when girls and school rivalries didn’t matter; all we cared about was seeing our team win each weekend. We’d both played for the same youth club, and the fact we lived on different sides of the river never crossed our minds. That all changed once we were both in high school and started playing for our respective varsity teams. It hadn’t taken long for Jeremy to turn into the jerk who stood before me today. For our friendship to turn to bitter rivalry. Hockey wasn’t to blame for that though.

“And as your old friend,” he continued. “I can tell exactly why you’re screwing around with Violet. This is about Natalie, isn’t it?”