Page 58 of The Pucking Kiss
“I’m just freshening up my skills, you know,” he winked, “We need to put up a really good show tonight.”
“Maybe you should have taken up theater instead,” I suggested jokingly, “It’s clear you’re a really good actor.”
“Depends,” he shrugged. “Would you have starred next to me as my lead?”
I blushed. “Let’s just go. I don’t want to keep them waiting.”
When we arrived at the restaurant, Jake and his girlfriend were already waiting for us.
Jake passed Bryan a knowing look as soon as he spotted us walking in.
“My man!” he greeted enthusiastically, “So glad you could make it today.”
“I’m so happy that we get to go on double dates now,” his girlfriend laughed, interlinking her arms with mine.
I smiled politely, and we all took a seat at the booth. Bryan slid in next to me and put his hand on my knee.
“So, prom is coming up,” Elizabeth said excitedly. “I can’t wait. It’s supposed to be one of the most important moments in a young adult’s life.”
“Honestly, it’s just a big popularity contest,” the words slipped out of my mouth before I could stop them.
Elizabeth looked horrified, and Bryan grinned in my direction, looking oddly proud.
“She’s honest, I’ll give you that,” Jake laughed.
“It’s not just a popularity contest,” Elizabeth argued. “I think it’s a great memory. Are you guys going together?”
I nodded. “Bryan asked me in the sweetest way.”
“Oh, you must tell me more,” Elizabeth prodded, seeming very curious.
“He got all the boys on the team to hold up letters for me,” I laughed, “It was pretty cute, not going to lie.”
“You’re lucky she’s decided to go with you, Bryan,” Elizabeth added. “I heard some of the guys in my class talk about how they wanted to ask her out.”
Bryan’s grip on my knee tightened, and he straightened his back. “It doesn’t matter how many people want to ask her out. She’s with me now.”
I felt a surge of warmth go down my stomach. Out of all the versions of Bryan that I’d seen, possessive Bryan had to be my favorite.
“We can all tell,” Elizabeth laughed. “You both are couple goals, honestly.”
As she said the words, Jake exchanged a knowing glance with Bryan once again.
I couldn’t help but wonder if he was in on our secret and knew something that he wasn’t supposed to. I made a mental note to ask Bryan about it later.
“So, what are your guys’ plans for college?” Elizabeth struck up a conversation once again. “I know you’re probably on top of your game, Romai.”
I nodded shyly. “I’ve been working on my applications, and it’s been going pretty well. I’m hoping to apply to all of the Ivy Leagues.”
“And honestly, I am going to help Bryan out with his applications. With his sports records, he stands a really good chance to get in.”
“Oh, I don’t know about that,” Bryan chuckled. “I’d be happy to get into whatever state school as long as they fund my tuition and let me play hockey.”
I shook my head. “With a talent like yours, you deserve to be in a great college.
Once again, I could see Jake observing the two of us intently.
Something about him felt really off, and I wondered what was truly on his mind. Before I could ask anything, the waiter came to take orders.