I glance over at Rourke, who’s staring at her like she’s the last bottle on the shelf, and I know I need to make things clear. The only reason I suggested coming here—where we won’t be alone—is because of those stupid rules I set up. Now that we’re surrounded by people, being alone would’ve been far easier.
I stride over to Rourke, who’s perched on a barstool. I step into his line of sight, blocking his view of Victoria. “In case you’re wondering, she’s not interested in you.”
He leans back, clearly amused. “I thought you weren’t dating her—only friends. That means she’s fair game.”
“She’s not fair game,” I say firmly. “And she’s with me tonight.”
Rourke lifts his hands up in surrender. “Okay, man, I got it. You want me to leave her alone.” He rises from his barstool.“So, when are you going to stop pretending that you don’t have feelings for her?”
He doesn’t wait for my answer. Instead, he lightly punches my shoulder as he heads to the team table.
I settle at the bar, wondering if I should just stay here rather than join the group and endure more teasing. Slowly the news has gotten around that Victoria and I dated in college, but they don’t know the half of it—how those six months were the best of my life. When she broke things off, I tried to forget her, even jumped into a rebound relationship, which flopped spectacularly.
Brax comes over with a glint in his eye. “Jaz told me something interesting. She said you got an anonymous post from the Crushin’ on the Crushers form.”
I shrug. “So?”
“I think you need to see this one.” He holds up his phone, and I read the anonymous note.
“It’s just fans making up stuff about us.” I don’t want to get my hopes up. Victoria would never admit that our past relationship was anything special.
Brax lifts his eyebrows. “That’s not just anyone. Sounds like you gave them a pretty great date.”
I take a sip of water. “I haven’t been on a date in months.”
Brax looks over at the three women. “Well, I just heard Victoria tell Jaz that you were assigned to go out—Coach’s orders.”
I let out a sigh. “I’m just her friend, doing what her coach asked.”
“Friend, huh?” he asks, his eyes dancing. “I thought you were trying to get her to quit?”
“Yeah, well, not anymore,” I say. “This is her last chance at making a skating comeback, and when she started to cry, I justfolded. I think there’s something wrong with me. I’ve never been that weak before.”
Brax looks at me in amusement. “It hurts having a heart, doesn’t it?”
“I’m an idiot.” I drag a hand through my hair.
Brax studies me, then his mouth curves slightly. “Falling for your ex doesn’t make you an idiot.”
A few guys turn our way, and it feels like someone has just turned a spotlight on me. “You wanna tell the whole restaurant?” I whisper. “It doesn’t matter what I feel. No one can know this.”
“Know what?” Vale says, coming up behind me.
Great. Just what I need. Another MacPherson up in my business.
“Nothing,” I mutter.
“Does this have to do with your date tonight?” Vale says. “And that anonymous post? Twenty bucks says it’s her.”
I turn back to Brax, furious. “See? This is how gossip gets started.”
“My brother can read my mind,” Brax says. “Believe me, it sucks.”
“I’m not her date, and she didn’t write that anonymous message,” I insist to them. “There’s no future for us.”
“Just keep telling yourself that,” Brax says with a smile, slapping my shoulder.
“Seriously, guys,” I say. “This arrangement must stay totally platonic.”
