Page 53 of Rule 2: Never Join a Christmas Dating Show

“Have you lost any teeth?” Willow leans toward me, also frowning.

“Well, no. Not yet, at least, but it might happen at any time.”

Willow draws back, as if she’s imagining some toothless version of me.

“It probably wouldn’t be all of them,” I say hastily. “Maybe just a few.”

“A few?” Willow’s voice is higher pitched than before.

“Pucks move quickly,” I say. “And slapshots...That thing can be flying in the air, heading straight for...”

“Your teeth,” Flora says, eyes rounded.

“Yep.” I nod.

Somehow, things seem even more awkward than before. I thought they would enjoy talking about teeth more than they do.

My chest tightens, and my gaze drifts to Sebastian again.

Flora clears her throat. When I look at her, her eyes are dancing.

Finally.

I guess at least she appreciated my thoughts on teeth.

“Who was the last person you dated?” Flora asks.

Ella frowns, perhaps wondering why Flora has leapt off script. We’re supposed to be talking about ice skating, then I’m supposed to teach them on Frog Pond in the center of the Boston Common.

I scratch my head. “Probably Jessica.”

Willow’s gaze turns sympathetic. She is sweet, bedside manner in place. “What happened?”

“We would appreciate if you can share,” Ella says. “I know it must be difficult. But that’s what our viewers love. Maybe some emotional, intimate bonding is what you need to discover which of these women is your true love.”

I blink, unsure if she means it, but then decide it doesn’t matter either way.

“I caught her with one of my teammates,” I admit.

The women lean back, horrified.

“That’s terrible!” Flora exclaims.

“Dreadful!”

I shift my legs, already regretting saying anything. The producers look happier, and well, that’s probably something.

Even Sebastian is looking my way, and somehow, it’s that thought that makes calm usher through me, like incense is being flung at me by an enthusiastic monk.

“Is he still with your team?” Dahlia asks, her eyes rounded.

“Axel?” My eyebrows lurch upward. “Um, yeah.”

Ella smiles.

Mateo smiles.

Aisha smiles.