Page 58 of Rule 2: Never Join a Christmas Dating Show

He furrows his brow.

“Aisha was on skates. You and Ella weren’t. I thought—maybe you don’t know how. I can teach you.”

“You want to teach me to skate?”

I nod. “Yeah. Everyone should skate.”

“That’s nice.” His skin pinkens. “It might give people the wrong impression.”

“They might think you’re a better skater than you actually are? I’m not a licensed teacher. I don’t think that’s at risk of happening.”

“The information about you and Axel was already released,” Sebastian says quickly.

I draw back.

So does he.

“Already?”

Sebastian gives a miserable nod. “The social media manager released it.”

“Oh. Well, I guess that makes sense.”

“What do you mean?”

“I mean, it’s probably the sort of thing that would make people eager to, um, tune in for the next episode.”

“You’re not angry?”

“I only get angry when the other team has the puck,” I say. “And even then, I get it. I just want it back.”

He furrows his brow, like I’m speaking a strange language, which maybe I am to him.

“I get it,” he says. “And I don’t think Axel will care. He doesn’t mind his player reputation.”

“B-but...”

“I’ll text him to give him a head’s up.”

Sebastian nods. “Okay. I can give you your phone.”

“Thanks.”

Sebastian turns away, then pauses. “You’re really great, Luke.”

I stare at him, confused.

“I hope you find true love.”

I nod, and he turns around. I stare after him as he walks away, my heart pounding, wondering why everything feels wrong.

CHAPTER TWENTY-SEVEN

Luke

“He’s the most wooden Mr. Right ever...” Jason’s voice drifts toward me as I enter the locker room.

“Shit,” Troy says, noticing me.