Page 83 of Rule 2: Never Join a Christmas Dating Show

Sebastian’s blue eyes slide toward me. I want to gaze into them forever. I want to name each fleck of blue.

Instead, I take a lengthy drink of the cucumber-and-lemon infused water and avoid looking at him.

“I believe Luke finds it upsetting that he’s not cleared to play,” Sebastian says.

“Right. Of course.” Ella is still smiling though. “I mean, we all at Falcon Productions are exceedingly sad at what happened. We’re delighted it wasn’t more serious.”

I want to tell her not being able to help my team is serious.

“But this means we’ll definitely be able to do a hometown date for you?” Ella asks.

Sebastian’s face pales, but I’m sure this means I can sneak into his hotel room, and I find myself leaning forward. “That sounds nice.”

“Really?” Ella claps her hands and squeals.

It’s probably good these rooms are soundproofed, lest someone in the next room drop a dumbbell or something.s

“Because Sebastian thought maybe you wouldn’t want to travel with your injury...”

“Yes,” Sebastian says quickly. “I do think that.”

“Oh.” I blink at him.

Daniela and Oskar are watching me. There’s no way I’m going to imply to them that I not only can’t play hockey but also can’t travel. I mean, I’m a hockey player. I’m literally paid millions of dollars each year to be tough.

Maybe Sebastian hasn’t realized the overnight hotel room potential.

“I mean, it will be nice to meet Willow’s and Flora’s families,” I say. “Both women are really nice, and I bet their parents are great too.”

“Oh.” Ella blinks. “Well, that’s not exactly what I had in mind.”

Sebastian shuts his eyes. His lashes flutter down, and it occurs to me that I need to measure them. Or count them. Or measure and count them. Just because...

Oskar coughs again.

“But if you’re willing to travel to Florida and Kansas, then Ashcove should be no problem.”

I spurt water over the table. “Um...sorry.”

Oskar’s eyes round, but he passes me some tissues.

“I guess I got a lemon chunk in my water or something.”

Daniela looks legitimately worried, like all the hockey players are going to start asphyxiating.

“Or maybe I just put it in the wrong pipe. Actually, that’s a sign that maybe I shouldn’t travel after all.” I do my best to look regretful. “The concussion might have rearranged my throat equipment.”

Sebastian buries his head in his hands.

“That probably didn’t happen,” Daniela says, giving a lengthy look that probably says I’m the least likely person she ever would have thought would end up on TV. Unscripted TV.

“I mean, does anyone care about Ashcove?” I shake my head dubiously. “Just a lot of hot chocolate shops and art galleries. Pretty boring.”

“It sounds adorable!” Ella clasps her hands together.

I shrug. “I mean it’s basically what you see if you turn on Hall—”

“No.” Sebastian rises. His body quivers. His eyes are wild. “This man is sick.”