Page 33 of Say Yes to the Nemesis

“A lot of the girls didn’t grow up skating, so this’ll be a fun opportunity. I’m taking Wren, Mei, and JacqLyn. I know Wren pretty well, but we’ve never skated together. That should be interesting. Mei and JacqLyn are still kind of mysteries to me. I’m looking forward to getting to know them.”

I glance at Rich. He mouths,Play up Wren.

I redirect. “Especially Wren. I’ve known her for years, but never really considered her as someone I could date. She’s arisky choice because of her brother, but I’m willing to take the heat if she and I really click.”

I clap my hands. “Let’s go see what the girls are up to.”

The camera pans as the big conference doors swing open. The girls file in, laughing and chattering.

I walk over. “What’s up, ladies? Welcome to my winter wonderland. I wanted to grab some time with a small group today. Mei, JacqLyn, and Wren. The rest of you can hang out at the concession area. We’ll meet up after our date. Sound good?”

Mei squeals. Wren scowls. JacqLyn grins.

The rest mutter as they’re herded toward the food.

“Ladies, shall we?” I gesture toward the ice. “We’re going skating.”

Mei lets out a quiet shriek. “I don’t know how to skate. You’ll have to teach me.”

JacqLyn slips her arm through mine. “Me either. You’ll have to keep a close eye on me.”

Wren trails behind us, pouting.

She didn’t expect me to pick her. But she should’ve. Choosing her was the only play. First, the cameras love her. Rich said as much. Second, she makes the other women twitchy. Maybe, just maybe, it’s partly for me.

I can’t stop thinking about how she looked at me yesterday. Like I was both a threat and a joke. Dangerous, but impossible to ignore.

Mei and JacqLyn take up most of my attention while we lace up skates and talk about how cute the rink is. Mei takes at least six selfies and a video.

“My followers are going to freak when they see I’m learning to skate with the Ryan Haart,” she says.

“Followers?”

She smiles. “Yeah, I’m an influencer. I was going to be a wedding influencer, but my wedding got canceled. So now I’m back in the saddle.”

I blink. “Oh. That’s… something.”

“Always a plan,” she chirps.

JacqLyn and Mei step onto the ice, wobbling. Wren drags her feet, glowering like I personally offended her.

“Come on, Rustin,” I say, motioning to the rink. “Let’s go.”

“Ryan, are you really making me do this? I’m going to fall on my ass.”

“Yep,” I say. “You bet I am.”

I skate over, grinning. “You good?”

“Don’t touch me,” she mutters.

Which, obviously, means I have to. I coast in a little closer, just to mess with her. She lets go of the wall and takes one awkward step. She immediately starts to tip forward. I catch her before she hits the ice, one arm slipping around her waist.

My arm wraps easily around her waist. Something primal flashes through me. Protect. Steady. Hold. I don’t know where the hell that comes from, but it’s loud as fuck.

Wren’s hands land on my chest.

Her eyes go wide.