Page 23 of The Roommate Game

“The diner? Oh, hell no.” He shot a disgusted sideways glance at me before continuing down the corridor to the rink’s main entrance.

“What’s wrong with the diner? Great fries, great burgers.” I followed him inside, inhaling a gulp of refrigerated air as we took the stairs leading to the ice.

“Have you ever taken a date to the diner?”

I couldn’t remember the last time I’d gone on a date. Period. “I think so.”

“No wonder you’re single,” he mumbled, sliding onto an empty bench in the first row.

“Ha. Ha.”

I scanned the rink, noting a few individuals gliding along the periphery and two figure skaters on either end practicing complicated twirls and jumps. I’d played hockey for as long as I could remember and I was a damn good skater, but I wouldn’t even pretend to know how to spin without falling flat on my ass.

Rafe kicked his sneakers off and pulled on his skates, bending to lace them securely. “I don’t think this is a good idea anymore, and?—”

“Cool it with the bad attitude, Rafey. Pro tip for the day…every meeting is an opportunity. You’re a nice guy under that porcupine suit. Show it. Do something simple like compliment Eli’s footwork.”

Rafe snorted. “That’s like telling someone you like the way they walk. Awkward.”

“It was an example. Think of something else or better yet, practice on me. Gimme a compliment.” I wiggled myfingers meaningfully, not quite hiding my grin at Rafe’s WTF expression.

He opened his mouth, shook his head, and sighed in reluctant acquiescence. “Okay.Um…”

The scrutinizing once-over was comically thorough.

“I’m waiting,” I singsonged.

“I like your hair. It’s…a nice color. Chestnut. I believe that’s the proper name.”

“Ouch. You really do suck at this.”

Rafe jabbed me with his elbow. “What do you suggest?”

“Use a light touch. Like this.” I struck a casual pose, propping my hand on the bench and leaning backward. “I heard this great song on my way to practice. It reminded me of you.”

He stared at me for a beat. “What’s the song?”

“Doesn’t matter. You skate away before he asks. Let him wonder.”

“Oooh! Right. Right. I thought you were speaking to me and—never mind.”

I grinned. “Are you blushing? ’Cause it’s a good sign if you are. Lemme see that face. C’mon.”

Rafe smacked my arm with a laugh. “You’re so annoying.”

“I know.” I took another glance at the ice. “Will Eli show up soon?”

“We both usually practice at this time, so…theoretically yes.”

“Okay, I’ll get out of your way.” I squeezed his shoulder, and damn…Rafe had muscles. And from this angle, his cheekbones were razor-sharp and his lips were pink and plump and—Whoa!No ogling the roommate. I coughed and stepped aside. “Use my line about the song…it’s a good one. You got this, Johnson.”

“Johannsen.”

“Right. I knew that.”

He shoved me away, but he was smiling when he did it.

I took that as a good sign.