Off the Ice (Central State, #4)

by Jaqueline Snowe

When he grinned, I stood no chance against him.

“I trust you.”

“My mood improves when you’re around.”

“Thank you, Cal.” “You’re welcome,”

“Did you call them because you needed help?”

“I would’ve come.”

I hated watching him touch her.

Because we were friends

I had to go back inside and make sure she had a snack.

Instead, I used my thumb to wipe it off.

I was looking forward to Friday.

“This is my favorite thing you’ve ever told me.

“What’s your favorite book?”

“I don’t know.”

“I find that hard to ...

“Really. It’s too hard. I have lists of favorites and ones that I’ll always reread but a o...

“Top three...

“Can I get back ...

I like different books for different reasons.

“Whenever you have something to share, I want to know,”

Hearing her talk so fast with so much emotion about reading set something off inside me.

She loved boo...

“I want to find you a genre that you fall in love with. I bet I can do it.”

“Hm, well, then what do you want?”

kiss you.

“Lost in your head?” Cal asked, his fingers lingering on my skin as he rubbed his thumb back and forth.

“I find joy out of buying plants no one else wants.

the cutest thing I had ever heard in my life.

I hadn’t seen her since late Saturday night, and I missed her smiling face. I had Elle withdrawal after one day.

“Raspberry? My goodness, it’s delicious.” “You’ve said that about every croissant you’ve tried.”

and if me reading made her this happy, I’d buy every book in the world for her.

Honestly, hours went by without me doing a single thing some days, so it was better if I had a plan. Gave me purpose.

Even if I hated the book, I wanted to read it so I could have something else to

talk to her about. “I can’t wait.” I held the book up and smiled.

Her smiles and joy made me breathe easier.

Our gaze held, and I swore there was a moment. It was weird, like time stopped, and I could see her coming to my games and wearing my jersey and the two of us getting dessert after. She could watch my plants on road trips, and I’d make sure she didn’t kill hers. I’d read every book she’d recommend, and I’d help her with money. Hell, I had enough of it that she never had to worry even though I knew she’d never let me give her any. We could argue over what was more entertaining, hockey or reading, and I could kiss her any time I wanted.

things had been better with her around.

“I brought you coffee and croissants and made some trail mix so you eat.” He picked up a brown sack and handed it to me. “There is cream and sugar and almond milk in a tiny cup in there too. Wasn’t certain how you preferred your coffee but wanted to make sure it had all the stuff.”

on his nights off, he showed up at close and waited for me.

“Nothing makes me happier when a book can really change your mindset.”

I loved being his person,

In a different life, I’d be with her. I knew it in my gut. I could’ve made her really happy

I planned to hang out with Elle in any capacity she’d have me.

I wanted to stare at him the whole night.

wine made me spiral in self-doubt.

Her mind and daydreams fascinated me.

Does she daydream about me?

“Don’t laugh or snort or make fun of me, but romantic is the word I’d use. Late library nights where I’m meeting a writing deadline. Coffee shops. The smell of leaves in the fall. College gear. Oh my god, I love wearing clothes with the Central State Logo. It’s a problem.”

She was the best part of my day,

He wasn’t kind words and big proclamations. He was gestures and caring from behind the scenes.