Spiral (Off the Ice, #2) (5)

My little brother is attending boarding school a few hours away. It’s been a difficult adjustment, but I promised to call him every night. Excusing myself from the table, I try to find a quiet corner, but with the auction starting, it’s impossible.

Outside, the rain brings a breeze to cool my skin in my black silk dress. It’s the only nice dress I own, so I was sure to pack it when I headed over here tonight. No one needed to know it was also my prom dress. And my commencement dress.

The phone rings a few times before it’s sent to voicemail. I can’t help the prick of disappointment that pierces my heart. That’s two days without a phone call, and both times it’s been because of my crappy schedule. I text him instead.


Am I the worst sister ever? Promise, I’ll call earlier tomorrow. I miss you, kid.

I stare up at the dark sky and try not to pity myself. That’s when I notice a couple arguing in the corner. Their proximity suggests they’re having an intimate conversation, but the guy backs away, his stance rigid and unwelcoming.

“I’m not interested,” he says.

It’s assertive, but not assertive enough to get the girl away from him. She is completely oblivious to his withdrawn attitude.

Definitely not a couple.

“You will be,” she says, pure determination in her voice.

“Look—Lana, is it?” She must nod, because he continues. “You seem like a nice girl, but I don’t know you. Showing up at my hotel and to my work events isn’t helping your case.”

She laughs. It’s a pretty, soft one that most guys would probably love, but he only stands there like a statue. His dark suit suggests he works with the Toronto Thunder, but his height and physique would be wasted if he isn’t an athlete.

“I can only play your games for so long,” she purrs. This girl cannot take a hint.

“Does that game include showing up naked to ambush me in my hotel room?”

My eyes widen as I stifle a gasp, feeling tense as I eavesdrop on this embarrassing conversation.

However, Lana must not feel it, because she scoffs. “You’re seriously turning me down?”

Yes! I catch the word before it slips past my lips, barely holding myself back from interfering. But when his head hangs, and his shoulders sag, my legs propel me forward.

Confrontation is clearly not his strong suit. Lucky for him, it’s mine.

But the double doors screech open, and an employee dressed in black and wearing an earpiece steps outside.

“Eli, you’re up in five,” he says, waving him inside.

I halt, and Eli breathes a sigh of relief before slipping past the woman. His attention lands on my frozen figure, lingering for a split second, like he’s realized I was eavesdropping the entire time, before he disappears inside. Lana watches his retreat with a fire in her eyes, and when her gaze lands on mine, I pivot and slip past the doors too.

The auction has started when I drop back into my seat just as my uncle excuses himself to head to the bathroom. I glance to my right and choke on my saliva.

Aiden Crawford is sitting at my table—or I’m sitting at his. Either way, I’m freaking out. Not for myself, but for Sean, because he is going to flip when I tell him about this. I don’t pay too much attention to hockey, but from my uncle’s praises of Aiden Crawford, and the jersey with his name that Sean wants for his birthday, I know he’s a big deal.

“Are you okay?” His deep voice forces me to look at him again, only to see him holding out a glass of water. I nod a little too vigorously and drink the water to hide behind it.

“You’re Sage, right? Marcus told us his niece was performing tonight. I’m Aiden.”

I shake his outstretched hand, trying to clear my throat. “My brother’s a huge fan.”

“Yeah?” He smiles. “I can get—shit!”

My head rears, but when I look at Aiden, his eyes are fixed behind me. Following his gaze, I see Lana, the girl from outside, holding a bidding paddle and looking happier than she did a few minutes ago.

The auctioneer’s voice snatches my attention to the stage. “Next up, folks, we have a date with Toronto Thunder’s very own defenseman Elias Westbrook. Get those bidding paddles ready, and let’s see who’ll be the lucky winner!”

I’m shocked to see the guy from outside standing onstage, his jaw clenched and posture stiff. Safe to say, he didn’t willingly sign up for this.

The auctioneer’s voice slices through the hall, loud with excitement. “Let the bidding commence—who’s ready for an unforgettable night with Elias?”

“Sage? How do you feel about doing me a favor?” Aiden suddenly says.

I pull my gaze from Elias to find Aiden’s sheepish smile. What favor could I possibly do for Aiden Crawford? “Depends on what it is,” I say warily.

“This is going to sound crazy, but I need you to outbid her.” Aiden points at Lana, and my eyes widen. He hands me a paddle and types something into his phone before showing me. It’s a sum. A large sum.

“M-me,” I stutter, dumbfounded. Although, the request is reasonable considering what I witnessed outside.

Green eyes lock on mine. “Look, I promised Eli I’d have his back, and that girl cannot win a date. She—”

“Ambushed him in his hotel room?” I say, and he pauses. “I overheard them outside,” I clarify.