Page 57 of Back Outside Edge

Did you know that Alexandre is the absolute worst?

Of course I know that. He's convinced we're sworn enemies.

Me

I am aware of that fact

You're kind of the worst too, though, you know. I was almost asleep

In a very different way. The worst best thing that's ever happened to me. And I still haven't figured out how to get him in my room.

Evan

He keeps asking me where I went, what I was doing. Like he’s my chaperone or something. It’s so annoying.

Evan doesn't usually ignore my need for things like sleep. Which means that he's really annoyed with Alexandre.

Me

Maybe he’s in love with you

After all, how could anyone not be infatuated with Evan? Even when he’s the worst.

Me

You seriously have the worst timing. I’d finally lost my fucking hard-on

Evan

Still thinking about me, baby?

Me

I’m always thinking about you

It’s sad how true that is.

Evan

Goes both ways.

Sleep tight, baby.

Fuck. He is going to be the death of me. I don't bother to respond. Just set my phone down and roll over.

Sleep takes forever to come, but morning arrives. And the moment that I remember I get to spend the day with Evan Marquez, my smile can’t be contained.

This is going to be the best day. Nothing and nobody can stop me.

Chapter 24

Evan

After spending a night dodging Alexandre’s endless questions about where I’d gone and why, I’m relieved to find he’s already left the room by the time I wake up.

Since I don’t have a practice session until after noon, my morning is free. Maybe I can talk Stefan into doing some sight-seeing for a few hours. It’s neither of our first time in New York, even in this hotel, right next to the Olympic Center rink we’ll be competing at, but it’s a big city.

A quick shower, and I’m downstairs, a few minutes early for my 8:00 date. The breakfast area is packed. The scent of eggs, bacon, dough cooking, and whatever other breakfast foods they’ve added to the mix fights with the aroma of dozens of athletes, some of whom clearly haven’t bothered to shower yet today.