Breakaway (Pro-U #1) by Ali Parker Read Free Book Online

back on as my hands shook slightly. He was the only guy in the world that I wouldn't have wanted to see my feet.
    Figures.
    "Were you crying earlier because of the pain?" The softness in his voice was something new to me. I had to get the hell out of there. It was going to unravel me fast. I'd heard him yell at the team and bark out orders every day of the week for the last three years, but whatever he was doing now... it was a new side of him that I wouldn't survive.
    "No." I stood. "It's nothing. Seriously. You don't have to feel obligated to check on me, Lucas. My brother already thinks you hung the moon."
    His face contorted. I'd offended him. "I'm not sure who you think I am, but my guess by your response is that whoever it may be, he's not that great of a guy."
    "Hey. I didn't mean it like that." I reached out and gripped his forearm. He tensed, and I did as well. "I'm fine. Really."
    "Good. Then let's grab something and talk through the tournament and the fundraiser coming up." He moved down and grabbed my bag before I could. "You want something to eat or just a coffee?"
    I'd love something to eat, but obviously I need to be dieting.
    "Coffee is good." I reached out and snagged my bag from him. "How many points did Jayce score in the game?"
    "Three. Why?" He glanced over at me in a way that left me feeling exposed.
    "We have a running bet. If he gets more than five, I buy him dinner. If he gets less, then he's paying." I wagged my eyebrows as I forced my facade to slide into place. "Looks like I get a free meal today."
    He chuckled and reached for the door to the coffee shop. "I like that. Seems like a good way to hold him accountable. Was it your idea or his?"
    "His, of course." I walked in and moved up to the counter as my heart fluttered in my chest. Three years of nothing more than business conversations with Lucas and over the last two days we'd made up for it. "I'll get this."
    "No way." He pulled his wallet from his back pocket and glanced up at the menu. "I'm starving. Are their sandwiches any good?"
    "Yeah. They're delicious." I forced myself to keep looking over the menu above us as he looked over at me, studying me.
    "Let me get you one. You didn't eat at the event, did you?" The deep timbre of his voice danced along my exposed shoulders and left the air so hard to access.
    "No, but I'm okay. I need to lose a few pounds anyway." I gave him a cheeky grin and moved up to order my coffee.
    He scoffed and stepped up beside me. "We'll take two of those turkey clubs and some chips too."
    "Lucas." I gave him a look that said back off.
    "Aubrey." He turned his strong gaze onto me and lifted his eyebrow, beckoning me to challenge him.
    "Fine. Whatever." I shook my head and walked over to one of the two empty tables in the room. Everyone seemed to be watching him, but it was no wonder. He and his family had brought a lot of fame to the hockey program at Providence. There were pictures of his older brother, his dad, and several of his uncles up in the sports building showcasing their talents.
    No wonder Jayce worships the guy. He's a god to all these people.
    For some reason, that thought only made me feel worse.

Chapter 8
    Lucas
     
     
    I paid the guy at the front and couldn't help but notice the way he watched Aubrey. Hell, the way all the guys around me watched her. From her little comment about losing weight, she obviously had no clue just how perfect she was. I should have been the guy to tell her differently, but we were already skating on thin ice together. I could see it in her eyes. The way she watched me. As if she were waiting for me to step up and be something great for her. For all of them.
    "Here's your receipt, Lucas." The guy smiled as he gave me the receipt and my change.
    "Thanks man." I dropped all of it in his tip jar and turned to join Aubrey. I didn't know anyone in the small coffee shop, but they all seemed to know me. It wasn't anything new, and yet I hated it all the same.
    She lifted her chin