Chapter Sixteen

"T his is going to be so much fun," Peyton says as we walk up to the guys' house.

"I'm sure it will be."

"I don't think you understand, I love Three Bad Habits. The drummer could bang me all night, and I wouldn't complain."

Three Bad Habits happens to be performing at the fair tonight a few towns over. Since Peyton and I needed a ride, I asked Clay if he would go. That turned into the whole group coming.

"I'm sure parts of you would complain," I say as I roll my eyes as we walk up the steps.

"Who's complaining about what?" Brett asks, catching me off guard.

"Oh, hi."

He smirks. "Hey Grace. Are you feeling better?"

"I am, thanks for asking."

He looks over at Peyton. "So what are you not complaining about?"

"I said that the drummer from Three Bad Habits, Beau, could bang me all night and I wouldn't complain," she says right as Wyatt walks up, making him choke on his drink.

"You okay there, buddy?" Brett asks as he pounds on his back.

"I'm good. She just caught me off guard," Wyatt rasps.

"Hey, are you guys ready to go?" Beckett asks as he and Clay walk up.

We all nod.

"Who am I riding with?" I ask.

"You and Peyton are riding with Beck and me. These two are picking a couple people up and meeting us there," Clay says.

"Sounds good," Peyton says as she heads back down the steps.

Clay and I watch everyone walk away before turning to each other.

"Hey, how are you?" he asks as he pulls me into a hug.

I wrap my arms around his waist and bury my face in his chest. "I'm good. You?"

"Better now," he says, making me smile.

I know he doesn't mean that he's better now that he's with me, but my heart hasn't gotten the memo.

He's just being sweet.

A horn honks, and Beckett yells. "Come on, lovebirds, let's get the show on the road!"

Reluctantly, I pull away while Clay mutters under his breath.

"Come on," he says as he places his hand on my lower back. He rushes me down the stairs and over to Beckett's car.

"Thank you," I say when he opens the door for me.

I get in, and he jumps in behind me. I move to slide across the seat, but he grabs a hold of my thigh and holds me in place.

"I don't know about you, but I could go for a quick nap while Beck drives."

"Okay…"

While Beckett starts to pull out of the driveway, Clay turns and gets situated, and then pulls me into his arms, so I'm leaning against him.

"Perfect," he mumbles as he kisses the top of my hair.

My seatbelt is digging into my hip, and I don't know what to do.

I wasn't expecting this.

"Relax," he whispers.

I take a deep breath and do as he says. I move around until the seatbelt is no longer digging into my skin and his arms are wrapped comfortably around me. My body begins to relax as my eyes fall shut, and even though I would have sworn that I wasn't tired, I somehow manage to fall asleep easily.

I don't know how long we're out before Peyton's waking us up. "Clay, Grace, we're here."

I go to sit up, only Clay's hold on me tightens.

"Five more minutes," he mumbles.

"I don't think it works like that." I laugh as I pull out of his arms.

"You're no fun," he pouts as he sits up.

"Have a good nap?" Peyton teases.

"I did, actually. Thanks for asking," Clay quips.

Beckett parks, and the four of us get out.

"What do we want to do first?" I ask.

"I want a funnel cake," Peyton says. "The band goes on at nine. I want to be early to get seats."

"We won't miss the band," I promise her. "Funnel cake sounds delicious. Count me in."

Beckett waves his arm out. "Lead the way."

Clay takes my hand in his, making my breath catch. We fall into step just behind Beckett and Peyton, who have fallen into an easy conversation.

Clay squeezes my hand, making me look at him.

"Thanks for the cuddles."

I smile. "Anytime."

He smirks down at me, and I feel my cheeks heat. I hate it, but I can't help it. Things are slowly changing between us, and I don't know what to think. It feels natural, but after everything with Kellan, I'm hesitant. I don't want to ruin our friendship. Clay means too much to me.

"Are you okay?" he asks as we come to a stop next to a food truck.

"I'm good. Now tell me, what are you going to order?"

"I think I'm going for the fried pickles. You said you want a funnel cake, right?"

I nod. "Yes, but fair warning, I might steal some of your pickles."

Clay smirks. "I have no issues sharing my food with you as long as you share yours with me."

When we get up to the window, he places our order. I let go of his hand and reach for my purse.

"Don't even think about it," he warns as he hands the worker some cash.

I look up at him and frown. "You aren't paying."

"But I need to pay you for my funnel cake."

"Babe, if I can't take you out and buy you a funnel cake, then I have bigger issues than I thought."

"But…"

He shakes his head. "Don't fight me on it."

I bite my lip as he pulls us to the side to wait for our order. I know his financial situation is tight, and while logically my funnel cake wasn't much, I still feel bad. He could use that money on something else. Especially where this isn't a date.

Clay reaches out and pulls my lip from between my teeth. "Stop overthinking it. It's not a big deal."

"Okay, but I buy the next round."

He rolls his eyes. "Sure…whatever you say."

The guy in the food truck calls our number.

"Be right back."

While I watch him walk away, Peyton comes up next to me. "So, you two sure look cozy. Anything you need to tell your best friend about?"

"I have no idea what you're talking about," I lie.

She scoffs. "Sure you don't, but a piece of advice, don't overthink it. Just let it happen."

"Okay," I say quietly.

"And for the record, you two look hot together."

I feel my cheeks flush.

"What did you say to make her blush like that?" Beckett asks as he and Clay walk up to us.

"Nothing, she said nothing," I blurt out before she can say anything. "Is that mine?" I ask, pointing to the fried dough in Clay's hand.

Clay hands it over. "Thank you."

"You're welcome."

"Come on, let's go sit down over there," Beckett says, nodding toward an empty table.

We walk over to the table and sit down. Beckett and Peyton on one side, and Clay and I on the other. Immediately, we all dig into our food.

"This is so good," I moan.

"You have a little powdered sugar right there," Clay says, pointing to his mouth.

"Here?" I ask as I wipe my face.

"No, you missed." He reaches out and rubs his finger over the corner of my mouth before popping it into his mouth. "Got it." He winks.

He freaking winks.

"Nothing happening, my ass," Peyton mumbles, making Beckett chuckle.

I open my mouth to say something, anything, but nothing comes out. Clayton has left me speechless. The only thought running through my head is maybe, just maybe, Peyton is right and things are changing between us.

Maybe I should just see what happens. I mean, what's the worst that could happen?

I haven't been able to keep my hands off Grace all night.

We are supposed to be friends, but the more time I spend with her, the more I like her.

Like right now. Peyton has drug us over to the pavilion to watch this band play. Her and Grace are up dancing and singing along, and all I can think about is pulling her into me so she will dance against me.

I am losing my mind. I should be keeping my distance. Girls are a distraction. I haven't even been to the rink as much to practice on my own since I met her.

Then I think about the times I take her to the rink with me, and I forget all about hockey once more.

It's a vicious cycle. If only I was doing worse on the ice, then I could find a reason to ditch her. I'm not, though. If anything, I'm doing better.

Even if I wasn't, I don't think I could ditch her if I wanted to. I've gotten so used to her being in my life.

At least once a week she comes over and cooks for the guys. She has poker nights with them, and I've even found myself joining them.

She's like the sun. I want to be in her orbit at all times. I need to feel the warmth she brings me.

I didn't realize how lonely my life had become. Or maybe it was always that way. She's opened my eyes. Allowed me to see a new avenue I could go down. One where my life isn't all about one thing. I can have it all. At least, that's what she makes me believe.

"You okay?" she yells in my ear.

"Of course. Are you having fun?" I yell back.

She nods, grabbing my arm to put it around her shoulder.

It's these touches that make me confused. I think she likes me as more than a friend. I like her too.

I don't want to, though. I'm so conflicted. I'm going to enter the draft this summer. With the way I'm playing, I'll possibly be going in the first round. Then who knows where I will end up.

Is it really fair to her to pull her into my life knowing that my life is uncertain?

Before I can reflect on it more, the band starts to play a slower song. Grace turns to me, putting her arms around my neck.

"Dance with me?"

Those three words spoken from that soft voice have me ready to agree to anything she wants.

Wrapping my arms around her, we start to sway with the music. I listen to the words of the song. They speak of one true love. Finding the person you would want to spend every last minute with until you take your last breath. It's as if it's a faraway dream, though. Something the singer wants but has yet to find.

It has me thinking about love. About the girl in my arms.

Grace looks up at me then. She is so beautiful. Everything a man could want.

So why can't I get my head out of my ass and figure out what I want?

"Clay," she whispers softly.

I can feel the want coming from her.

Then she licks her lips, drawing my attention to them.

I want to taste those lips.

As soon as the thought enters my head, I can feel myself lowering to her. Then my lips are on hers. Just a soft brush once. Then twice. Her eyes fall closed as she presses back against me.

Before we can go any further, the song ends, launching into another loud, party song.

She jolts back from me, her cheeks red. "Sorry about that. Caught up in the moment," she says before turning back to the band.

That's it. She's just gone, dancing with Peyton once more.

I have no clue if anyone saw us kiss. If anyone knows that I am standing here overanalyzing that entire kiss.

The band is done before I know it.

"Let's ride the Ferris wheel," Peyton says, dragging Grace toward the ride.

Beckett moves next to me as Wyatt and Brett walk behind us with a group of girls.

"You okay? You seem lost in your head tonight," Beckett asks.

"Yeah. I'm fine," I say, not willing to admit anything.

"Sure you are. Has nothing to do with how close you are getting to Grace."

"What?" I widen my eyes at him, wondering what he saw.

"Don't act so surprised. The girl has brought you out of your shell. You are more open and fun to be around. Stop letting your brain get to you. It's okay to just enjoy your life in this moment without having to wonder how it fits in the future."

"I didn't realize you were a therapist now," I grumble.

He pats me on the shoulder before we make it to the girls. "I don't want you to wake up one day and wonder what if," he admits before going to Peyton's side.

Is that what would happen? Would I wonder one day about Grace and what we could have been?

I move to Grace's side, putting my arm around her shoulder like it belongs there. She doesn't tense or shake me off, so I leave it.

We are almost to the front of the line when someone calls her name. She turns, then groans.

Kellan walks up to our group then, pulling her from me to hug her.

I barely resist the urge to smile when she steps back into me when he lets her go.

"I didn't know you were here. Want to ride a few rides together? Remember when we used to go to that little fair that would set up in our hometown? You always loved going on the Zipper and that alien one." He laughs.

I frown at his words. She told me earlier she hated rides like that. How oblivious can this guy really be?

She offers him a smile. "I'm here with friends, but maybe next time."

"Oh, come on, one ride. It'll be so fun." He tries again, ignoring the rest of us standing here.

"She said rides like that make her feel sick. She doesn't like them. Take the hint," I growl at him.

"Stay the fuck out of this. You might be my captain on the ice, but here you are nothing," Kellan spits at me.

I move until Grace is behind me. I don't like how aggressive he is looking right now.

"You had this beautiful, intelligent woman by your side for years, and you have yet to learn anything about her. What's her favorite flower? What does she prefer to drink? What about her favorite dessert?" I challenge him.

"She loves roses, drinks water, and loves butter pecan ice cream," he spits back.

I snort. "She prefers lilies, and her favorite dessert is tiramisu. You got one out of three, so I'll give you credit there."

"What? No. You're lying. Or she is lying to you."

I shake my head. "Listen, it's almost our turn, so why don't you head out?"

I feel Grace grip the back of my shirt before her head falls between my shoulder blades.

"You don't speak for her. She is her own person," Kellan mutters.

"Are you sure you understand that? Because I don't think you do." Turning, I cup Grace's face. "Do you want to go with Kellan? If you do, it won't hurt my feelings. I'll understand."

I wait patiently as she looks up at me with wide eyes.

Then she looks at Kellan. "I told you. I came with my friends. You haven't talked to me in a while. I didn't even know if we were friends anymore. I'm going to go home with who I came with."

His face falls. "Hockey has been crazy. Coach has me doing extra stuff to get me to another level. Of course we are still friends. Best of friends."

She nods. "Then we can talk later. It's our turn, and I've been wanting to ride this."

Without another word, she grabs my hand, pulling me to the guy taking tickets. I hand our tickets over before we are locked into the ride.

Then she moves over, grabbing my arm.

"Thank you for standing up for me. You didn't have to."

Leaning down, I press a kiss to the top of her head. "Of course I did. He's wrong, though. He's no longer your best friend because now I am."

Hearing her laugh releases all the tension in my body. I have feelings for this girl. There is no doubt about it.

The question is, what do I do with them?