DAKOTA

It's Friday night and I've never been so nervous for a date. Now that I think of it I don't think I've ever actually been nervous for one. Something feels different with Parker, from the second we met two weeks ago, I immediately found comfort in his presence.

While I'm finishing applying self-tanner, Ellie pops her head around the doorframe. "Hey, can I talk to you about Josh for a sec? I know you have your date today, I just need to get this off my chest," she looks a little pale.

"Of course, yeah, what's up?"

"I think I need to break up with him," she pauses before continuing. "He tried to tell me I'm not allowed to hang out with you and the guys anymore."

"I think that's probably a good idea, El. He doesn't respect you and you deserve so much more than that jackass," my words come out calm, but I'm mentally cheering.

"It's just... there's something else I need to tell you," she lets out a shaky breath.

I place my hand over the top of hers, "you can tell me anything El. You don't have to tell me now if you're not ready."

"He's been saying stuff about you," she pauses. "The night of the home opener, he told me the next time he was around you without the guys, he'd 'take care of our problem.' He was going to actually hurt you, Kota," tears well in her eyes as she looks into mine.

I pull Ellie into my arms, trying to hold my tears back. She's my best friend, I should have noticed her worry. I should've questioned her why she left that night without saying goodbye. We always check in with eachother before leaving parties, we never do it through the guys.

"El, do you really think the guys would ever let that happen? Hell, Connor doesn't even like leaving you alone at parties, especially if you're there with Josh."

"He really doesn't, does he?" Her cries calm down as she chokes out a slight laugh.

I nod, pulling her to my bed. "Sit, we're having a sleepover tonight. I'll go grab popcorn and you pick a movie."

"I love you, Kota," she looks at me as I walk out of the room.

"I love you more, El."

~

The next morning, I wash off the self-tanner while Ellie sets up my makeup and curling iron. Halfway through my makeup, my phone pings from the desk.

Goodmorning, don't eat breakfast

Parker: I'm really excited to see you

I show Ellie the text, and we both sigh happily. "He's so cute, Kota. I'll take him if you decide to pass," she says with a laugh.

You may change your mind once you see me on the ice

I could never ;)

I set my phone back down, smiling at my best friend in the mirror. Ellie finishes my hair, letting it fall in loose curls. Realizing the time, I quickly head to my closet and pick out a cropped green sweater, ripped jeans, and white high-topped converse. I grab my skates from under the bed, courtesy of Connor for my 17th birthday, and head to the living room.

"Wait! I need to take a picture for Brooks," Ellie ushers me towards a plain white wall. I know better than to argue with her on this, so I quickly smile, letting her take as many pictures as she desires.

I feel like a kid on their first day of kindergarten.

When someone knocks on the door, Ellie and I look at eachother, neither of us moving to answer it. A minute later, the bell rings, finally snapping us out of our staring contest.

"Coming," I yell, swinging the door open.

Parker stands there, looking hotter than ever. I let my eyes drag up his body, blatantly checking him out. He has on white air forces, dark pants, and a beige hoodie. His wavy brown hair falls messily but makes my heart speed up.

Once I pull my eyes from his body, I lock them onto his emerald green eyes. "Hey," my smile is so big I feel like my cheeks are splitting.

"Hey," his smile matches mine. Stepping inside, he holds out a Dunkin Donuts bag and drink holder that I didn't even notice before, too distracted by him. "Connor told me your usual. Ellie, I grabbed your order too."

She rushes forward, snatching the bag from my hands. "You're welcome over any time, Cadell."

Parker and I laugh at her as she walks away before he turns back to face me now that we're alone. "Hey," he repeats, stepping forward and wrapping me up in a tight hug.

I lightly trail my fingers up and down his back, "hey."

Once we release eachother, he laces our fingers together, pulling me towards the kitchen. "Let's get some food in you before I turn you into a D1 athlete today."

I giggle, squeezing his hand, as Ellie yells towards us. "Parker Cadell, I don't know what magic you possess but this is the best Dunkin coffee I've ever tasted."

"I'm glad you're enjoying it, Ellie." Parker smiles at my best friend as he pulls out a chair for me at the small island. He grabs my breakfast sandwich and refresher, placing them in front of me with a light kiss on my cheek.

This boy is going to be the absolute death of me.

The three of us eat fairly quickly, Parker and I eager to get out of here as soon as possible. I quickly clean up our trash, leaving Parker and Ellie while I go to grab my skates from the living room. As I return I hear the tail end of their conversation.

"-home before dark and no funny business, sir. I'd say keep your hands above the equator, but I don't think my girl is against some light groping."

"Ellie!" I choke out, fully entering the room. "You've just dropped down to the position of number two best friend."

She dramatically gasps, "I guess I'll have to get rid of dear, sweet Connor now."

Parker hasn't stopped laughing while watching our interaction. I grab his hand, pulling him towards the door. Right before it closes behind us, Ellie yells "don't forget! Be wise, condomise!"

~

Parker helps me up into his tall, black truck, and smiles softly at me before closing the door and rushing around the hood to the driver's side.

Once he pulls out onto the main road, starting our short drive, I break the silence between us. "Wanna play twenty questions?"

Parker smiles, "hit me, Lowen."

"Favorite color?"

"Green. Dogs or Cats?"

I laugh, "Dogs, obviously. Favorite movie of all time?"

"Easy, Captain America: The Winter Soldier. What's your favorite thing to bake?"

A marvel boy, interesting.

"Pumpkin pie, it reminds me of fall. Who's your favorite person you've met since moving to Michigan?" I smirk over at him, playfully batting my eyelashes.

He doesn't even hesitate, "Brooks." The smile on his face tells me he's joking.

I throw my head back, laughing. "I knew it! You saved a muffin for him the other week, I only give muffins to people I really like, normally I just save them all for myself."

"Oh, do you now?" As we hit a stoplight, he looks over at me smiling, reaching a hand out for mine.

I'm so excited about being on this date with him that I continue to be oblivious to what I just admitted, only nodding happily in response.

He brings the back of my hand to his mouth, pressing a light kiss against it before relaxing our hands on my thigh. He rubs the back of my knuckles for a minute before softly speaking, "I'd save all my muffins for you, Dakota."

And I'll be damned if I don't melt into his leather seats right this second.

______

Happy Monday y'all!!