She looked across the room at where Cole stood talking to Mr. Dobson, and her heart squeezed.
Cole looked beyond handsome in a tux. She knew he’d have no trouble attracting female interest again once people no longer thought that he was dating her. In fact, more than one woman tonight had thrown him an appreciative look or had hung on his words and giggled at something he’d said.
Marisa sighed. She should be focused on other things. Her mother and stepfather were here to support her. And after this evening, she might have proved herself enough to become assistant principal at Pershing. Mr. Dobson had asked her last week to submit her résumé.
The principal had given no indication that he was aware of her relationship with Cole—and she certainly hadn’t broadcast it at school. In fairness, however, she’d casually mentioned that she and Cole had begun to see each other, having become reacquainted over preparations for Pershing Shines Bright. Marisa figured it was best the principal got the news from her first. And if Mr. Dobson had been a fan of Flavors of Italy with Camilla Serenghetti, he would have seen the episode with her and Cole that had aired two weeks ago, a few days after taping.
Cole glanced her way, and their gazes locked, his look appreciative.
He made her feel beautiful. She wore a green satin dress with a black lace overlay covering the sweetheart neckline, and chandelier earrings. She’d chosen her outfit with him in mind.
In the past couple of weeks, she’d seen more of Cole than she would ever have imagined. They’d attended a Razors game together to cheer on Jordan, where they were even nabbed on the Jumbotron sharing a quick kiss. She’d attended his second hockey clinic for Pershing students, and she’d teased him about making a teacher out of him yet. They’d also bonded in the kitchen, where he’d helped her make some of her signature Italian dishes.
She heated at the thought of what else they’d recently done in the kitchen...
Marisa had known then, if she hadn’t before, that she’d fallen in love with him. Because heartbreak was her middle name.
“My God, he only has eyes for you.”
Marisa jumped, yanked from her reverie, and turned to see Serafina behind her. “You sound like a bad advertisement for a women’s hair-care product.”
Serafina shook her head. “It’s not your hair that I’m talking about.”
“Ladies.”
She and Serafina swung in unison to see Cole’s youngest brother.
Jordan’s eyes came to rest on Serafina, and his smile was enough to melt ice. “Marisa didn’t tell me she had an even more perfect relative.”
“Oh?” Serafina responded and then glanced behind her. “Where is she?”
Cole’s brother grinned. “I’m looking at her, angel. I’m—”
Serafina scowled. “My name is not Angel, and I know who you are.”
“Cole’s brother,” Jordan supplied, still unperturbed.
“The New England Razors’ right wingman and leading scorer.”
Jordan’s smile remained in place. “You watch hockey.”
“Leading scorer on and off the field,” Serafina elaborated, her voice cool. “I read the news, too. And I’ve been moonlighting as a waitress at the Puck & Shoot.”
“I know, and yet somehow we’ve never been introduced.”
“Fortunately.”
Marisa cleared her throat. She was happy she was no longer the focus of Sera’s attention, but it was time to step in. “Jordan, this is my cousin Serafina.”
“Named for the angels,” Jordan murmured. “I was right. Must be divine kismet.”
“In your dreams.”
“It’s where you’ll be tonight...unless you also want to join me at the bar later?”
“My God, don’t you stop?”
Marisa knew Serafina didn’t like players, but she’d never known her cousin to be rude.