Total pages in book: 89
Estimated words: 86422 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 432(@200wpm)___ 346(@250wpm)___ 288(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 86422 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 432(@200wpm)___ 346(@250wpm)___ 288(@300wpm)
I pause and focus on her. “So it was more because you had to and less that you wanted to?”
She shrugs. “I didn’t mind. When I was young, my mom would be there, and she’d help me with homework, and it was a chance to spend time together, but after my parents died…” She swallows thickly and glances away for a moment. “I had to step in because Lexi basically became a single parent who was also coaching a pro hockey team.”
“That must have been hard on all of you.”
“Sometimes it felt impossibly heavy,” Fee confides. “Callie was so young, Lexi went from sister to parent, and I helped where I was needed.” She smiles, but it’s sad. “Anyway, lots of time in an arena means I know a ton about hockey even though I don’t play, so my being your fake girlfriend comes with added perks.”
I want to tell her that this isn’t fake for me, but what if she doesn’t feel the same? I risk making things awkward. Especially we’re talking about what and who she’s lost.
“You know I care about you, right? You’re important to me beyond a label.” I want to be honest, but this isn’t the time. I skim the back of her hand, offering comfort instead. “I’m really sorry you lost your parents, Fee. I’m here for you, however you need me.”
Her smile softens. “Thanks. I’m lucky to have Lexi, and Roman is like…such a good guy. It doesn’t fill the hole, but it helps.”
I close my fingers around hers. “You can talk to me about it, you know?”
She blinks a few times and nods. “It just gets me up in my feels.”
“C’mere.” I tug her closer and wrap my arms around her.
“You’re going to make my feelings leak out of my eyes if you’re not careful.”
“Tears don’t scare me, sharks though…”
She laughs and I squeeze her. “Seriously, I’m not afraid of feelings.” Just about being honest when it comes to mine.
Fee links her hands behind my back and settles her cheek on my chest. “I love your hugs.”
“They’re yours whenever you want them.” And so am I.
CHAPTER 12
FEE
Islap my thighs. “Why don’t we make some popcorn?”
Cammie and Chase take a three second break from their excessive PDAing.
“You make the best popcorn! Can I have mine with cheese seasoning, please?” Annnnnd Chase is back to kissing her neck.
“Sure.” I turn to Mac. “Wanna help?”
“Absolutely.” His nod is exceptionally enthusiastic, even for a self-proclaimed popcorn lover.
Seems like we both need a break from their hormones. “Cool.”
We leave the happy couple to their foreplay without an audience.
Cammie just posted another chapter of her fic and I finished my assignment, so we thought it would be an awesome idea to have a movie night at Mac’s. Brody is at his brother’s, and Gage is out with some of their teammates, so in theory it was a good idea.
I should have foreseen Cammie and Chase being all over each other the moment we walked in the door. The chapter was exceptionally spicy, so I get it. But if they needed to get a boning out of their system, they should have just gone back to their apartment and fucked each other senseless. Now Mac and I are subjected to their rampant hormones.
Most of the time it’s cute.
But right now, when I’m hanging out with my not-real boyfriend, with nowhere to channel all my pent-up sex energy, I long for things that aren’t happening; like make-out sessions to go with the hugs and snuggles.
The ice time practice session I stumbled on was amazing. I got to touch Mac on purpose, a lot, and it felt like we connected, and not just about hockey. He’s also been smoother on the ice, which is awesome.
“Is it me or are those two extra touchy?” Mac whispers once we’re in the kitchen.
His ears have turned red, along with his cheeks.
“They’re channeling some big fuck energy,” I agree. “Cammie posted a chapter.”
“Oh.” His eyes flare. “A spicy one?”
“Super spicy. Yeah.”
He runs a hand through his hair. “Don’t they like…test the scenes before she writes them?”
“Yeah. And possibly after, I guess.”
“Right.” His Adam’s apple bobs.
We stare at each other for a few long seconds, me wishing Mac would back me up into the counter and kiss his way up my neck the way Chase was doing to Cammie.
Eventually I look away, because I don’t want Mac to be able to read the longing on my face. Before we entered this agreement, he was hot, nice, my friend and fun to hang out with. He’s still all those things, but we’ve gotten closer and sometimes it feels like all the hugs and snuggles aren’t just for show.
I run my sweaty hands over my hips. “So where do you keep the popcorn supplies?”
“Right. Yeah.” Mac skirts around me and pulls out a full-on popcorn maker. The kind you usually see at birthday parties.