Page 20 of Fake Out Forever

Panting and grinning like a Cheshire cat.

When I make it back to my room, my lips are still tingling from his kiss. I climb under the covers, still smiling, and start to drift off when the sound of my phone startles me. I snatch my cell from the nightstand and see Sabrina’s name.

“Hello?”

“Where are you?” My sister hisses.

“It’s a long story. But don’t worry. I’m fine.”

“We’ve been calling you over and over.”

“There hasn’t been any phone service because of the storm.” I flop back down on the mattress. “And I wouldn’t be surprised if it cuts out again.”

“Father was planning on going to the police tomorrow to report you missing. We have all been so worried.”

“I’m sorry. Please tell everyone I’m fine. As soon as the roads are safe to drive on, I’ll be home.”

“But where are you?” Sabrina whines. “Christmas Eve is tomorrow.”

“I know. I’m sorry, but I won’t be there. I’m stuck in Thunder Ridge.”

“Thunder Ridge? What on earth are you doing out there? That’s no man’s land.”

I have to come up with a lie to tell her. I’m not ready to share my plans because I know my family will try to talk me out of my dream. “I was in Aspen finishing up my Christmas shopping when it started to snow, and I got lost.”

“You drove to Aspen to shop? Why didn’t you take one of father’s planes?”

“I don’t know. I felt like driving.” It’s time to change the subject fast. “How are you doing? Are the boys excited for Santa?”

Sabrina launches into everything she’s been doing for the holidays and I thank my lucky stars.

“I’m sorry I’m going to miss it. Take lots of pictures for me.” I turn onto my side.

“Where are you staying? Please tell me you are not stuck in one of those seedy motels.”

There aren’t any seedy motels in Thunder Ridge. But I don’t bother to correct her. “I’m staying with a friend.”

“A friend? You have a friend in Thunder Ridge?”

“I do. I met him a few years ago.”

“Him?” Sabrina giggles. “Tell me more.”

“Remember that charity event I did three years ago in Denver?”

“Yes. The one for the Frostwolves.”

“That’s the one… well I…”

“Wait! Please do not tell me you are with a hockey player!”

I kick my feet into the mattress. I should have kept my mouth shut. “Cade is a nice guy, sis. A very nice guy.”

“You’re with Cade Wylie? Oh, Maya! Remember how you thought Andre was a nice guy, too?” She snaps. “They’re all dirtbags.”

“Sabrina, you don’t really believe that, do you?”

“Of course I do. You can’t be with a hockey player, Maya.” Her voice gets low. “I don’t want you to get hurt like I did. Please. I don’t want that for you.”

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