Page 89 of Some Like It Hot

I’m just not sure I’m ready.

That takes things to another level.

Things weren’t supposed to get to ‘levels’ at all.

Elise is doing me a favor. She’s an acquaintance who agreed to pose as my fake girlfriend for three months. That’s it.

But… that’s not it. It’s already more than that.

I like her. Being with her is easy and fun. I look forward to her texts. I love fucking her. When I was out of town, I was actually eager to get back to Chicago so I could see her. And not just to get her naked.

That was not supposed to happen.

I haven’t even seen her that much. Or fucked her that much. Definitely not enough.

But dammit, it has been enough.

Enough to complicate everything.

As the rest of the team warms up for the last period, I let my gaze do something I’ve been fighting all night.

I find Elise in the stands.

Warmth floods my chest and I have to actually fight a smile.

She’s not just here. She’s here wearing my jersey. I’m sure there are social media posts about it even now.

She’s also not here alone. She’s sitting behind Dani and Luna. But more importantly, she’s sitting between Simon and Aidan.

More importantly? Where did that come from?

But I know very well. Because Simon and Aidan are here to watch me too. Sure, they are here to keep Elise company, but the three of them are at this game because of me.

It’s unusual for me to have people in the stands.

Most of my family lives too far away for it to be a regular thing. All of the people I consider friends are on the team, so they’re not in the stands watching, of course. My grandmother does make it to a game here and there, but she prefers to watch my games on television. She hates dealing with crowds. She says that she can follow the puck more easily with the help of the cameras, and I know the cold air makes her joints stiff.

It’s nice having them here.

It’s really fucking nice to have Elise in that jersey.

It’s also very nice to be thinking about going home with them after the game.

Sometimes I have plans after a game. Sometimes they involve a woman.

But I don’t think I’ve ever looked forward to after games as much as I have since the four of us have been hanging out and hooking up.

I’m feeling things that I didn’t expect. And that I probably shouldn’t be.

I’m fake dating her.

But are you? A little voice in my head asks. I mean, we might be faking how serious it is, and that we’re engaged and going to be owning a cabin in Minnesota together, but we’re kind of actually dating.

We do actually go out on dates. We talk. We flirt. We text. We fuck.

I mean…that’s dating, isn’t it?

Whistles split the air, indicating the period is about to start and I take a deep breath and re-focus. I’ve got more hockey to play. I can’t be thinking about my love life.

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