Page 23 of Going All In

He pulled away and smiled at her. She’d always been a terrible liar, which was why her mother believing her claim was dicey at best without Jake going along with it. Also, the breathy quality of her voice hadn’t helped her cause.

“It’s minty fresh, and you know it.”

It was. Dammit. It’s like he knew he was going to kiss someone. How long had he been planning to talk to her? She was still pissed that Ally hadn’t given her a heads-up. They were going to have words later.

“You’re thinking again,” he said, brushing his lips softly across hers.

She gave in for a minute before ending it. “See. I didn’t flinch. Guess we’re good to go.”

“Maybe we should practice one more time,” he said, leaning back in.

“Um. Nope. That was plenty. I have to get to work.” She wasn’t sure she could handle another kiss from him right now.

“Fine. Fine. Let’s go. We’ll have to figure out a way to introduce our relationship. Maybe you could come to a game and meet up with us at Crash and Byrne after. I know you aren’t a hockey fan, but as my girlfriend, you’ll be expected to be at games and pretend to like it.”

“I actually went to a game with Ally last week.”

“When?”

“A few days before the housewarming party. You got into a fight.”

“Yeah. Someone was gunning for Harty, and I protect my teammates when needed.”

“Isn’t fighting part of your issue and why we’re doing this?” she said, waving a hand between them.

“Yep. But sticking up for my teammates will always count for something, at least to me,” he said.

“Sorry. Just trying to understand.”

“I’ve already explained it,” he said. “Now, where’s this coffee shop? Do you have coworkers we need to kiss in front of? You know, in case your mom has spies.”

Humor laced his tone again, the brusqueness gone.

“Whoa. Don’t even joke about that. And no, you don’t need to kiss me at work.”

“You let me know if you change your mind. Wouldn’t want to blow our cover already.”

She couldn’t stop the chuckle that bubbled forth. He was going to keep her on her toes. And maybe she was losing her mind.

“What else do I need to know about, Darcy? Interesting name, by the way.”

“My mom is a huge Jane Austen fan.”

“I was thinking more whipped cream bikini Darcy,” he said.

“Of course you were. Anyway, I have an older brother named Charles, the hockey fan. He’s married to Bianca. Then I have an older sister. Lydia. She managed to turn my mother’s setups for me into a drinking game.”

“You’re joking.”

“Nope. Drunk before dessert was on the table last time,” she said, shaking her head. “Honestly, for a few minutes I thought her head was going to hit the table.” She would’ve found it funny if she hadn’t been the one being set up.

“Looking forward to family dinner,” Jake said.

“Please don’t get me wrong. They have their quirks, but they’re my family and I love them. They’re just crazy sometimes, and my mother’s meddling is epic. I need a breather.”

“Then we will convince them. Just don’t flinch when I do this,” he said, before he reached out and ran his finger down her spine.

Her body curved into his touch.

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