Page 31 of The Game

A couple of heads whip around focusing on me. I stare at my fingers, heat creeping up my chest. I may have underestimated how deep inside myself I’ve hidden since I joined the Lightning. To attract that much attention for one observation.

“Really?” Grant’s still got his stick in his hand and he’s got his chin propped up on it as he studies me. “That is good information. Coach didn’t even notice that one.”

“Probably pretty minor. Maybe it was a new thing, but definitely something to keep in mind the next time we play them.”

“Hey, Grant.” I call at his back as he’s walking toward the locker room door.

He swings around. “S’up?”

“Did you ask Summer to make sure Jazz knew where we would be coming out?”

A big, goofy grin spreads across his face. “Sure did. Anxious to see your girl, Coco?”

“She’s...” I stop the words before they can get out. As far as my teammates are concerned, she is my girl.

My eyes skate over all the other girls waiting for us to emerge after the game until they land on her. Her loose, black hair is held back by a bright yellow daisy covered headband, andshe’s clutching her gloved hands around a glittery purple stainless-steel tumbler like it’s her lifeline.

She’s looking around, shifting from one foot to the other when she spots me. A tentative smile curls the corners of her lips. I return it, moving my legs a little faster now that I’ve locked on to her.

Summer squeals when she spots her boyfriend, leaving Jazz in her dust as she races over to jump into his arms. I freeze for a moment, not sure how to play this. Obviously, I can’t go for an OTT gesture like that, but a handshake isn’t going to cut it either. This is unfamiliar territory for sure.

My hands are hovering in the air, unsure of what move to make when I catch sight of the shiny blonde hair that threw me off my game. Charlene is pushing her way through the crowd to get to me.

I close my hands around Jazz’s biceps to hide the light tremble, giving them a soft squeeze as I pull her into me.

A delicious mix of coffee and lilacs engulfs me when I lean in close to her ear.

“Do you think it would be alright if I kissed you now? I know we said we were going to do a practice run first, but...”

Her hair tickles my neck as she moves her head up and down in what feels like a nod.

“Cole!” The high-pitched voice is like a jagged knife in my back.

I slide my hands up to the back of her head and pull back to meet her dark brown eyes. They’re wide with a tentative lookin them that has me hesitating. She glances over my shoulder before turning back to give me a slight nod.

My eyes fall shut as our lips touch for the first time. She’s soft under me, tasting of coffee and cherry lip balm. The world disappears as I get lost in my first kiss in a long time. Her hands close over my shoulders, fingers kneading into my achy muscles. There are too many forgotten sensations sparking up. All the silky hair, soft lips, and smooth skin are sending tingles through my body.

“Cole?” That insistent question jerks me out of the moment, and I pull back, reluctantly letting go of Jazz. The reason for the kiss is a firm reminder that it’s not real. This is all for show, no matter how good it felt.

I turn around, irritated and also relieved at the interruption.

“I thought I told you not to show up here again, Charlene.”

Her red lip pokes out in an exaggerated pout. “Who is this, Cole?”

“Not that it’s any of your business, but this is my girlfriend, Jazz.” I’m reluctant to let go, wanting to protect her from the flaming daggers shooting out of my ex’s eyes. Her waist is soft and comforting under my hand.

“Girlfriend?” She narrows her eyes at us. “I heard you didn’t have a girlfriend.”

“Well, you heard wrong. I’m tired. We’re getting out of here.”

I take a step forward, tugging my fake girlfriend with me. It makes me a little uncomfortable to use her as a shield againstmy ex. But that’s what this is all about. We both agreed to this thing.

“Cole. She’ll never make you happy. And I’ll be here for you when she can’t keep you satisfied.”

My chest rumbles with a bitter laugh. She says that as if she didn’t destroy what little trust I had left by stomping my heart under her heel while I watched her riding my teammate.

“Ow, Cole.” Jazz tugs her hand away from me. Shit, I must have been squeezing it too tight.

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