Page 62 of The Game

She doesn’t say anything. Only the arched brow tells me she’s almost as confused at my confession as I am.

“We were fake dating to keep Darryl and his ex off our backs.”

Her nose scrunches up and I can’t say blame her. “Fake dating? But I saw you together at the Halloween party. None of that looked fake. Are you sure you didn’t go into the wrong program? Maybe acting is your calling.”

“Yes. We got to know each other and realized we both had a problem. Obnoxious exes who kept interjecting themselves in our lives. His crazy ex moved all the way from Florida to be near him again.”

“Okay, but you’re friends, right?”

“Yes, we were.” This is all coming out so jumbled. I don’t even know where my own head is at.

“Were?”

“Yes. Just friends who pretended we were more. Until after the party. I’m really attracted to him. I have been almost since when we first met, and I thought I could keep that in check. But I was wrong. That night I couldn’t help myself. I went for it. And he did not protest.” A sizzling heat crackles through me at that memory.

The hint of a smile curves her lips. “You slept together?”

“Yes, we did, and let me tell you. It was incredible.” If only I could open a window. I could use a gust of fresh air to cool down my heated skin.

“Well, that’s good, right? Or was he not on the same page as you?”

“Oh, he was on the same page. A hundred percent. And the way he started talking. The things he started to say made me think he might be interested in something real. And if he had asked before Wednesday, I probably would have said yes. Butnow. I’m not sure. I got scared and I don’t think I want to put myself in someone else’s power like that again. Am I crazy?”

Her dark hair swings in a smooth waterfall with the vigorous shake of her head. “You’re not crazy. You know what’s right for you. You know what you can handle. And if the red flags are flying, maybe you should stay away from him.”

“Right.” I nod. “That’s what I thought.” I rub at my chest, trying to ease the vice tightening around my heart.

“Not so fast. There’s a caveat. Make sure that it isn’t just your fear that’s stopping you from pursuing something with him. I don’t want to make this about me, but I was dating this guy in first year. Brendan. Everyone told me not to commit to someone so early in my college years, so I blew him off and threw away something good. Turns out there are way too many mediocre players on the field. Out of all the guys I’ve dated, no one has come close to what I felt for him, and I regret breaking it off.” She squeezes my hand.

I remember. Brendan was a great guy. He’s been dating someone else in our program for the last couple of years. It must be hard for her to see them together all the time if she still feels that way. “I had no idea, Amira. I’m sorry. I’ve been a shitty friend. So wrapped up in my own life and problems that I haven’t paid enough attention to you.”

She picks up a random stack of papers, shuffling through them. “It’s fine, Jazz. You don’t have to put everything on yourself. That’s not what I want. I was embarrassed, so I didn’t talk to anyone about it, even you. And just so you know, I still consider you my best friend here at thisschool.”

“Even after…”

“Even after you bailed on me for Darryl. I don’t blame you and you shouldn’t blame yourself. He offered you something you needed at a time you needed it, and you didn’t realize how deep in you’d gotten until it was too late. But you recognized the signs. You realized what was happening, and you got yourself out. You are strong, and you need to embrace that. That’s how I know you’re capable of making the right decision on your own about Cole. You’ve been the one spending time with him. You’ll be able to tell if he’s bad for you.”

I shake my head, still not able to trust myself, but it helps. Sharing with her. Helping each other. “Thanks.” I’m so glad I have her back in my life. “And just so you know, you’re my best friend, too.”

I lean in to give her a hug, dropping my head to her shoulder. This is totally what was missing in my life. Now if I can figure out the rest, I’ll be golden.

“Okay. I’m going to text him to figure out which guys are in for the auction, and we’ll finalize this list so we can get it published. I have a feeling these tickets will sell out in under a week once we get some of the star hockey players on the auction block. After all, who is more eligible at this school than a member of the championship winning hockey team?”

“Don’t feel obligated. I wasn’t trying to pressure you into it.”

“I know. But it doesn’t matter what’s going on between Cole and I. Friends, fake relationship, real relationship. We’re something, and honestly, some of his friends seemed excitedabout it. It shouldn’t be hard at all for him to convince them to commit.”

Amira flips her laptop open as I tap away on my phone.

Hey Cole. Just wanted to finalize which guys are in for the auction. They’ve got to be fully on board, and I need a list if you can get that to me. Thanks so much, Jazz.

There. That’s fine, right? Friendly. Not weird. Or maybe it is weird. I have no clue any more how to navigate this thing between us now that we’ve crossed so many boundaries.

Chapter 23

Post Game High

Cole

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