Page 32 of Icing the Enemy

I sigh. “Every day? Ughh.” I can’t let on that I actually like him in a hatred sort of way.

“I don’t like it any more than you do, but to make it believable, it’s a must.”

“Any other requirements?”

“Yeah, you move in with me. Don’t touch my stuff. Don’t get in my way. Don’t take anything that isn’t yours. And lastly, we’ll divorce as soon as you get your money. How long do you have to be married?” he asks.

I don't have an actual timeline. Mr. Gould didn’t mention it. “Not sure. I’ll look over the papers Mr. Gould gave me tonight and let you know.”

“How could you not know? This is kind of important,” he sighs, beating his head against the headrest.

“I don’t know, okay? Mr. Gould didn’t mention specifics, and everything's been so overwhelming, with being put in jail and all,” I snap back. He’s not pushing me around.

“Text me when you know,” he insists. “Wait, I don’t have your number.” I pull out my phone, and he almost chokes on his laugh. “What is that?”

“My phone. Everyone is not rich as fuck,” I burst out in frustration, in part because I have a flip phone.

And I see a hint of sympathy from the gorgeous ass hockey player. We exchange numbers, and he looks around. “Are you okay here?” He gets out and opens my door.

“Oh my God, I’m fine. It’s fine. You don’t have to walk me to the door.”

He looks at me incredulously. “Step one. Walk the girl of my nightmares to her door.”

As we’re walking the short distance, I say, “I hate you.”

“Feeling’s mutual, little thief.”

CHAPTER THIRTEEN

corbin

Tossingand turning isn’t in my repertoire. Usually, I hit the pillow and fall asleep within minutes. My routine rarely varies but since I met Oakley, my mind spins uncontrollably. I can’t escape my attraction to her as much as I want to and being married to her is going to test my resolve. Honestly, I don’t even know why I agreed to this marriage of convenience.

Last night, the phone rang with the screen showing Oakley’s name, but I couldn’t bring myself to pick it up. She left me a voicemail. Her words were almost broken like she was upset. How could she be upset when she’s marrying one of the most eligible bachelors in Nashville?

“Hey, it’s Oakley. Your… your girlfriend. That’s weird. Umm, I don’t understand all this legal jargon, but I think three months. Where am I supposed to meet you tomorrow? I work at the salon, but then I can take the bus wherever. I don’t have texting on my phone plan, so call me.”

Who the fuck doesn’t have texting? I don’t have time for this right when the season is starting.

After a shower, I call her back on the way to the first team meeting and practice of the season. “It’s Corbin. I got your message. What time do you get off work?”

“Five, if my clients are on time.”

“I’ll pick you up. Send me a pin.”

“No.”

“Oh, I forgot your phone doesn’t do that. What’s the address?” Reluctantly, she gives me the address. “I’ll be there. Bring the document.”

Now, it’s time to start the season with fresh legs and a scrambled mind. Time to lie to my teammates, and I’m hoping I can pull it off.

The coach introduces the staff to the few new players. Gloria hasn’t spoken to me since Dousier and I traded blows. Well, she can be mad all she wants, but I’m not standing by letting him hit a woman. We’re sitting on opposite sides of the room, but it’s not far enough away for my taste.

The coach asks us to open the QR code on the screen and read through the team rules and sign electronically. Then he goes over the practice schedule for the next week and the expectations for what we should be doing outside of practice on our own time. Luckily, the schedule didn’t change from the past year. For the three weeks during the preseason, we’ll practice for three hours every morning, meaning weightlifting, appointments with trainers and physical therapists in the afternoon.

The smell of Irish Spring hits me from every corner as I step into the locker room, but it won’t be long before it’s replaced by the unmistakable scent of body sweat. There are two new additions to the locker room. One, the Nashville Notes logo is inlaid in the center of the hardwood floor that has been waxed and shined. The other is reclining chairs have been added in the area where we hang out or watch last-minute film alongwith state-of-the art television, featuring multiple screens but displaying one image. When we watch film here, the images will be life size. We’ll be able to strategize between periods, if necessary,

Dousier walks in front of me. “My line will be moving up to number one.”

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