Page 42 of Fool Me Once

Yeah, he’d know where I was, but would he really be that stupid to mess with someone who was supposedly the girlfriend of one of the Sharks’ most beloved players? I’d hope not.

“Okay,” I whisper. “I think you’re right.”

I bring the straw from my water to my lips and take a sip. “But, Smith?”

“Yeah?”

“We can’t let the lines blur between what’s real and what’s fake, okay?” My eyes burn into his, as if I’m begging him to understand how importantthis is. “Things will get messy if we get reality mixed with something that isn’t real, okay?”

He’s unsure at first and maybe a little disappointed, but finally, he gives me one tiny nod. “Yeah, you got it.”

Good. I’m glad we’re on the same page.

My heart hardened after I lost Smith the first time. If I went through it again, I think it might turn to stone.

“One more thing,” he says, almost nervous mixed with amused.

“What’s that?”

“What do you say we make our big debut as a couple at my away game this weekend?” He rubs his chin, raising an eyebrow. “I have a game in Tampa, and it’d look awfully good if you went and were in the stands, cheering on your talented and incredibly good-looking boyfriend.” He winks.

“Tampa?” My mouth hangs open. “Seems excessive for our first task as a couple, no?”

“Gem, it’s cold as fuck here. It’s gray and dreary.” He widens his eyes. “Come on. You know Florida sounds good.”

I sigh because he’s right. Itdoessound nice. Today, in Maine, it’s windy, and the air almost chafes your face, it seems. In Florida, I could walk along the beach and feel the hot sand between my toes. Even thinking about it is making my chest warm inside.

“You’re right,” I say, shrugging playfully. “It does sound nice. And … it would make a bold statement.”

He seems pleased with my answer as his eyes twinkle with delight. “It’d make an even bolder one if you showed up in my jersey.”

“Hey now, don’t push it.” I roll my eyes, but still, I can’t wipe the stupid smile from my face.

He’s dangerous … but in a completely different way than the last man who hurt me was.

Still, I find it just as scary.

Isit with my legs crossed on the couch after explaining my and Smith’s … plan to Saylor over the phone. When he came to me with this plan yesterday, I thought he was crazy. But the more I think about it … the more sense it seems to make.

“So, you’re dating my brother as far as the rest of the world is concerned, but you’re not actually dating my brother. Did I understand that right?”

I laugh once, continuing to stroke Storm’s fur as he sleeps with his head on my lap.

“I guess, yeah. I mean, I know it probably seems dramatic. Maybehehas moved on, and I’m not even a blip on his radar anymore. But in case I am, I think your brother is right. I think this might be the best way to make sure Richie knows to never come near me again.”

“Yeah … I hope,” she whispers, her voice filled with unsureness. “Part of me thinks this is probably just my brother’s way of getting you back though. Okay, like ninety-five percent of me actually.”

“Yeah, right.” I snort. “Even if it were, it doesn’t matter. Never going to happen.”

“Mmhmm,” she drawls. “Also, not to change the subject from you and my brother fake dating because … I’dloveto talk about that all day—it’s great and all—but … have you heard back from Casco Bay University?”

I cringe when she mentions the local college that I told her I had looked into. The truth is, I never sent in the application because, right now, I don’t even know what I want to do with my life. There was a time in my life when engineering was all I could see when I looked at the future, but now, I feel no joy or excitement when I think about it anymore. I need to find a job because the money I saved from pawningmy engagement ring is dwindling fast, and the last thing I want is for Smith to feel taken advantage of just because he can afford it.

“I didn’t submit it,” I say, chewing my bottom lip. “Something about engineering no longer feels right. I don’t know.” I sigh. “I even watched an hour-long video about different career choices, but still, not a single one spoke to me.”

“That’s okay, babe. You’ll figure it out,” she reassures me. “There’s no rush.”

“I guess,” I utter, relaxing my head back. “Anyway, enough about me. Tell me about you.”

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