Page 61 of The Pucking Player

Continue?

As in, keep pretending to date Liam?

As in, more time with Mr. Blue Eyes and Killer Abs?

As in, torture myself with what I can’t have because I’m trying to focus on my future?

I glance at Liam again, and this time he’s looking right at me, those blue eyes locked on mine with an intensity that makes my insides turn to jelly. There’s no question in his gaze, just a calm assurance that says he’s got this wholesituation under control. He leans back in his chair, crossing his arms over his chest in a way that makes his biceps bulge.

Not distracting at all.

His entire posture screams ‘bring it on,’ like this whole fake dating scenario is just another game he’s determined to win.

And suddenly, I’m not sure if I’m more flustered by the idea of continuing this charade or by how unfairly good Liam looks while we’re discussing it.

Stupid, sexy, confident hockey player.

I take another bite of my sandwich. Daddy clears his throat again. “Sophie, sweetheart,” he starts, and I brace for impact. “This arrangement won’t interfere with your studies, will it? Being seen with Liam a few more times?”

I open my mouth, but no words come out. Probably because my brain is too busy short-circuiting at the idea of my father actually encouraging me to spend time with Liam O’Connor.

Jessica, ever the opportunist, pounces on my silence. “Of course it won’t interfere, Dad,” she says, her voice dripping with sweetness. “Sophie can handle this. Right, Soph?”

I shoot her a glare, but she just grins back, unperturbed. “Besides,” Jessica continues, “it’s not like they need to be together twenty-four-seven. Just a few strategic appearances. Liam?”

We all turn to look at him. He’s been suspiciously quiet this whole time,wearing that infuriating small smile, looking for all the world like he’s enjoying every second of this meeting.

“Of course,” he offers smoothly, his voice warm honey. “I’d be happy to help out.” He pauses, his eyes meeting mine. “As long as Sophie’s comfortable with it.”

And then he winks at me. Right in front of my dad and sister.

I’m pretty sure my face is now hot enough to melt the ice at Madison Square Garden.

“I...uh...” I stammer, trying to remember how words work. “I guess I could manage a few more...appearances.”

Daddy nods, looking like he just swallowed a particularly sour lemon. Jessica leans back into her chair, satisfied. Liam just keeps looking pleased with himself.

Great. I’ve just agreed to continue fake dating the hottest guy I’ve ever met, who I’m also trying to avoid.

Jessica claps her hands together, looking far too excited for someone who’s essentially orchestrating her sister’s fake love life. “Okay, so we need to come up with a few ‘date’ ideas.”

I resist the urge to bang my head on the table.

“How about dinner in the city?” Jessica suggests, her eyes lighting up. “Somewhere trendy, lots of paparazzi. Oh! And then you could hit up a club afterward. Show off those dance moves, Liam.”

Liam grins, all easy charm and confidence. “Sounds good to me. I know just the place—great food, even better music. What do you say, Sophie? Ready to paint the town red?”

I open my mouth to protest, to say something about early morning classes and responsible pre-med students not clubbing on weeknights. But then I make the mistake of looking into those blue eyes, and suddenly I’m nodding in agreement.

“Great!” Jessica chirps, already tapping away on her phone. “On Friday we’re leaving for California for a couple of days for your away games, so let’s squeeze it in before then. I’ll set it up for Thursday night.”

Daddy clears his throat, looking like he’d rather be anywhere else in the world right now.

“Right, well,” he mumbles reluctantly.

Meanwhile, Liam’s grin widens. “Don’t worry, Coach. I’ll take good care of her.”

The way he says it, low and full of promise, sends tingles down my back.

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