Page 63 of Never Your Girl

The one thing I can always count on is my father kicking me when I’m already down. It’s his specialty.

“Your game was off?” he repeats with a laugh, but there’s zero humor in the snapped-out question. “You were a goddamn embarrassment out there. I should have left after the first period instead of wasting my time watching that shitshow.”

Even though his words cut deep, I keep my head down and focus on the tile beneath my feet. I don’t trust myself to look at him.

“I don’t need a lecture from you,” I say, my voice low but firm.

“Excuse me?” he growls, stalking closer.

My head snaps up. That’s when I remember just how dangerous it is to let my eyes stray from him. When he eats up the distance between us, I rise to my feet and straighten to my full height.

Western University Chat App

FragileLikeABomb

Okay, real talk. What’s your go-to midnight snack?

ColdAsIce17

Peanut butter straight from the jar. You?

FragileLikeABomb

Gummy bears. I like to bite their heads off first.

ColdAsIce17

That’s... mildly concerning.

FragileLikeABomb

Says the guy who eats peanut butter like it’s soup.

ColdAsIce17

Fair point. Truce?

FragileLikeABomb

Truce. But I’m keeping an eye on you.

21

Holland

The lobby buzzes with post-game energy, a mix of excitement and relief that the Wildcats pulled off the win. The fact that I’m standing with the other girlfriends, their laughter and chatter flowing around me, feels a bit surreal.

This isn’t a place I ever thought I belonged.

I’m not even sure I do now.

Especially wearing Bridger’s jersey.

Carina nudges me, a knowing smile lifting her lips. “Can’t say I ever expected you to be dating a hockey player.”

I huff out a laugh. “It wasn’t exactly on my bingo card for the year.”

“Honestly?” Juliette chimes in, her tone light but thoughtful. “I like you and Bridger together. He needs someone. Sometimes he just seems so…” She hesitates, searching for the right word. “Lonely.” She shrugs. “Anyway, it’s nice to see.”

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