Page 23 of Faking It with the Forward

I frown. “What’s wrong with you?

“After you ran off, I jogged to three different places on campus before I realized you’d probably come here.” Sweat soaks through the collar of his gray T-shirt. “I’m going to need to put a fucking tracker on you.”

I still can’t tell when he’s joking or not, and that’s half the problem.

“Thank you for bringing back my bag.” I push it aside with my foot. “But, I’m serious. I can’t do this. I’m not the right girl for this job. In fact, I’m not just unqualified, I’m completelyunderqualified.”

He glances into the hallway and shuts the door behind him. “I think you’re overestimating what it takes to be my fake girlfriend.”

“I think you’re overestimating my ability to pretend to be a functional person, much less a girlfriend.” I inhale, feeling my cheeks turning red before I even speak. “I told you I had a boyfriend before. He wasn’t a great guy, and it took me a long time to accept that how he treated me wasn’t my fault. But it also took me a long time to really establish boundaries with myself and the people I surround myself with. I feel like getting into this situation isn’t sticking to the rules I’ve set up for myself.”

“So that’s why you put up that shield.”

“What?”

“You have this tough exterior—almost like armor. I’ve seen it fall a few times,” he reaches out and brushes a lock of my bangs aside, “and it’s like you become a different person.”

Hearing Reese say this is both uncomfortable and exhilarating. It’s why he makes me nervous. Heseesme.

“I really think we can both benefit from this, Twyler. You need to build up your confidence and learn to handle social pressures. I can help you do that.”

I start to roll my eyes at his egotism, and he shakes his head.

“I’m used to being the center of attention.” His massive arms cross over his chest. “People looking and talking about me is just part of the position–I’m not just a hockey player, I’m a product. But because of that, I can help you elevate your status so that you can get what you want.”

“I’m not interested in being a social climber.”

“I know, but you do want to change your image, right? A boyfriend, maybe.”

That’s exactly what I’m looking for. There’s no doubt I could use his help–any help–but I’m struggling to understand why he really needs me.

“Is Shanna really a problem for you?”

“You don’t know how determined she can be.” The lines around his eyes tense. “She thought I would cave to her demands, and when I didn’t, she had to reassess.”

“Why not another girl? There are plenty around.”

“Shanna won’t back off over a basic puck bunny, but you’re a real girl, with a real understanding of what my obligations are to the team. I also don’t have to worry about you catching feelings.” He winks. “You’ve made it pretty clear that you’re not into jocks.”

Butterflies race through me and that should be warning enough to back out of this now. But against my better judgment, I say, “Ifyou’re really serious about this, I think we need to establish some parameters.”

His eyes light up, knowing he’s got me, but he asks, “What are you thinking?’

“No other women,” I say.

He nods. “Or guys for you.”

I laugh. “Thanks for the vote of confidence, but my two-year dry spell predicts that won’t be a problem.”

“Maybe, but once the male population on campus sees you with me, you’re going to be swatting them away like flies.”

“So vain,” I mutter, rolling my eyes. “This can’t affect my internship. I worked too hard to get here and really need Coach Green’s reference. That means we keep this professional during practices and games.”

“That’s fine. I don’t need the distraction either.”

“And no more kissing without notice and consent,” I shift uneasily, feeling like this is where it’s going to get tricky. “In general, I’m not really into PDA.”

He rubs his jaw, but I don’t miss the way his eyes drop to my mouth. “Define PDA.”

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