Page 51 of Romancing the Grump
I would have taken the same actions on behalf ofanyof the Appies players. But I wouldn’t befeelingso much were it anyone but Nathan.
It doesn’t help that I only saw Nathan for a moment before he had to go get ready for the game. I’m sure we’ll have the chance to talk later, though I’m not even certain what we need to talk about.
I could tell him I already drafted a letter that will go out to anyone in attendance at the press conference, reminding them of their legal obligation to respect Blake’s privacy and keep his name out of the news. I could assure him I’ve got his back on this. That whatever happens, he doesn’t have to fight these battles alone.
But what I really want to talk about is that kiss. I want to ask if it impacted him the same way it did me. If it turned his heart inside out. If every other kiss he’s ever had with another person completely pales in comparison.
“Hey,” Parker says as she approaches me, a water bottle in hand. “You look like you could use this.”
“Thanks.” I gratefully accept the water and take a long drink.
“So, I always suspected you had a beast mode,” Parker says, smiling while I drain half the bottle, “but seeing it in action was pretty amazing.”
“I honestly don’t know what came over me,” I say. “I just needed to know that guy wasn’t going to print anything about Blake. Nathan has enough to deal with right now.”
“Pretty sure I knowexactlywhat came over you,” Parker says, giving me a knowing look.
I lift the cool water bottle and press it against my flushed cheek. “How are things online?”
“Already looking up,” she says. “Your kiss is totally going viral, and I was right about the fans eating it up.” She holds out her phone. “Look.”
I watch a fan reaction video to the clip Parker already posted of Nathan kissing me outside. It’s full of heart eye emojis and exploding confetti and the woman gushing over the fact that Nathan’sgirlfriendgot all defensive with the fans, claiming her man in the most public way possible. “I’m just saying, ladies. This is girl code 101. He isherman, and you better keep your hands off.”
“Someone literally posted this in the past hour?” I ask, looking at the view count. It’s already close to ten thousand, with half that many likes.
“Crazy, right?” Parker says. “I honestly didn’t expect you guys to kiss, but now that you have? You’ve probably only made things easier.”
I’m not even sure why Ididsuggest that Nathan kiss me. Parker talked about leaving a trail of crumbs for people to follow, and that kiss was more like tossing everyone an entire loaf of bread. But something came over me when I saw those other women put their hands on him. I wanted to save him. But a small, rebellious part of my heart also wanted toclaimhim. Even though he can’t really be mine.
“Come on,” Parker says, looping her arm through mine and saving me from my own torturous thoughts. “Let’s go find our seats before the guys hit the ice. The warm-up is one of my favorite parts of the game, and I don’t want to miss it.”
I gladly follow her, feeling a sudden surge of gratitude for her friendship. No one can truly replace my twin sister. But it’s nice to be making friends who come close.
Half an hour before puck drop, the energy inside the arena is electric. Even though the Appies are the away team, the crowd is a sea of gray and turquoise. It’s only been six months since I attended an Appies game in Los Angeles with Gracie, but I don’t remember seeing this kind of support there. Chicago is a little closer to home, but I don’t think that’s it. I think the team’s popularity is growing exponentially, pulling in a lot of new fans who have never attended a hockey game before.
There are also a lot of women in the crowd and a lot ofSandersjerseys. Though it could just be that I’m noticing those more frequently because I’m looking for them.
I’m also keenly aware of people looking atme.Every time someone gives me a second look, I wonder to myself,Do they know? Were they outside? Have they already seen the video? Do they know I’m Nathan’s girlfriend?
Or, you know. His fake girlfriend.
I’m probably being paranoid, but it’s hard to shake the feeling that everyone’s eyes are on me.
I drop into my chair next to Parker. “Do I have something in my teeth?”
She looks at me and scoops up a handful of popcorn. “Not that I can see. Why?”
“Because I feel like everyone is staring.” I shift around in my seat, the neck of my shirt suddenly feeling itchy.
Parker grins. “They aren’t. You’re fine. But I do have an idea that might make peoplestartto stare. If you’re up for it.”
I lift my eyebrows. “You really are a social media genius, aren’t you?”
“Trust me? It might not work, but I was thinking we could walk down to the glass while the guys are warming up and see if we can get Nathan’s attention.”
“So, what, I just stand there?”
“Stand there and smile, put your hand up to the glass, stare at him like you’re totally obsessed with him.” She shoots me a look. “That part shouldn’t be hard for you.”
