Page 35 of Tempting the Goalie
“It was a lifetime ago, but Izzy is my person,” I explain.
“And you’re willing to risk your friendship for a hookup?” Macklin asks.
“That’s funny coming from you,” I say to him since the dude was crushing on his best friend’s little sister for like ever.
Macklin winces. “Good point. So, you really care about her.”
“Obviously, I do. Coach reamed my ass after those sex videos went viral. I need to fix my reputation, and Izzy is on board for it. We’re pretending to date.”
“How is it pretending, exactly? We all heard you two. . .” Aaron waggles his brows.
“Izzy needed my help with some things.” I clear my throat. “So we’re behaving like a couple and reaping the benefits.”
“You’re playing with fire. Trust me,” Macklin advises.
“I know you’re right, but I can’t stop. We agreed to date until after the Frozen Four.”
“Why the Frozen Four?” Aaron asks, confused.
“That way I stay out of trouble. The world sees me in a different light because, let’s be honest, Izzy is too good for me. She’s a straight A student. She’s a good girl.”
“So why aren’t you two really dating?” The question comes from Macklin.
“Because I have nothing to offer her. I have another year at Riverside, and then I don’t know if I’m going to some farm team, or if I have a chance at the NHL.”
“Sounds like a bogus answer,” Aaron says, and Macklin agrees with him.
Okay, they’ve called me out on my bullshit. “I’m not the marrying type. She wants a white picket fence, kids. The whole shebang.”
“And you wouldn’t settle down for the perfect girl?” Macklin asks.
“Izzy is the perfect girl. I’m crazy about her, but I’m also messed up. I won’t bring her down.”
“This is the most open you’ve ever been with us. I saw the emotion in your eyes when I first told you about my mom, butyou kept quiet. Last night changed you and it was only one night with her,” Aaron notes, watching me carefully.
“I’m fully aware of that.” I rap my knuckles on the kitchen table. “But I don’t want to be psychoanalyzed. Izzy does enough of that. I told her I’d work on opening up more with you guys, but I need to take baby steps.”
“That’s fair. We’re here if you need us,” Aaron assures and Macklin agrees.
“Thanks, guys. Anyway, I’ve had enough of this mushiness. I’m going to hit the gym,” I say to them.
“I’ll join you,” Macklin says. “Give me five to get ready.”
I head up to my room to get ready. Staring at my bed reminds me of a naked Izzy lying there looking sexy as hell. She promised she wouldn’t fall in love with me. That our little arrangement would last three weeks, and it would be done, but it isn’t her I’m worried about. Being inside her last night made me realize how deep my feelings for her truly run. The last year I’d been out of control trying to find my next thrill. Trying to feel anything at all. I realize I had things all wrong. I was running from my feelings. Creating connections that were impersonal and didn’t matter. All the while I had Izzy on the sidelines, always there with her kindness and sweet smile. Always feeling like home. I should’ve known kissing her would be my downfall. I just hope we can both walk away from this arrangement unscathed.
CHAPTER THIRTEEN
Isabelle
I’m walking to campus on Monday morning, and I can’t stop thinking of Elyna, Luc’s sister. I spoke with my oldest brother, Phoenix, last night and he said Luc’s dad has gone off the rails. Meaning he’s gone from functioning to not. Elyna is living at home with him and her baby, Braden. Phoenix is worried about them but none of the cabins on our property are available right now. Those cabins are where our seasonal employees live during the summer months, which are the busiest for us.
I decide to give her a call. I don’t know if I should get Luc involved with speaking to his sister. Elyna asked Phoenix not to mention anything to me and Luc, but Phoenix felt like she may be in danger, so he broke that trust.
“Hello,” I say.
“Izzy, to what do I owe this pleasure?” she asks enthusiastically. “Has
Luc gotten himself into trouble again?” She laughs.
