Page 82 of Test the Ice
Her brown eyes twinkle under the glowing lights.
“You look beautiful,” I say.
Warmth spreads onto her cheeks, and I walk into the event with satisfaction. For the first time in my career, I don’t have to make light of the evening with humor to cure my boredom, because I’ve got my own personal little escape right beside me.
Twenty-Eight
REESE
I am soout of my element, and I fear everyone can tell. I wave to Daisy and send her ahelp melook, but the only thing she does is wiggle her eyebrows at my left ring finger. My ring gleams underneath the lights, catching everyone’s attention. The engagement may be fake, but the diamond is not.
I’m learning that Malaki Young doesn’t do anything halfway.
He gives his all to his career and skates with fierce determination during every single game. He suddenly becomes engaged to a poor, single mom, and he goes above and beyond to play the part–buys a real diamond, moves us into a picture-perfect house in a safe neighborhood, purchases a car seat for Charleigh, and he hasn’t left me once since arriving at this charity function.
“This is my fiancée, Reese.”
My stomach dips as I reach my hand out toward an older man standing with his wife. She’s dripping in beautiful emerald and ruby jewelry and smells like expensive perfume.
“It is so nice to meet you,” she says through a smile while her husband presses his mouth to the top of my hand.
I smile back. “Likewise.”
After some small talk, Malaki excuses us. His hand moves to my lower back, like he’s been doing all night, and I shiver from the touch.
“Are you cold?” He stares at my goosebump-covered arms with a frown.
Quite the opposite.
“Do you mind if I step away and check my phone? Just to make sure Charleigh is okay?” I ask.
I need some air.
The number of times Malaki introduced me as his fiancée is going to my head. My smile is a little less fake, and the butterflies are a lot more noticeable.
And he bought a car seat for his car.
It’s such a small thing to him, but it’s so big to me.
“Of course not.” Malaki presses his hand against my back again.
His touch is so faint, yet I feel like his palm is burning me through this dress.
Once he pushes on the door, someone shouts his name from behind. We both look back, and it’s his coach.
He grumbles before meeting my eye.
I laugh softly. “I know I asked you not to leave me, but I promise I'll be okay out here for a minute or two.”
“Maybe I don’t want to leave you…” he says. “Butfine.”
I roll my eyes at the way he pouts and turn to walk farther into the hallway, only to stop abruptly when his arm winds around my waist. He pulls me backward, and I only manage one breath before he seals his mouth over mine.
I’m lost in the surprise.
His lips are so soft, but the way he works his mouth over mine is branding.
I can hardly stand when it’s done.
