Page 65 of Test the Ice
His eyes narrow, and I know I’ve struck a chord.
It’s very similar to what he said to me when I showed up at his office to inform him that I was pregnant with his child. He denied it, threatened to call security, and told me to never come to his place of employment again.
I haven’t been back since.
Eventually, he moves out of our way. He gives us such a small passageway that Malaki’s pads brush against his shirt. He towers over Benedict, and I hope it makes Benedict feel even a fraction of intimidation.
As soon as Malaki and I are let through a door by security, I release his hand and bend at the knees.
Malaki gently pulls on my arms so I’m looking at him. “Oh now, come on.” His thumbs rub soft circles against my shirt. “I thought that went well.” His gaze drops to my mouth, and I tingle in spots I shouldn’t be.
“I thought you were going to hit him,” I admit.
His lips flatten. “You don’t give me enough credit, Dimples. If anything, I was going to kiss you in front of him again.”
“You were?”
His lip hitches into a sly grin. “I’ll take any excuse I can to kiss you.”
My thoughts fizzle.Do not smile.
A second passes, and then another, anddamnnit!
I smile because, after all, Iamjust a girl.
He shakes his sweaty hair out and chuckles. “Those dimples kill me.”
I roll my eyes playfully but still move to cross my arms, because even though Malaki is putting me at ease, I’m still cagey over Benedict.
“Here.” Malaki digs into the pocket of his uniform, and something crinkles. “Open your mouth.”
I hesitate, but he sends me a look that has my lips parting. He grips my chin lightly, and the tangy taste of an orange Skittle plops onto my tongue.
“Better?” he asks, helping push my jaw closed with his thumb.
Oh my god.
He’s completely ruining every man for me after this fake engagement is over.
Which is simply unacceptable.
I shrug and lick my lips. “Would’ve been better if it were a red Skittle.”
Malaki laughs. “My bad.” He tugs me down the hall toward the locker room. “I ate them all during my game.”
Twenty-Three
MALAKI
I should be sleeping.
Typically, the night after a game, I fall asleep right away, my body and mind both exhausted. But tonight, I'm unsettled. I can blame Benedict for that. Or can IthankBenedict for that? After all, if I didn't spot him harassing my fiancée from across the ice, I may not have kissed her like I did.
It felt so damn good to kiss her. When my tongue slipped past her soft, surprised lips, my knees grew weak. Now I lie in bed alone, full of dirty thoughts and guilt. Reese has been put in a position that she shouldn't be in, all because her ex is this controlling, obsessive asshole. I can’t act on that. I can't swindle her into my bed because I can’t move past my attraction. It would be taking advantage of her. She’s too good. Selfless, a good sister, an even better mom, a damn good kisser with a body that my hands crave–fuck.
I fling the covers off my legs and clench my jaw.
Is it wrong to jack off to my fake fiancée, knowing that she’s sleeping in the next room?
