Page 99 of The Head Game

“Forget being a horrible brother, you’re a horrible human being,” Julius said, laughing. “I am deeply in love with Skylar Hanley and you’re thwarting our future happiness. I don’t know why everyone says you’re the nice twin. There’s something deeply wrong with you.”

“We share DNA, remember?” August said drily.

Julius sniffed. “And yet, I am much more handsome.”

“Yeah, well, Skylar said I’d age better,” he retorted.

But rather than the stinging blow to Julius’ ego August had been expecting, he let out a pleased squeak at the words. “Oh my God, she knows who I am and what I look like?”

“You are pathetic. Utterly pathetic.”

“At least I’m not about to get suspended from the league, eh.”

August sucked in a sharp breath.

“Shit. Sorry. I shouldn’t have joked about that.”

“It’s true though.” August slumped against the seat again. “I’m so fucked.”

“At least it’s by Nico Arents. He seems like he’d be good in bed,” Julius mused.

“We’re not … we’re pretending,” he protested.

“Aww. So he’s kind of a dud in the sack? Damn, that sucks.”

“No! How did you get that from what I said? He was great. I mean … Jesus Christ, can I go back in time a few weeks and redo all of this?” August said with a scowl as he beat his head against the seat. “I never should have gotten myself into this situation in the first place.”

“Well, I don’t know, I think it might be good for you. I never pegged you as the Go Big or Go Home kinda guy but I kinda like it on you.”

“I’m not.” August considered the first part of what Julius had said. Good for him? Ha! Yeah right.

“Well, too bad. You’re here now so snap out of your mope and figure your shit out,” Julius said firmly.

An unexpected lump appeared in August’s throat. Sometimes, talking to his brother about anything serious was an exercise in futility but other times, he really knew how to pull his weight.

“You’re right,” August admitted. “If you can set your thoughts of meeting Skylar aside for a minute, what the hell should I do?”

“Talk to Nico.” Julius sounded very serious now. “You’re right, it’s not fair to keep secrets from him. Fess up about the fake fiancé shit and come up with a plan together.”

“I don’t know how I feel about you being the cool, calm, logical one at the moment,” August admitted.

“Well, it had to happen sometime,” Julius said cheerfully. “Besides, clearly your judgment is impaired by Nico Arents’ dick.”

August ignored that. “Seriously though, I can’t believe this is my life now. I have a meeting with the NHLOA rep tomorrow to discuss the situation. Pretty sure it’s all a formality because we all know I’m going to get suspended but I guess there’s always a chance someone will take pity on me.”

“Shit, that sucks.”

“Tell me about it.” His phone buzzed in the dash-mounted cradle. “Hey, I’ve gotta go. Nico is done with his PT appointment and I need to pick him up. Ignoring about half the shit you said, I appreciated this. Thanks for listening. It was helpful to talk it out.”

“Sure, happy to help.”

“Don’t tell Mom and Dad anything yet, eh? Just … tell them I’m okay and I’ll call them to explain everything as soon as I have the chance.”

“August …”

“I know.” He winced. “I … I’ve gotta get this situation straightened out before I make it any more complicated than it already is.”

“Good luck.” His tone was dubious.

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