She clutches my shoulder, her mouth falling open, as her hips roll and jerk. I covet the sound of my name when it tumbles from her lips on a moan. We stand under the hot spray, holding each other.
Eventually, I cut the water and dry her off, pulling one of my shirts over her head. “Every time we have a sleepover, from now until the end of time, this is what I want you to wear.”
“I will agree to this only if you limit your bedtime apparel to boxer briefs.”
“Deal.” I kiss her cheek.
We brush our teeth side by side at the vanity. I kiss the edge of her jaw, committing another moment to memory. I’m as enamored with this domestic comfort as I am with everything else about her.
She wraps her arms around my waist, squeezing gently.
I kiss the top of her head. “What’s this for?”
“Just because.”
I link our pinkies and lead her to bed, tucking Tally against me, big spoon to her little.
I kiss the soft space where her neck meets her shoulder. “’Night, kitten.”
“’Night, Phillip.”
As I close my eyes, I know I want more of this. More of Tally at my games. More nights with her in my arms. I want to keep her and never let go.
CHAPTER 32
TALLY
Igrip the edge of the vanity and repeat my new mantra. “It’s going to be great. No one will say shitty things to your face.”
My phone buzzes with a call. I glance at the screen. It’s my mom. The shit has really hit the fan since my trip to Montreal last week. She knew I was going, but the ensuing social media shitstorm has shed new light on Flip, and my mom is kind of freaking out.
I answer on the third ring. “Hey, Mom.”
“Hey, sweetie. You doing okay?” The worry in her tone tells me either she’s been online, or my siblings have.
“I’m good. I’m just getting ready for the gala I told you about.” It’s for the special needs hockey program. A wholesome family event with me on his arm is a lot different than a night out at a club. Hemi’s hoping it will mitigate the media heyday around my relationship with Flip.
“Right. Yes. That should be fun.”
“Yeah. My friend Rix will be there, and a few of the other hockey WAGs.” I rub some anti-frizz serum between my palms and finger comb my curls. “How are you?”
“Good. Okay. Still worried about you.”
“You have to stop looking at social media,” I say gently. Pictures of Flip and me have surfaced and gone viral—including one strangely angled photo made to look like I was sandwiched between Flip and Quinn. But thankfully none of us in the dark corner.
“It’s not intentional, honey. Your sister sees things, and you know kids.” She sighs. “I just want you to be in a safe and healthy relationship.”
I bite my lips together and roll my eyes to the ceiling. Not because I’m annoyed with my mom. It’s the media and their absolute obsession with Flip’s love life that’s the problem. Not to mention all the women who are happy to slide into my DMs to tell me all about their experience with my boyfriend. The number of accounts Hemi has blocked for me has been unreal and I’m now on a social media hiatus.
“I’m sorry, Tallulah. I don’t want to tell you how to live your life,” Mom rushes on.
I realize I’ve been up in my head. “I know you’re worried, but I promise the stuff you’re hearing about from Fenna and the truth are two different things. Phillip is protective and respectful. I promise.” I change gears because this is a hamster wheel I don’t need to take a ride on. “Why don’t I come for dinner tomorrow?”
“Fenna has cello until five.”
“I’ll come after. I can meet you at home.” I’d go to Fenna’s cello practice, but my sister doesn’t need the bullshit that will come with that.
“Okay, baby. That sounds great. Will you bring Phillip?”
