“He has practice and a game the next night.” And he does not need to field Fenna’s questions. Or my mother’s.
“Of course. That makes sense.”
“I’ll call you tomorrow, when I’m on my way.”
“Okay. I love you, Tallulah.”
“I love you, too, Mom.”
“Have a good time tonight and be safe.”
“I will.”
I end the call, swipe mascara over my lashes one last time, and survey my reflection in the mirror. A dress arrived yesterday from Flip. It’s pale blue, gauzy, flowy, and modest—nothing like the slinky dress from last week. It makes me feel like a princess.Hisprincess.
“You’ve got this,” I tell myself as I slip my feet into my heels and grab my clutch. “Rix will be there. It’s a family event. People won’t ask inappropriate questions.” The number of girls on campus who have asked me if the rumors are true this week has been astounding. Where are people’s boundaries?
I compartmentalize all over again and head for the door. Now that the hockey world knows we’re dating, it will be impossible for him to stay under the radar. Thankfully I’m done with campus life soon.
I shrug into my coat, grab a catnip mouse, and throw open my door.
Flip is on the other side, poised to knock. “Great timing.”
He slips inside as Parsnip comes down the hall, meowing excitedly.
“Am I running behind? I thought I was coming to you.” To avoid him being mobbed.
“I didn’t want to wait.” Parsnip puts his paws on his leg and butts his hand with his head. “Hey, buddy.” He gives him a scratch then wraps his arms around me, pulling me against him. “How are you?”
I sink into his embrace, relishing the calm that comes with the contact. “I’m okay. Good. I’m good.”
He pulls back, brow furrowed. “Have you been staying off social media?”
“Yeah.” I nod fervently.
Hearches a brow.
“I promise.”
He takes my hand in his. “You seem edgy.”
“I’m just nervous.”
“About what? Talk to me.”
Getting out of this building without him being mobbed or someone asking us an awful question, for starters. I fiddle with the lapels of his suit jacket. “The media will be there, and they’ll have questions.”
“They’ll be focused on the kids and the goals of the program,” he reassures me.
“Okay.” I exhale some of the worry. “That’s good.”
“I’m sorry this week has been stressful.” He presses his lips gently to mine. “And I’m sorry we haven’t had much time together.”
Aside from Flip stopping by the studio with coffees a couple of days ago, this is the first time I’ve seen him since his return from the away series. We’ve both been busy and time hasn’t been on our side. “At least we’re together now.”
“Mm. I want time where I don’t have to share your attention.” He cradles my cheek in his palm and drops his head, slanting his mouth over mine.
A few delightfully toe-curling seconds later, I find myself pressed against the wall, Flip’s knee between my thighs. My body is already hoping for things that won’t happen until later.
