My fingertips graze the corner of my mouth where he pretended to kiss me. I can still feel the warmth of his body seeping into mine and the gentle brush of his lips against my skin.
Suppressing a shiver, I smack my phone down on the table and cover it with my notebook so I won’t be tempted to look at his photo again. Several people throw pointed glances my way. I forgot where I was for a moment.
I offer an apologetic expression and bury my nose in my nearest book, forcing Alex Keller’s perfectly shaped, tempting mouth from my mind.
The rest of my study session with Maya passes uninterrupted.
“I think my brain has officially turned to mush,” she says. “I can’t take in any more information. Want to call it a day?”
“Already?” I peer out the window at the fading winter sunlight. “I might stay a little longer.”
It’s easier to stay here in one of my safe spaces than think about what I’m doing tonight. And insanely enough…I think I’m going through with it.
Alex went through the trouble of getting me the tickets and going out of his way to show me where I’d be in the arena so I have a visual. He’s putting all this effort in for me when I didn’t ask him to.
The least I can do is show up. Even if his plan is bound to fail. There’s no way we’re fooling anyone into thinking he sees something in a nerd like me. I swallow the anxiety creeping up my throat.
It’s only one night. If I get through it with him, then all I have to focus on is planning my benefit.
So I’ll go to the hockey game and wear his number.
“Come on. It’s almost time for dinner. You can’t stay in the library.” Maya starts to pack up her things. “You know what, we should go see a movie.”
“Oh,” I say haltingly. “Um. I can’t, sorry!”
“Oh. No worries.” The edge of Maya’s mouth lifts in a half smirk. “Got a hot date?”
“No. Well…”
Maybe I should tell her about Alex’s plan. My face grows flushed and I fiddle with making the stack of books at my elbow even. Her brows wiggle.
“I’m supposed to go to the hockey game,” I admit.
She’s surprised. I’m still processing it, too.
“Hockey?” Her voice goes somewhat flat and she busies herself with the last of her notes. “Oh. Have fun.”
“I have an extra ticket.” I reach for her like a lifeline. “Want to come with me? There’s a party after at the hockey house. Please come.”
She pats my hand and gives me a soft smile. “I’m sorry. I can’t. But you’ll have fun! Go cheer for your brother.”
And Alex.
“Right.” I sigh and gather my things. “See you later.”
As if Alex senses I need another check in, my phone lights up with a text from him.
It’s another photo. He’s in a locker room, dressed in his gear for the game. His smile tugs up the corners of his mouth, forming a dimple in his cheek that my fingers want to trace.
After a moment of hesitation, I reply without analyzing the butterflies in my stomach.
Lainey
See you tonight.
Lainey
Good luck.
