Her students are learning to read, and in the past two weeks, the same kid has mispronounced cook ascock, and, even more hilariously, dump truck asdumb fuck. I asked her for book recommendations for Violet and Lily—since I’m a little out of my element when it comes to children’s books—and texted the list to Emily. Yup. I have his sister’s number. Both of his sisters, in fact. His mother? She’s already texted me, asking for book recommendations for her newly formed book club.
It should freak me out. But it doesn’t. Andthatis what’s freaking me out.
“Thankfully, no.” Marie makes the sign of the cross like she’s in church. “But it’s parent-teacher conference season. My own personal hell.”
“I’m down for a drink,” Brian easily agrees. “There’s a great dive bar near here. You in, Maya?”
I shake my head as I flip to the page I’m looking for. “I’m headed to the Bobcats game after class. Maybe next week?”
Marie nibbles on the edge of her pen, head tilted in consideration. “I never would have marked you as a sports girl.”
“Sports romances, yes. Sports… not so much,” I admit with a laugh. “But my boyfriend plays professionally, so I’m a hockey fan by proxy.”
Brian and Marie stare at me, jaws gaping, before the rapid-fire questioning begins. As they talk over each other, I sink into my chair and hold up my hands. I sometimes forget that professional athletes are considered famous. I never think about Cole’s popularity until we’re out at dinner and a server or a person from a nearby table asks for an autograph or we’re walking Goose and everyone we pass does a double take.
“Who are you dating?” Marie demands, her auburn corkscrew curls bouncing wildly. “And how are we just finding out about this?”
“I’d like to think there are a lot more interesting things about me than who?—”
“I bet it’s Cameron Davies,” she cuts me off. “Am I right? He’s got that whole growly thing going on. It’s totally sexy.”
I press a hand to my chest and laugh. Cole is going tohatethat. “No, I’m not dating Cam. My boyfriend’s Nicholas Berrett.”
It feels weird calling him Nicholas, since I’ve only ever known him as Cole. It also feels weird calling him my boyfriend because he’s transcended whatever the hell I thought a boyfriend should be. What I had with Josh and other men I’ve dated is laughable. Yes, part of that is my fault because I probably never gave them the chance to mean more to me, but even if I had, there’s no way they could have ever made me feel the way Cole does. Like my name is a prayer and my smile can chase any storm cloud away.
“You’re dating Nicholas Berrett.” Marie blinks slowly and does the sign of the cross again. “Holy shit, Maya.”
Brian whistles under his breath. “You have to take us to a game.”
As he dreams up ways to turn a Bobcats game into a writing challenge or exercise, I take out my phone to update Cole.
Maya Silver
Brian and Marie want to come to a game!
Cole Berrett
I might consider it. Though it depends. Does Brian know I’m your boyfriend?
Maya Silver
Marie thought Cameron was. LOL. But yes, he does. *insert eye roll here*
Cole Berrett
Ignoring the first part. Does he also know that I’m the only one who gets to see you naked?
Maya Silver
Jealousy is kind of hot on you.
Cole Berrett
Not as hot as you on your knees sucking my cock.
Maya Silver
Mind if I use that line in one of my writing prompts? I think it’ll add some ~flavor~ to my story.
