It wasn’t technically a lie. I’d barely slept at all, too aware of Liam’s arm around me, too busy memorizing the feeling of being held by him one last time. When I’d finally heard his breathing even out into sleep, I’d lain there for hours, staring at the ceiling and trying not to cry.
When he’d woken up, I’d pretended to still be asleep until he left. Cowardly? Absolutely. But I couldn’t face the morning-after conversation. Couldn’t sit across from him and pretend everything was fine while he gently explained that the list was done and so were we.
“If you need to talk—” Harper started.
“I’m fine. Really.” I forced a smile. “Just ready to watch some hockey.”
The players started skating out for warm-ups, and my traitorous gaze immediately found number twenty-seven.Even with his helmet on, I knew the way he moved—smooth and confident, all power and easy grace.
He looked up toward our section, scanning the crowd, and I quickly looked away. I pulled up social media on my phone so I wouldn’t be tempted to look at him.
“Ava.” Sam’s voice was unusually gentle. “Did something happen with you and Liam?”
“No. Why?”
“Because you just dodged eye contact with him like he’s your ex at a party.”
Sam was too observant for her own good. It was annoying and I really didn’t want to get into everything here with the crowd around us. Only Sydney knew the full story—everyone else just had suspicions and rumors, especially after Drew’s outburst at last night’s game.
“I’m fine. Just tired.” God, that lie was getting old, even for me.
“Uh-huh.” Sam didn’t look convinced, but thankfully she let it drop. For now. I had a feeling I’d be getting a much more thorough interrogation later.
The game started, and I tried to focus on the action.
Tried not to track Liam’s every movement across the ice.
Tried not to remember the way he’d kissed me in the rain, slow and tender, like I was precious to him.
Now your bucket list is complete.
That’s all it had been to him. An arrangement. A favor for his best friend’s sister. And I’d been stupid enough to fall in love with him.
God, I felt so dumb.
“Excuse me.”
I turned to find a guy sliding into the empty seat next to me—tall with dark hair, and wearing a Montana Tech T-shirt, which meant he was rooting for the wrong team.
“This seat taken?”
“Um, not technically.” Except that he was on the wrong side.
“I’m Tyler.” He extended his hand, completely ignoring my attempt to brush him off. “Saw you from across the arena and knew I had to come say hi.”
Was this guy for real?
I glanced at the ladies next to me who were eagerly watching with curious smiles on their faces. No help there.
“Ava,” I said, shaking his hand because my mother raised me to have manners even when I wasn’t in the mood for conversation.
“Ava,” he repeated, like he was testing how it sounded. “Pretty name. So which team are you here for? Wait, let me guess…” He made a show of studying me. “You’re wearing maroon, so I’m gonna go out on a limb and say Clark Fork.”
Despite myself, the corner of my mouth twitched. “Impressive detective work.”
“I’m more than just a pretty face.” He grinned, and it was annoyingly charming. “My buddy’s on Montana Tech, so I’m contractually obligated to root for them, but I can admit when I’m in enemy territory.”
“Smart. We take our hockey seriously around here.”
