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“Smile!”
We jump apart like we’ve been caught doing something illegal.
I guess we were doing something wrong; kissing my best friend isnot allowedto happen.
Darcy, the team’s assistant, is beaming at us. She holds up her phone and taps the screen.
“Darcy,” Shawn says, and I’ve never heard him so irritated before. Her name sounds like venom, and maybe he’s not as nice as I thought he was. “What do you need?”
“I’m taking some photos for the team’s social media accounts,” she explains. “People love to see the guys doing everyday things like learning how to ice skate. Can you two get together?”
“Sure,” I say brightly. I wiggle across the small bench until my shoulder presses against Shawn’s. “How’s that?”
“You look like you two don’t know each other. Can you at least pretend like you enjoy each other’s company?” she laughs and angles her phone down. “You can’t be out of the honeymoon phase already.”
Shawn puts his arm around my waist. I rest my hand on the center of his chest, and I can feel his heart racing under the tips of my fingers. I sneak a look at him, and his cheeks are pink. It’s almost like he’s winded and trying to take in as much oxygen as he can.
“Smile, Lacey girl,” he murmurs, and it sends a shiver down my spine. “You can pretend you like me for a minute, right?”
“It’ll take a lot of energy, but I’ll survive,” I say out of the corner of my mouth as Darcy snaps away. “Why do you call me Lacey girl? It’s the only pet name you’ve ever used twice.”
“Because I can tell you don’t hate it. And because you’re my girl.”
I’m going to burst into flames. Incendiary tension sparks and cackles between us, and I’m close to pulling away. Ineedto pull away. His orbit is too strong, too powerful to break free from, but if I don’t, I’m going to do something stupid.
Like kiss him. Ask him to stay awhile. Knock down the walls I’ve put up to ward off men who are intimidated by my success, causing me to constantly diminish my accomplishments to seem more likable and dateable. Take him home with me and strip off his clothes so I can trace every inch of his toned physique. Bite his tattoos and taste the smooth skin of his neck.
Hisgirl.
Hell.
I’m in aheapof trouble.
“Oh,” I say, and I’ve lost all train of thought. “I don’t hate it. I—I like it. I like it a lot.”
“I know you do. You’re so easy to read, Lacey.” Shawn glances at Darcy. “Did you get what you need?”
“Yeah.” She slips her phone in her pocket. “Thank you. The fans are going to adore these. They’ll be the first photos of you two on our accounts. I know you released a statement, but words come and go. Pictures are forever.”
Darcy waves and disappears, heading for the candy cane trail.
“Want to hit the rink again?” Shawn asks, and I nod.
“Sure.” I stand up and toss my empty water bottle in the garbage can. “Do you still need my help?”
His eyes meet mine, and he holds out his hand. “Please,” he says, and I like how that word sounds coming from him.
I wonder what else I could do to get him to say it again. I wonder how I could get him on his knees and make himbeg.
I thread our fingers together and lead him toward the ice. A bolt of awareness hits me when he squeezes my hand tight.
I don’t think letting go of Shawn in a few weeks is going to be as easy as I thought it was.
TWENTY-ONE
SHAWN
We’re finally backin the groove after the loss in Los Angeles last week.
