Before I could answer, he chuckled.
"Don't tell me you're into one of them."
"I—"
"I just can't see it."
"Can't see what?"
Wayne shrugged, his smile taking on a sharper edge. "You dating a hockey player. Actually, you dating anyone other than your violin."
He laughed at his own dumb joke.
"Actually, I'm waiting for my boyfriend," I said just to shut him up.
When Wayne's eyes snapped to mine, I didn't wince only from sheer will.
"You're joking," he said.
I shook my head. "Nope, he was out there kicking ass today. Even if it was only a scrimmage."
See? I could learn new sports terminology while lying like a pro.
Wayne studied my face then grinned. "I don't believe you," he said.
"You don't have to," I said.
"Prove it."
"How?"
"Well, where is he?" Wayne said while I gaped. "Your new guy. Let me meet him. That is assuming he exists, and you didn't just make up this lie to save face in front of me."
I put a hand to my chest. "I would never. I didn't care what you thought for the brief time that we dated, and I definitely don't now."
"Then prove it."
"Fine, I will," I said, unaware of what I was actually saying and just wanting to get away.
"Hey, Freya," Tolliver said, and when I turned he was striding toward me. His eyes took in the situation in a glance. Stopping close to my side, he looked down into my eyes. "You good?"
I nodded, wrapping my arm around his waist. "Yeah, I am. I missed you."
To his credit, Tolliver didn't miss a beat, pulling me closer. "I missed you too."
"Nice playing today," I said.
"You know I love it when you watch me."
As if from a great distance, I thought I heard Wayne scoff, but I was so aware of Tolliver's hand gliding against my cheek, tilting my chin up, so attuned to his breathing as it sped along with mine. He leaned so close that we were sharing the same air. As he gazed into my eyes and smiled, my breath hitched.
"Thanks for waiting for me," he murmured.
Tolliver kissed me.
And my whole world ignited.
CHAPTER NINE
