Fake Dating My Ex's Favourite Hockey Player novel Chapter 217

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Chapter 217

EMILIA

“That’s not what I said.”

“Good. That means this is the part where you come thank your amazing boyfriend with a kiss, mhm?”

I’d only ever offhandedly thought about how cute flowers out front would be when we were at the farmers market. Now they’re actually here. And I’m so happy I can barely breathe, except also completely panicking because- “Wait. Did I say that out loud? Are you some kind of mind reader? Should I be concerned?”

Liam just sighs and steals the kiss for himself, like he doesn’t trust me not to combust. When he’s satisfied, he finally laughs at me. “You’re really easy to read when you want something. It was kind of obvious, Em.”

“Really?” I narrow my eyes. “That can’t be right. If it was, Tessa wouldn’t have kicked me off her Netflix.”

I push open the bakery door, and Liam strolls in like it’s his second apartment. I shake my head. “Don’t you have practice?”

“Kind of.”

“Kind of?” I blink at him. “What does that even mean?”

It’s already been a week since Owen’s barbecue, which basically translates to a week of me unofficially living with Liam. I just… haven’t exactly gotten around to telling Tess. Every time I swing by for clothes,

she’s at work, and when she’s home, I’m at Liam’s.

Not that she seems to care. The only texts I get from her these days are along the lines of Touch my wine and die. Which–rude. I wasn’t even tempted. Besides, we’re supposed to be on a very serious alcohol ban. Okay, fine, I may have stolen one bottle, and Tess nearly dragged me through the nine circles of hell for it.

“I have to leave in a bit, but not right now,” Liam says, glancing around. “Figured I’d stop by. It’s been a while since I last visited. Doesn’t look like much has changed.”

I click my tongue. “Well, we’re open to investors if you’re looking for a way to blow some of that Calloway money.‘

His brows lift, interested now. “Really? And what’s the return rate?”

“A lifetime of helping out a struggling baker.”

He leans against the counter, arms folded, that smug little half–smile tugging at his mouth. “That might’ve worked before. Not anymore.”

He doesn’t move to help, just stands there watching me get myself set up. Typical. I roll my eyes, head for the sink to wash my hands, then reach for my apron on the stupid too–high hook Tess insists on hanging it from. I’m about to hop on my tiptoes when Liam finally pushes off the counter. Of course he doesn’t hand it over like a normal person- no, he comes up behind me, reaching past me with zero effort, brushing so close I can feel the warmth of him at my back. He slips the apron off the hook and holds it out like it’s no big deal.

I don’t know whether to laugh or groan

“Demolishing this place, maybe,”

I whip around, snatching the apron. “What? Excuse me? How can you even say that?”

He doesn’t even flinch–like he already knew I’d react this way. “You told me yourself this building isn’t even in your name.”

My stomach dips. “It’s not.”

“Right.” His jaw tightens, a muscle ticking there. “It’s in that bastard’s name. And every time I think about it, it makes me want to put a hole through the wall. Why keep tying yourself to something that’s his?”