Fake Dating My Ex's Favourite Hockey Player novel Chapter 35

Chapter 40

Liam, of course, is completely unfazed. If anything, he seems to be enjoying himself. His hand tightens just slightly on my waist, grounding me, reminding me that we’re in this together.

Zane barely puts himself together in time to shake Liam’s hand, but even with how embarrassed he must be, his eyes still shine with hero worship.

I’m this close to throwing myself off this ship, and it hasn’t even departed yet.

This is just day one out of thirty.

Lord, help me.

“Well,” Becca finally says, her voice dripping with fake sweetness. “Isn‘ t this… unexpected?”

Zane still hasn’t said a word. His jaw is so tight I half expect it to crack. His grip on Becca’s waist tightens, but I’m not sure if it’s to steady

himself or keep her from lunging at me.

Liam lets out a low, amused chuckle. “Unexpected? I suppose,” he muses, tilting his head. “Though, I’d say it’s a small world.” His fingers skim lightly down my arm–just enough to make me shiver. “Wouldn’t you agree, love?”

I meet his gaze, and for a second, I forget we’re pretending. Because the way he’s looking at me? It’s all warmth, all confidence, like I’m the only person in the room.

I nod, somehow finding my voice. “Very small.”

Zane exhales sharply through his nose. “Right,” he finally mutters, his voice low and tight. “Welcome aboard.”

Liam smirks. “Thanks, mate. I’m sure it’ll be a trip to remember.”

The staff takes care of our luggage, wheeling it away toward the cabins. But since they’re off–limits until midnight, Liam and I are left with nothing to do.

It doesn’t take much to convince me to go exploring with him, so we run off the second we can and leave Becca and Zane to their own world.

I thought the ship was massive when I first stepped on, but now, as I take it all in, I realize I underestimated just how big it really is. It’s gorgeous, but also overwhelming. Like a city floating on water.

I grip the railing, my fingers curling over the smooth metal as I take it all in.

“Wow,” I murmur.

Liam steps beside me, his shoulder just barely brushing mine. “Not bad, huh?”

I huff out a laugh. “Understatement of the year.”

He doesn’t say anything else, but I feel his gaze on me, and suddenly, the ocean isn’t the only thing making my heart race.

I clear my throat and step back. That’s when I notice the infinity pool, sparkling under the fading sunlight. The rows of sun loungers. The way the whole deck looks like something straight out of a movie.

I bite my lip, already making a mental note to thank Tessa again. She practically stuffed my suitcase with swimsuits, including a matching set that leaves absolutely nothing to the imagination.

I don’t know if I’ll actually wear it–but looking at this view, feeling the warm air wrap around me, I can’t deny one thing.