Fake Dating My Ex's Favourite Hockey Player novel Chapter 36

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.

There are three floors above the one we’re currently walking through, and if the rest of the ship looks anything like this, I don’t think I’ll ever get used to it.

We’re at the atrium now, and it’s breathtaking. A massive glass dome stretches above us, letting the last bits of sunlight pour through. There’s a grand staircase in the center, wide and elegant, leading to the upper decks. Chandeliers hang from the ceiling, casting a golden glow over everything. Soft music plays in the background, blending with the quiet hum of conversation.

“Not bad,” Liam murmurs beside me, his hand still loosely holding mine. “They really went all out.”

“Not bad?” I scoff, turning to look at him. “Liam, this is insane. I feel like I just stepped into a movie.”

He chuckles. “I guess I’m just hard to impress.”

I roll my eyes, but I can’t help but smile. The whole place feels like something out of a dream — one I’m not sure I belong in. But with Liam next to me, his fingers warm against mine, it doesn’t feel so overwhelming. It feels… almost easy.

We wander through the ship, stopping at restaurants, cafés, and even a cute little fruit shop. There’s a whole store just for souvenirs, filled with overpriced trinkets that I half-heartedly consider for Tessa’s apology gifts — she’s always been prone to bribery. But before I can pick anything, Liam spots something else, and we race to the next shop like overexcited kids.

Somehow, we end up on the sun deck, and the second I step outside, my breath catches.

The ocean stretches out in every direction, endless and mesmerizing. The sky is painted in hues of soft gold and pink, the sun slowly dipping toward the horizon. The gentle sea breeze brushes against my skin, carrying the faint scent of salt and adventure.

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.

This trip might just be worth it.

Well, if we throw away the bride and groom, I might as well call this a vacation.

Liam squeezes my hand. “Worth the trip already?”

I don’t answer right away.

There’s something about the way the light bounces off the water that makes my chest feel tight.

I glance at Liam, finding him already watching me. His usual smirk is gone, replaced with something softer — something unreadable. It makes my stomach flip.

“It’s beautiful,” I murmur.

His thumb brushes over my knuckles, slow and absentminded, like he doesn’t even realise he’s doing it. “Yeah,” he says, voice quieter now. “It is.”

The air between us shifts, the playful energy from earlier replaced with something warmer, heavier. The kind of moment that makes it too easy to forget this is all pretend.

Desperate for a distraction, I clear my throat and tug him toward the sun loungers. “Come on, let’s sit for a bit. My feet are killing me.”

Liam chuckles, letting me pull him along. “You do have a talent for dragging me places.”

I roll my eyes but don’t let go of his hand. If I did, I might actually feel the absence of it.

We’re sitting together, Liam’s hand warm in mine, when we finally get company.

I bite back a groan the moment I see who it is.

Stone. And he’s already hammered.

It’s not even 7 PM.

He stumbles in, an overly giggly woman clinging to his side. Her fingers toy with the buttons of his shirt, but his attention isn’t on her anymore. The second he spots Liam and me — our hands linked, our bodies angled toward each other — he stops dead in his tracks.

His drunken haze clears just enough for him to scowl.

“Didn’t expect to see you here, Calloway,” he says, voice thick with alcohol. His eyes flick to me for a split second, but it’s barely a glance — like I’m nothing more than background noise.

But Liam?

Liam gets his full attention.

“Didn’t know you were going on this trip till last week,” Stone continues, ignoring me completely. “Figured you’d be off training or something. You know, actually doing something worthwhile.”

I bristle. My grip on Liam’s hand tightens, but before I can say anything, Liam beats me to it.

Liam doesn’t give him the chance.

“Here’s the thing, Stone.” His voice is quiet, but every word cuts like a blade. “Emilia is worth more than every pathetic insult you throw her way. And the fact that you’re standing here, drunk and bitter, while she’s happy and thriving?” Liam smirks, but there’s no humour in it. “Tells me exactly who the real loser is.”

Stone clenches his jaw, but for once, he doesn’t have a comeback.

Liam turns to me, his expression softening instantly. “Come on, babe,” he murmurs, lacing his fingers with mine. “Let’s get out of here.”

He doesn’t even spare Stone another glance.

The tension in the air is suffocating. My pulse pounds, my throat tight, but I refuse to let myself choke on the words threatening to spill out.

I stop walking, making Liam pause with me. His hand stays wrapped around mine, warm and steady, but I barely feel it.

“Em—” Liam starts, concern lacing his voice.

I don’t look at him. My focus is locked on Stone.

“I have no idea why you hate me,” I say, loud enough for him to hear. “When I was with Zane, all I ever wanted was to be on good terms with you. I—” My breath catches, but I push through, my voice turning sharp as I glare at him. “Actually, scratch that. I know exactly why you hate me.”

Stone raises a brow like he’s amused, but I see the way his jaw tightens.

“And you know what?” I scoff. “Thank God I’m not Zane’s ‘whore’ anymore. Thank God I can finally say whatever the hell I want without worrying about ruining your messed-up little friendship.”

Stone’s smirk falters, but I’m just getting started.

“Yes, Stone. I refused to sleep with you while I was with Zane. Your best friend. Big deal.” I tilt my head, my smile laced with venom. “Get over it.”

The muscle in his jaw twitches.

“Wear your big boy pants and leave me the hell alone,” I continue, my voice rising. “It must kill you to know that the so-called ‘slut of hockey’ would rather throw herself off this ship than breathe the same air as you.”

Liam tenses beside me, his grip on my hand tightening, but he doesn’t stop me. Doesn’t pull me away. He lets me say it. Lets me burn.

Stone just stands there, his face blank. But I know I hit a nerve.

“Pathetic scum,” I finish, spitting the words like a final bullet before turning away.

Liam’s hand slides up my back, his touch gentle, soothing. He leans down, lips close to my ear. “You didn’t have to hold back so much, babe,” he murmurs, amusement laced in his voice.

I let out a breath — half a laugh, half relief. Then I grab his hand and walk away, leaving Stone behind with nothing but my words ringing in his ears.