Fake Dating My Ex's Favourite Hockey Player novel Chapter 79

Chapter 79

I ignore Lacey, or at least I try to. But it’s very hard to act normal when I can still feel Liam’s hands on me like a phantom touch.

I need a distraction. Fast.

So I swim toward Lacey’s float, reaching for the edge to flip her over.

“Don’t you dare,” she warns, lifting her sunglasses just enough to glare at me.

I grin. “You’re right. I’d hate to interrupt your important sunbathing time-”

Before I can finish, hands grab me from behind.

And suddenly, I’m airborne.

I shriek, flailing for all of one second before I hit the water with a massive splash.

I resurface with a gasp, wiping water from my face as Liam stands there, arms crossed over his chest, looking so damn smug.

“Payback,” he announces.

“Oh, you’re dead.”

He only grins, backing up. “Catch me if you can, love.”

Oh, it’s on.

Haunch myself at him, but Liam’s fast–too fast. He dodges easily, swimming just out of reach every time I get close.

It turns into a game.

Me, chasing him. Liam, laughing every time he escapes. The occasional splash battle, neither of us backing down.

I’m so focused on catching him that I don’t notice when he changes tactics.

One second, I’m reaching for him.

The next, I’m in his arms again.

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“Gotcha,” he murmurs, his chest pressed against mine in the shallow end.

I realize, too late, that I’ve trapped myself.

Because his hands are back on my waist. Because the world has shrunk to just him, water dripping from his hair, his breath fanning against my cheek.

I should move. I should move.

But I don’t.

And neither does he.

“Admit it,” he says, voice lower now, rougher. “You like it when I win.”

I tilt my chin up, refusing to look away. “I’d rather drown.”

Liam laughs, but this time, it’s softer. Slower. His fingers flex against my skin, like he’s testing a boundary neither of us are really sure exists anymore.

He leans in, just a little.

My heart slams against my ribs.

And then-

A massive wave crashes over us, knocking us both underwater.

We resurface at the same time, gasping.

Lacey cackles from her float. “Oh my god, you two are the worst.”

Liam groans, running a hand through his wet hair. I try very hard not to stare at the way

his muscles move.

I fail.

Lacey sees everything.

“You were so close to kissing,” she singsongs. “I swear, I felt the tension from here.”

My face burns. “Lacey-

Liam, the absolute menace, just smirks. “Didn’t hear you complaining.”

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“Can you blame me?” She grins. “Two insanely hot people making out. That’s enough jack off material for today.”

“Oh my- I’ll pretend I did not just hear that!” I seriek, then I whip around and narrow my eyes at Liam. “You’re insufferable.”

“And yet-” He leans in again, way too close, voice dropping. “You’re still standing right

I hate him so much.

His lips twitch. “Sure it is.”

I don’t even get the chance to defend myself when Céline makes an appearance. Her

cheeks are flushed.

I delude myself it’s from the alcohol.

Behind her a familiar looking man walks in with a gorgeous girl. Her hair is dyed hot pink and she has piercings everywhere. I smile. They’re all equally ruffled and flustered. It really doesn’t take a genius to put two and two together.

“Alright, everyone!” Pink hair yells excitedly, hanging off her boyfriend’s arm while swaying as if buzzed. They both smile at each other, before she continues. “The to–be weds are finally here! Now the real fun can start!”

Behind her, Zane and Becca walk with their arms linked.

I look away quickly.

Becca laughs softly, but it sounds sad. For some reason, I can feel her eyes on me. “You’re more excited about this than I am, Tonia.”

Her boyfriend plants a soft kiss on Tonia’s head. “She’s just a bit buzzed.”

“But she’s completely right!” Céline quips up, she’s at the side of the pull, squatting in front of a Lacey that makes no attempt to leave her float. “It’s our second official day on cruise. We should do something fun.”

“There were plans for secrets and shots.” Some blonde adds.

“I’d rather not ruin my marriage, thank you very much.” A man I’m certain I’ve seen on screen before speaks and the stunning brunette next to him frowns,

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“What the fuck is that supposed to mean?”

“The game hasn’t even been decided on and his marriage is already in danger, Liam mumbles. I laugh quietly as we both get out of the pool. Seeing we betrayed her, Lacey flips Liam the bird and he laughs.

“I say we do body shots!” Lacey calls out, with the way her eyes are twinkling, it’s obviously

her version of revenge.

I snort. “You don’t have plans of ever getting out and you’re offering suggestions?”

“Actually,” I turn to see who’s speaking, and it’s Becca. Her stormy eyes are locked with mine, but there’s no resentment. All I see is frustration, “I think that’s a wonderful idea. Let’s do body shots. Anyone who doesn’t want to can play the first round at shots roulette

tomorrow.”

Everyone, Lacey included, gets out of the pool.

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