Page 110 of Pucking Bad Boys

And of course Becks is staring right back from his seat, just opposite us.

I shift in my seat, questioning my life choices and my own sanity.

The piece of paper in my pocket feels like a bag of pucks strapped to my back during suicide drills.

The name on that piece of paper is Sam, not Talia.

What was I thinking?

That’s anyone’s guess at this point because I’m pretty sure I fucked up.

On a rational level, I did what I had to do.

Talia agreed to fake date me in exchange for my help with Becks. I promised to help her get his attention.

And judging by the way my brother is looking at her, that kiss sealed the deal.

I should be happy for Talia that my brother wants her. Instead, I’m spiraling.

Because I want her too. My feelings for her grow with every passing day, and I don’t know what I’m going to do if I lose her. Especially to Becks.

Did I set myself up for heartbreak since our fake relationship always had an expiration date?

Regret burns hot and bright in my chest. Things with Talia were going so well.

Why did I have to go and give him an opportunity to get closer?

Becks always wants what I have, but he would never have made a move on my girlfriend.

A part of me, the cocky, arrogant part, thought that there would be no chemistry between them.

That would have solved the Becks problem, and I would have had all the time in the world to show Talia that my feelings for her couldn’t be less fake if I tried.

My gamble, though, didn’t pay off.

The thought hits me harder than I thought possible.

That another part of me, the one who’s falling for Talia and who cares about my brother’s happiness, isn’t mad at the obvious chemistry between them.

That part of me must have taken too many hits to the head on the ice because that kiss? That kiss was fucking hot.

Jesus. I’m definitely fucked up. I’m in love with my fake girlfriend, confused about what to do about her feelings for my brother, and I’m also fucking horny.

“What do you say we get out of here, baby?” I whisper in Talia’s here. “This game has gotten boring and I need to be alone with my girl.”

“Let’s go.” She agrees, but I don’t miss the way her eyes land on Becks for a couple of seconds.

Of course, the second Talia and I get up, headed for the stairs out of the basement, our friends notice.

“Leaving already, Cap?” Vaughn asks.

“Yeah, I’m calling it a night. You guys have fun, but not too much fun. Remember, we have practice at seven a.m. sharp tomorrow morning.”

“How could we ever forget that?” He groans. “Our coach is a sadist. He could let us have one morning off after a game like the one we just played.”

A year ago, I would have agreed with him.

Vaughn played one hell of a game tonight. If he got serious about hockey, he could go pro. He could even be great.