Page 92 of Pucking Bad Boys

We walk back side by side. Our arms brush against each other, and I know I should move away, but I don’t.

I’m a fucking glutton for punishment.

Chapter 26

A Perfect Night

TALIA

Iwas nervous about tonight’s date.

First off, this is my first real date ever. Or is it?

Macklin insisted that he wanted to take me on a “real date,” so it must be. But is it possible to go on a real date with your fake boyfriend?

The trouble is that the line between real and fake is getting more and more blurred. At least for me.

I know I was the one who asked Macklin to coach me, but every time he kisses me and touches me, I fall for him a little more. What happened before at the library has been living rent free in my mind. I’ve replayed it over and over again, goingthrough the motions in class and at work. I’ve been so distracted that I’m surprised I made it to our date in one piece.

Luckily, I have the best friend in the world. Sam noticed my state of mind and took the reins, helping me getfirst date ready. She helped me choose the perfect outfit, but she didn’t stop there.

My BFF made sure I got a Brazilian wax, but not on the same day as the date so I wouldn’t be sore. She took me out shopping for the perfect lingerie so I would feel confident and sexy, but comfortable at the same time.

I feel guilty that she doesn’t know that Macklin isn’t my real boyfriend. But he and I agreed to keep it a secret from everyone. Tucker is the only one who knows, and that was necessary to keep him from killing Macklin.

When Macklin comes to pick me up at the Zeta House, I look and feel like a million bucks.

As I climb into my boyfriend’s car, I force myself not to think about what’s going to happen at the end of this date. There is nothing I want more than to go all the way with Macklin, but I’d be lying if I said that I’m not worried that it’s going to hurt or be awkward. There’s also the considerable dent getting ready for tonight put in my already slim bank account.

But once he gets into the driver's seat and sets those dark blue eyes on me, I forget how coherent thought even works.

It’s a blessing in disguise.

“You look beautiful.” He murmurs, taking my hand to bring my knuckles to his lips.

“You look hot too.”

Part of my nerves melt away under Macklin’s intense blue gaze.

The craziest thing about this entire deal with him is that being with him is exciting and easy at the same time. He’severything I had imagined when we hung out just in a group setting and more.

Tonight he pulls all the stops, making my first date ever so good that it’ll be very hard for anyone to ever top this.

He made reservations at a new Italian restaurant that opened in the summer and is supposed to be Morelli’s biggest competitor.

The ambience is understated and chic at the same time with an intimate vibe that’s perfect for a date.

Macklin’s conversation is intelligent and funny. He doesn’t talk about hockey at all. But my favorite thing about this date version of him is how he finds a million little ways to touch me.

From holding my hand, to tucking my hair behind my ear, to brushing his lips over mine.

I feel like I have his attention, and the feeling is exhilarating and endearing at the same time.

After dinner, he drives toward the marina and stops at the entrance of the Country Club, giving his car keys to the valet and running to open my car door for me.

“What are we doing here?” I ask as he guides me toward the club’s main bar.

“Since neither of us drank any alcohol with dinner, I thought we could have something nice here?”