Love In Strange Places

ta

r, propose a fake relationship, get what I needed, and move on. Simple. Now, standin

he team's endless string of victories, and definitely never associate

excitement around me. Students filed into the arena, some decked out in schoo

story earlier. I had never checked his socials before, but maybe I should start. I

rom my thoughts. "Didn't thi

his hockey bag slung over his shoulder l

to show up,"

lated outfit. "Right. But you don't look like someone w

because

to his other shoulder. "Gues

ast us. "So, how does this work

section for play

table jolt through me. "Is

ll expect it. If we're doi

itting with girls who actually were

for my hand, his grip warm and confi

ough me. It was one thing to say we were

and never leaving mine. Some peo

ly. "Relax, Pierce.

y. He was used to

ard to find-front row, close to the ice, filled with confident, polished

rip on my hand tightening slightly be

ne of them, a blonde with sharp eyes, smirked

" Jason repl

ile, ignoring

someone said her name- tilted her h

, pulling me in just enough to make m

Instead, she turned back to her friends, clearly d

rushed my ear. "

He straightened, flashing me a g

oms, leaving me surrounded by girls who clearl

a

back to the fact that Natalie Pierce was sitting in the girlfr

back into game mode. The first period flew by in a blur of sharp turns, fas

wasn't cheering, wasn't completely relaxed, but s

ine high when a hit from the opposing team sent me crashing into the boards

s. Someone yelled my name from the stands, and I caught sigh

ction? U

team skated off the ice, and I made a beeline for the exit, peeling off my gloves

to my shoulder. "

el great,"

then sighed.

her voice caugh

studying her. "Didn't think

erself. "I mean, not in general. But if

ross my face. "Right.

, but a hint of pin

e on the back, teasing me about my new relationship. Natalie handled it with

slightly, brushing hair behind her e

ut already

ifted. "No

ierce. Then I guess we

as supposed to be simple, but something told me it was about t