Page 46 of Game Changer

Pretty sure you don’t.

In fact, I’m more than pretty sure. I am absolutely, positively sure you don’t want to know.

“I’d love to stay and embarrass him, but I gotta go! It was nice to finally meet you, Lisa,” Britt said warmly and with one last loaded-glance at AJ she left.

Thank fuck for that.

“Well,” Lisa began slowly. “That was…” she paused, searching for a word, “interesting!”

“Wait ‘til I visit you in Ireland,” AJ told her. “I’m sure all your friends will wanna embarrass the crap outta you too!”

Though I’m also absolutely sure that none of them will have quite the level of secret that Britt has about me, in their back pocket.

“Uh-huh. But, for now, I’m on your turf – so deal with it!” She stuck her tongue out at him once again.

He threw a cushion at her, she caught it and hurled it back. He caught it again. They rolled around the floor, play fighting for a few minutes until he had her pinned.

You probably could have let her win a little, AJ,he thought as she squirmed underneath him. He smiled, watching her frustration grow as she attempted to wriggle out from under him. Their eyes met and he smiled. “Whatcha thinking?” he asked quietly.

She shook her head and closed her mouth tightly. He loosened his grip on her.

“Hey, it’s the rules, babe. We gotta spill when asked. What’s on your mind?”

Please don’t mention Britt. Please don’t mention Britt.

Slipping her arms slowly around his neck, she smiled a half-smile.

“What if it’s not appropriate to share, AJ?” she asked impishly.

“It’s me, it’s always appropriate to share.”

Just kiss her already!

Their heads tilted, his face lowered towards hers. Their lips met. She tightened her grip around his neck, pulling him closer to her.

Praise the lord!

“Now what are you thinking?” he quizzed her.

She shrugged.

“You’re a good kisser,” she told him truthfully.

“Not so bad yourself,” he replied, nonchalant.

“Hey!” she shoved him playfully. “Not bad?” she looked wounded. “I am agreatkisser!” she exclaimed.

“Modest much?” he joked and kissed her again. “Yeah, ok, you are a pretty great kisser,” he told her as he kissed her cheek gently. Helping her to her feet they lay down together on the sofa. Despite being relaxed with Lisa and enjoying her warmth in his arms, he still felt tense and uncomfortable. He hated lying to her about Britt and was half-afraid Britt would re-appear and spill his secret.

How the hell do people cheat and get away with it? I’m only fake-married and it’s eating me alive!

“Not bad for a first date,” she mumbled.

“I’ve got better,” he whispered.

Chapter 13

AJ felt frustrated at himself post-game. As he trudged off the ice, he mentally kicked himself for all of his mistakes. The coach had given him an ear-bending after the game which only made things worse. He stood under the shower for longer than he should and when he emerged slightly pinkened by the cold water, he was surprised to find everyone else had already left.

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