Page 50 of Empty Net

“She obviously meant something to you, and she hurt you.”

He opens his mouth to say something, then thinks better of it, shaking his head. “It is what it is. Besides, it worked out forthe better. Because of our breakup, I got to join the Serpents Singles Club.”

Of course he spins it around to something positive. That’s just the kind of guy he is.

“Anyway.” He clears his throat, shifting in his seat as he makes a left. “You don’t have to worry about me seeing other people. I promise you’ll be the only person I’m fake engaged to.”

Another joke. Another grin I like far too much.

“Sounds fair. Any other rules we should instate?”

He thinks for a moment before saying, “Kissing?”

All the air is sucked out of the car. Or at least that’s what it feels like because I suddenly can’t breathe. All I can think of is our kiss a few hours ago. Fox’s lips against mine. The way his body pressed against me. How good my hands felt in his hair. How natural it was, like we’d kissed so many times before.

How it made my entire body tingle, and I felt it right down to my toes.

How Istillfeel it.

And how I wish I didn’t.

“Stop!” I yell, and Fox slams on the brakes.

The car skids to a stop, and he looks over at me in shock.

“Holy shit. I… Are you okay?”

“Yeah, I… Sorry.” I attempt to swallow around the knot that’s formed in my throat. “It’s just…you won’t be able to find parking anywhere near my apartment. Here is fine.”

Fox’s brows draw together, but he doesn’t say anything. Instead, he parallel parks like a professional and throws the car into park. We sit in silence for several moments, the only thing to be heard is my harsh breaths as I try to regain control of my breathing.

And he lets me. Fox lets me have that moment.

I’m not sure how long it lasts before he quietly gets out of the truck, crosses around the front, and pulls open my door for me.I accept the hand he holds my way and let him lift me from his truck, making sure my dress doesn’t drag against the ground.

Fox’s hand finds the small of my back as he leads me down the sidewalk to my apartment. He lets me keep quiet the whole way, offering nothing but his soft touch and reassurance that he’s there. Why does he have to be so nice? Why does he have to besucha gentleman? Why can’t he be more like all the other tools I’ve dated?

We walk into my building, and Fox follows me to the elevator becauseof coursehe’s walking me all the way to my door, even though there’s no way I’ll get lost between here and there. The ride is quick, and we’re standing in front of 4D before I even realize it.

“Well, this is me.” I hitch my thumb toward the door.

He laughs. “See you tomorrow?”

I tip my head to the side. “Tomorrow?”

“I have a game. Hutch mentioned you and Auden are coming. Is that not right?”

Shit. With everything that happened tonight, I completely forgot.

“I’ll be there.”

His brows rise. “Really?” He grins, shoving his hands into his pockets and rocking back on his heels like he’s trying to contain his excitement. “Good. That’s good.”

I laugh. “Yeah, that’s good.”

I turn to unlock my apartment, then push open the door.

“Lilah?” Fox says as I step over the threshold.

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