Page 89 of Empty Net

“Sorry,” he says, scrubbing a hand over his face. “These long road trips start to catch up to me near the end.”

“Do you like them?”

“I used to love them.”

“What changed?”

He doesn’t say anything, but he doesn’t have to. The red stealing up his cheeks says it all for him.

Me.I’m what changed that for him. The craziest part of all? Iwantto be the reason he misses home. My breath quickens, and for the first time since our nightly phone calls began, it has nothing to do with anything sexy.

No, it’s the realization that this thing with Fox hasn’t just gotten out of hand with my mother planning us an engagement party. It’s gotten out of hand because I like spending time with Fox far, far too much. Because he’s the first person I think to call when I find something funny. Because I’ve been buying turtles for him.

“I’m tired,” I announce suddenly.

For a moment, Fox looks hurt. Then he nods.

“I should probably get to bed myself. Never know if they’ll need me in net tomorrow or not.”

“I’ll watch,” I promise, telling myself I’m not watching for him but because I’m a hockey fan now.

It’s just because you love the Serpents. That’s all it is, Lilah. It has nothing to do with wanting to catch even the tiniest of glimpses of Fox waiting in the wings. Nope. Not at all.

“Thanks.” He gives me a soft smile. “Good night, sugar.”

“Good night, Arthur…Francis.”

He groans, and it’s the last thing I hear before I end the call. When I tuck myself into bed, I do everything I can to not think of Fox and the fact that he misses me. Even more, I try not to think about how much I miss him and what that might mean.

As I drift off to sleep with a smile, I know I’ve failed on both counts and am oddly at ease with it.

CHAPTER 16

SERPENTS SINGLES GROUP CHAT

Lawson: I have something that’s been weighing on me, and I need to get it off my chest.

Keller: I don’t care.

Lawson: Shut up, Kells.

Keller: Good one, Lawsy.

Locke: What’s going on?

Hayes: Everything okay, man?

Keller: Christ, have you gone soft too, Hayesy?

Hayes: I’m not soft. Just being a good friend, you dick.

Keller: And proud of it.

Lawson: Anyone else completely hurt that Fox never told us he’s been seeing Lilah?

Lawson: Like, I thought we were besties, Fox. How could you not trust us with this?!?!

Keller: You are a grown-ass man, Lawson. Why are you calling other grown-ass men your bestie???

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