Six Summers to Fall

“All the girls, huh?”

Behind me, someone gasps. Again, I have to hold back a grin. This fake boyfriend stuff is fun. None of the second-guessing or the stress that comes along with actually dating someone.

But I definitely don’t mind everyone thinking I have a claim to Harper Williams. I’ll have no issue sticking to the fake dating story around Amelia, her friends, or anyone else.

“I’m dating his future sister-in-law, Harper.”

Concerning because I want him to show. I’ve gotten alarmingly attached to the idea of having not just company, but Drew’s company to get through this week and the wedding.

After a few seconds, she looks up. Something tightens in my chest when our eyes connect. There’s lust, yeah. Harper is gorgeous. Always has been.

“See you later,”

“Good morning.” I press a kiss to her temple, inhaling the lingering scent of lime and rain. “Offer still stands,” I whisper to her, tugging gently on one of the strands that’s fallen out of her bun before continuing to my shoes.

“Everyone will assume we’re a couple.”

“You asked if playing professionally is wild parties and puck bunnies. It’s not. It’s skating until you puke and early mornings and a ton of travel and…I love it. I’m fucking lucky to have made it. But the off-season is long. Most of the guys don’t stick around Seattle. I visited my folks and a few college buddies, and now, I’m just here. I’m bored. So, yeah, a week on the lake sounds fun.”