Page 50 of The Pucking Kiss

I kissed her again on the cheek before walking away. Fake relationship or not, I just wasn’t ready to let go of her yet.

I skated along the boards, my stick in hand, taking a moment to catch my breath. I squinted through the glass at the stands where Romai sat chatting with some of my teammates. Her infectious laughter echoed faintly in the rink, and it sent a pang of jealousy straight to my heart.

What business did they have speaking to her when I wasn’t there?

Jake skated up beside me, a sly grin on his face. "Hey, Bryan, I see Romai's getting real friendly with the guys today."

I clenched my jaw, my gaze never leaving Romai. "Yeah, I noticed."

Jake slapped me on the back, sending a friendly jolt through my body. "Don't worry too much, buddy. I’m sure she’s just being friendly."

I nodded but couldn't shake the uneasy feeling that had settled in my stomach. I watched as Romai leaned forward to listen to another teammate who was telling some story. Her laughter was a melody that grated on my nerves.

With a deep breath, I pushed myself back into the practice. I needed to focus on the game, not let jealousy cloud my judgment.

A sharp whistle blew, signaling the end of practice. I skated over to the bench, my chest still heaving from exertion. Romai was waiting for me there.

“Having a good time?” I asked, not being able to hide the fact that I was annoyed with her.

“Yeah, your teammates are a blast,” she smiled.

My jaw tightened, but I managed to nod. “That’s great.”

“What are you all annoyed for?” she questioned. “I’m just trying to make friends.”

“I’m not sure if they’re after friendship, Romai,” I replied, my jealousy getting the best of me.

“What does it matter to you?” she quipped back. “It’s not like we’re dating, right? I thought you wanted to focus on your sports instead of me.”

“Can we have our lesson now?” I said, wanting to take her as far away from my teammates as possible.

“Sure,” she shrugged and began following me out.

Chapter 19

Romai

Aunt Glenda's makeover had done wonders, too. I noticed boys looking in my direction as I walked past. It was like I had everybody's attention on me, except perhaps the person whose attention I wanted the most.

Bryan.

Things with him had been strange ever since we went on the trip together. I realize that I missed him, but it scared me to continue our fake relationship.

I was sitting by the library steps when I heard footsteps approaching in my direction.

“Enjoying yourself, aren’t you?”

I could recognize that voice anywhere.

“What do you want, Kathy?” I looked up to see Kathy’s daunting figure looming over me. She had a threatening expression on her face, but I wasn’t going to let her bully me anymore.

This was the new Romai she was speaking to, one who was actually well-liked by those around her and no longer in Kathy’s shadow.

“I’ve been keeping an eye on you these past few weeks,” she narrowed her eyes at me.

“What can I say?” I smiled back, “You’re obsessed with me.”

“I’m onto you,” she bit her lip, “I don’t know what it is that you’re doing, but I’m going to figure it out.”