Fake Dating My Ex's Favourite Hockey Player Chapter 146

EMILIA

True to her word, Tessa actually helped me finish packing and even called a moving company last night. Apparently the owner had a college crush on her and was thrilled to be her knight in shining U-Haul.

Now that I'm really moving out, though, I feel... emotional. Sentimental. Pathetic, honestly. The movers have already hauled my stuff out, Liam's about three minutes away, and I'm still clinging to Tessa like a deranged koala while she actively tries to peel me off.

"Get off me, you big oaf."

"Tess, I'll miss you so much," I whine. "I feel awful. You're obsessed with me, you won't last a night without me."

"You're literally just a drive away. I'll survive."

"Who else am I supposed to watch the Confidential Family finale with while we drink wine and make fun of their life choices?"

She shoots me a look so sharp it could kill. I cough. "Right. Sorry. Forgot alcohol is now on the very sensitive topic list."

"You know what? Get the hell out. Oh thank God—he's here." Tessa finally pries me off just as Liam's car rolls into view.

I'm still pouting when he gets out, but the moment his eyes find mine, everything eases. He just smiles—soft, steady—and folds me against him like it's the most natural thing in the world. His chin rests lightly on my hair, one hand rubbing slow circles across my back. "Hey, love."

"Hi," I whisper, smiling against his chest. "How are my things?"

"In the living room. Don't stress about it now—I'll help you unpack tonight, after practice. It'll end late today." He tilts his head down just enough to press a quiet kiss into my hairline, so gentle it feels like a promise.

"I'm sure I'll be fine," I say, though I don't pull away. Not yet.

Tessa crosses her arms with a groan. "I'm still right here, you know?"

Liam doesn't even pretend to care — his smile is slow and lazy, like he's perfectly comfortable ignoring her. He squeezes me closer against his side. "Hard not to notice."

"Alright, get out, the both of you." Tessa waves us off with an exaggerated shoo, and before I know it, Liam's tugging me out. We pile into his car, and when I glance back, Tessa is giving us the most unimpressed little wave before disappearing inside.

"Have you had breakfast?" Liam asks, fingers already sliding between mine like it's muscle memory. His other hand rests on the wheel, steady and sure, but the one holding mine is warm and distracting. "There's this trendy brunch spot Cam keeps going on about. Thought I'd take you."

I tilt my head, studying him. "Brunch date, huh?"

His lips twitch. "Every meal with you's a date."

I roll my eyes, but warmth creeps up my cheeks anyway. "Didn't you say you had practice?"

"Not right now." He shrugs, a little grumbly. "And after today, we probably won't see each other much." Then his eyes brighten. "Unless you'll come watch my games."

I narrow my eyes. "You don't even have home games for the next few weeks."

He clicks his tongue and cranks up the radio. An R&B song fills the car. "So you really don't want to travel to see me play? Wear my jersey? Cheer for me from the stands?"

"Why does this sound exactly like High School Musical?"

"I knew there was a reason I loved that movie."

I can't help grinning. "I can afford maybe one plane ticket. Max."

"Lies." His laugh is low, teasing. "Since when did you get so stingy? Is Tessa rubbing off on you?"

I swat his shoulder, but he just keeps laughing, shaking his head. "You won't let me spend on you, and you won't spend on yourself either. Typical."

Before I can even ask what he means, his hand slips free of mine and he pops open the glove compartment. Curiosity wins — I lean over.

And groan.

"Liam."

He's grinning like a kid with a secret. "Why are you upset? Because I know you too well? Go on, take a look."

I don't need to, but I do. And sure enough, tucked neatly inside are flight tickets—and tickets to his games in Chicago.

"You really shouldn't have."

"Relax. They're not just for you. Tessa's set is in there too. If you reject them, then congratulations—you just lost your best friend free flights."

I know for a fact Tessa would gleefully accept. What she wouldn't do is forgive me for turning them down. I falter. "This feels like some kind of manipulation."

"Call it strategy." He smirks, satisfied, and puts the car back in gear.

I settle into my seat with a sigh, sunlight spilling across my lap. "Fine. Brunch sounds great."

He hums, smug and pleased, but his gaze flicks to the backseat. I follow it—and spot the ridiculous disguises. Baseball caps, oversized sunglasses, a hoodie.

The laugh slips out of me. "Seriously? That's what you've been smirking about?"

"What?" His grin turns boyish. "You don't want to go undercover with me?"

I reach back, grab a cap and tinted shades, and slip them on. "Fine. But if we end up on a fan account, I'm blaming you."