Faking It With The Hockey Star

Harper’s POV

I woke up to soft lips pressed all over my face: one kissed my forehead, another landed gently on my cheek, then my nose, and finally the corner of my mouth. I couldn’t help smiling before I even opened my eyes.

"Okay," I mumbled, my voice heavy with sleep. "What are you doing?"

"Making sure you’re alive."

I opened my eyes and found Justin hovering over me, wearing the softest smile I had seen on his face in days.

"Good morning," he whispered softly.

"Good morning."

He leaned down and kissed my cheek again. I laughed, pushing lightly against his broad chest.

"You’re annoying."

"And yet you stayed."

"I had to."

He raised an eyebrow, a hint of playful spark returning to his gaze. "Had to?"

"Yes."

"That’s romantic."

I rolled my eyes, smiling despite myself. "You’re impossible."

He laughed quietly, his arm slipping around my waist as he pulled me flush against him. I barely had time to react before his lips found mine. The kiss started soft and sleepy, but neither of us seemed particularly interested in keeping it that way. His hand settled against my back, deepening the kiss as he pulled me closer, and I wrapped my arms tightly around his neck.

For a few precious minutes, there was no father, no Diane, no company, no police, and no secrets. There were no terrible things waiting outside the walls of this apartment. There was only Justin and me.

When we finally broke apart, I rested my forehead against his. He breathed out slowly, his eyes searching mine.

"You didn’t go."

I smiled. "No."

"Why?"

"Because I had to be here."

His expression softened completely. "I told you I needed to be alone."

"I know."

"You ignored me."

"I did."

He laughed quietly, resting his cheek against mine.

"I brought my things," I added softly, "so I’m not in a hurry."

He stared at me for a moment, surprised. "Does your mom know?"

"Yes."

"She knows you’re staying here?"

"Yes."

"She didn’t mind?"

I laughed out loud. "Justin, my mother practically packed food for you before I could finish telling her what happened."

A genuine smile lit up his face. "Your mom is amazing."

"She likes you."

"Good."

"Very much."

"Even better."

I pushed myself out of bed, swinging my legs over the side. "You didn’t eat last night."

His smile faded slightly. "I wasn’t hungry."

"I know," I said, walking toward the kitchen. "Mom’s food is in the refrigerator. I put it away last night because I knew you weren’t going to eat."

He sat up, leaning back against the pillows. "You did?"

"Yes," I called back, opening the refrigerator. "Do you want me to warm it up?"

He nodded, rubbing his eyes. "Yeah, please."

"Okay, I’ll do that," I said, turning around to look at him. "And you need to take a shower."

He gave me a dry look. "Yes, ma’am."

"Don’t start."

He smiled teasingly. "Yes, ma’am."

I shook my head, fighting back a smile as I walked into the kitchen. For the first time since yesterday, I felt like I could actually breathe again. Not completely, but enough.

By the time Justin came out of the bathroom, I was standing at the kitchen counter checking on the food. Hearing his footsteps behind me, I turned around and immediately regretted having functioning eyes.

Even after everything, even after crying himself to sleep and looking like he had been emotionally run over by a truck, he still looked ridiculously good. His dark hair was slightly damp, and his T-shirt clung loosely to his broad shoulders. He looked tired, but somehow that only made him look more handsome.

No. Absolutely not, I told myself, quickly turning back around to look at the food. Get yourself together, Harper.

He walked up behind me, his footfalls quiet on the floor. "You okay?"

"Fine."

He stopped right behind me, wrapping both arms around my waist and resting his chin on my shoulder. "Thank you."

I relaxed against his warm chest. "For what?"

"For staying."

I turned my head slightly toward him. "You don’t have to thank me for that."

"I do," his voice was quiet and sincere. "I’m glad I have you."

My heart squeezed tight. I covered his hands with mine, squeezing gently. "I’m glad I have you too."

He pressed a soft kiss to my cheek. "Now eat."

He laughed softly. "You’re bossy."

"And you’re hungry."

"Fair enough."

We sat down together at the island. He ate quietly at first, but after a few bites, his appetite returned in full force. I watched with quiet satisfaction as he finished almost the entire plate.

"See?" I said, raising an eyebrow.

He looked up, chewing. "What?"

"You were hungry."

"I wasn’t."

"You just ate enough for three people."

"I am a professional athlete," he reasoned smoothly.

I laughed, shaking my head. "Excuses."

He reached for another bite. "You’re just jealous."

"Of what?"

"My metabolism."

"Please."

He smiled. It wasn’t a huge, beaming smile, but it was real, and I found myself staring at it. I hadn’t realized how much I had missed seeing him like this: relaxed, safe, and just being Justin.

He started patting his pockets. "Where’s my phone?"

"Charging beside the bed."

"Oh." He looked over at me. "What time is it?"

"Almost ten."

His eyes widened in shock. "I slept that long?"

"Apparently."

He leaned back in his chair, exhaling heavily. "I needed it."

"You did," I agreed, taking a sip of my drink. "Oh, Coach called while you were asleep."

Justin immediately straightened up in his seat. "Coach?"

"He wanted to check on you."

"What did you tell him?"

"That you were okay."

He nodded gratefully. "What did he say?"

"That since we’re rounding up the semester in a couple of weeks, we need to get everything organized."

He sighed, running a hand over his face. "Exams."

"Exactly," I smiled. "And that’s why I made something."

His eyes narrowed suspiciously. "What did you make?"

I pulled out my phone and tapped the screen. "A study timetable."

He stared at me like I had lost my mind. "You made me a study timetable?"

"Yes."

"Harper.!!!"

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