Boarded by Love (Bellevue Bullies 1)

“Ew! Niece on the phone!” I complain and she laughs.

“Like you don’t know what sex is, but anyway, I’ll stop him. And also, remember we have a dress fitting Friday.”

I fall face-first on the bed and then roll over before saying, “Yeah, I’ll be there. Make sure the dress you pick for me isn’t whack.”

“I’ll let you pick it.”

Thank sweet baby Jesus. “I love you.”

“I love you more. See you Friday.”

“Awesome, tell Phillip I love him too.”

“I will, sweetheart. He’s leaving in a bit for Colorado.”

Before I can say anything, Phillip comes on the line. “Hey, I’ll be back in a week. Be good, okay?”

“Aren’t I always?”

“You have been, but I don’t trust this Jude guy. What kind of name is that?”

“A classic one and he’s supernice. I really like him. I think you would too if you gave him a chance.”

He makes a disgruntled noise. “I don’t think so.”

I snicker. “I love you, Phillip.”

“Love you, Claire-bear. Text me if you need anything.”

“I will. Have a safe trip and score a goal for me.”

He promises me he will, and with a grin, I hang up and then dial Jude’s number. I’m not sure if he’s done playing hockey, but I’ll leave a message if he isn’t. I just want him to know I’m thinking of him. He was so sweet to meet up with me for a few minutes. Okay, let me be honest; I just miss the guy.

To my

surprise, he answers on the second ring. “Hey, beautiful, how was practice?”

“Completely horrible,” I say with a grin, butterflies doing crazy flips in my belly. “Are you busy?”

“Still playing some pickup but I’m never too busy to talk to you. What’s up? What happened at practice?”

“I think Rachael hates me and those dances are whack. I swear they’re from 1999.”

He laughs. “Yeah, they’ve been doing the same routines for years, and she probably does. You’re dating me. Everyone wants me, remember?”

I roll my eyes at his cockiness, trying to ignore how much it turns me on. I don’t have much luck with that. “Yes, you cocky thing, you, and that reminds me to really wonder if I should trust you.”

He laughs. “Baby, I’m all yours, I promise. People can want me, but I only want you.”

I smile, I don’t need the reassurance because I do trust him, but still, it’s nice to hear. “I know, but it’s not smart to tell the girl you’re dating that everyone wants you.”

I can hear his smile in his voice. “You’re right, but in my defense, I’m saying it just for the chance to remind you that I only want you.”

I hate that I’m grinning. I should be mad but I’m not. “Okay, fine.”

“Did we just have our first fight?”

“Hardly,” I laugh and he chuckles.