The Bet (Book 1 in The Deception Series)

Chapter 23: number 15 and everything

Taylor

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"Something, Somehow, Someday"- ROLE MODEL

I jump up from my seat and cheer as loud as possible as I watch my boyfriend hit the winning shot. Yup. Garrett fucking Gray was my boyfriend. I'm just as in shock as everyone else. My boyfriend is the guy I hated most. But now, I think he was one of my favorite people.

"Our boyfriends are so hot." Lily says from next to me.

I look at the number 15 on the ice, I watch as he cheers with his teammates. He takes his helmet off before searching the crowd of people sitting around the rink. His eyes fall on me and my heart skips a beat. We were right against the glass so I had a clear view of him. He skates over to me with a smile on his face. I step closer to the clear wall that was in between us as he comes over. He kisses his hand before placing it against the window.

God. I was obsessed with this guy. I couldn't get enough of him.

Jake calls him over before Garrett looks back at me and smiles. He skates back to his friends and I just stand there in awe.

"He's in love with you." Lily voices, breaking me from my thoughts.

I look at her and shake my head, "No, he's not."

"Yes, he is. The eyes never lie, chica." She tells me as we make our way out of the stadium.

"We've only been dating for a few weeks. You can't fall in love with someone that fast." I explain as we make our way to the entrance of the locker rooms to wait for the guys.

"There's no time limit on love, Taylor. You either love them or you don't." She tells me.

I sigh and shake my head, "Well, me and Garrett are taking it slow. We're just happy together right now."

She smiles, "I can tell. I'm happy for you. He's breaking you out of your shell."

"I don't have a shell." I roll my eyes, playfully.

She gives me a pointed look, "You would never leave your room unless it was for work or school. And ever since you met Garrett, you just seem more relaxed and open to things." She explains, "Don't get me wrong, I loved both versions of you. But it's nice to see you happy." She goes on.

I look at her smile, I guess she was right. I felt better about myself, like I wasn't scared of stepping out of my comfort zone. And that was all thanks to Garrett. He was opening a new world for me.

"Tay-Tay!" I hear his voice call. I look over and see him rush over to me. I laugh as he picks me up in his strong arms, spinning me in a circle.

"You really need to stop spinning me like that." I tell him once my feet hit the ground again.

"I can't help it. I get excited when I see you." He replies before leaning in and kissing me.

He tasted like everything I ever wanted in life. Him. He was everything. I wanted every part of him to be mine for the rest of my life.

"Aww, you guys are gross." Lily says once me and Garrett pull apart.

We both look at her and smile, "Hi, Lily." Garrett says as he throws his arm over my shoulder.

"Hi, Garrett." She says just as Jake comes up to us.

"Hey." Jake says, pulling his girlfriend to him. I look away as they kiss because Chris catches my attention.

"Tay-Tay!!!!" He cheers as he wraps his arms around me.

"Congrats on the win, Chrissy." I laugh as I hug him back.