Page 146 of Faking the Goal

See whether there are more on one cheek than the other.

Except Taylor still hasn't said anything.

Shit.

I lean down until my mouth is beside her ear, hiding most of her expression from Corey.

"Come on," I murmur, fighting the smile threatening my mouth. "Help me out here. We're supposed to be in love, remember?"

She takes a breath before letting out the fakest little giggle I've ever heard and lightly smacking my chest.

"Oh, stop it, Ken-chan. Not in here."

She peeks up at me through her lashes before turning back toward Corey.

"You're making me blush."

Corey's expression darkens. "What's going on here?"

The irritation in his voice immediately rubs me the wrong way. Not because he's confused, but because he sounds like Taylor owes him an explanation.

Judging by the way her smile falters, she hears it too.

"Corey," she says, "I'd like you to meet my boyfriend, Kentaro."

His eyes flick toward me again. "Boyfriend?"

"That's what she said."

"I thought you weren't dating anybody since Kirk."

My irritation spikes.

"It's really none of your business, man."

"I don't remember talking to you."

Whatever casualness remained in his voice disappears as he takes a step closer.

My body reacts before I give it permission. I shift slightly in front of Taylor, my arm slipping from her shoulders to her waist as I draw her closer against my side.

Her hand settles lightly against my chest.

"Corey." The playfulness is gone from her voice now. "What's the matter with you? Why are you acting so weird?"

He scoffs. "Sorry, T. I just didn't expect this. Last time I asked you out, you told me you weren't ready." His eyes cut toward me. "Now you're dating him?"

"Corey, I don't owe you an explanation for who I date or when I date them. But since you seem so curious..." Her lips curve into that deceptively sweet smile of hers. "When you asked me out, I wasn't ready. And honestly, you weren't exactly my type either. That's why I said no."

For the first time, Corey looks genuinely rattled.

"And he is?"

"Obviously," I can't help but cut in.

The word comes out far more smugly than necessary, but I don't give a fuck. My arm tightens around Taylor's waist, meeting Corey's stare with a cocky smile that feels especially satisfying when his expression darkens even more.

Yeah.