Page 3 of Faking the Shot

"Legal advice, huh?" I chuckle, teasing her further. I already have a lawyer on retainer, plus the team supplies a legal team as well. "Well, that might come in handy someday. But let's sweeten the deal a bit. How about you also promise to buy me dinner at the best restaurant in town? I want steak. A big juicy, meaty steak."

"Sure, fine, whatever you want," Megan blurts out, evidently desperate to get this conversation over with. "Just, please, say you'll do it."

"Alright, alright, no need to beg," I laugh, thoroughly enjoying myself. "You've got yourself a deal, Foster. I'll be your pretend boyfriend for the weekend. But remember, you owe me one hell of a meal."

Ava’s eyes bug out of her head as she gapes at me, and I struggle not to laugh. Ethan lifts his brow as he watches me. Axel, the ever stoic giant, lifts his brow, but nothing more.

"Deal," she agrees, relief palpable in her voice. "Thank you so much, Tyler. You have no idea how much this means to me."

"Hey, don't mention it," I reply, still grinning. "It'll be fun to see how this little charade plays out. Just make sure you're ready for some top-notch acting on my part, snookums."

"Trust me," she says, sounding a little nervous, "I have no doubt you'll be the most convincing fake boyfriend a girl could ask for. After all, you love the limelight."

My smile becomes forced at her statement. Is that how she sees me? An attention seeker. Well, if that’s the case, then I’ll give her what she wants.

"Damn right," I agree, taking a triumphant swig of my drink. "Now go get some rest, Foster. I’m going to boyfriend the shit out of you."

"Um, okay. Thanks again, I’ll message you all the details," she replies, her gratitude evident, but cautious. "Goodnight, Tyler."

"Goodnight, Megan," I say, hanging up the phone and tossing it onto the coffee table.

As I lean back on the couch, I can't help but feel a sense of satisfaction wash over me. Sure, the weekend might be a little unconventional, but there's something undeniably appealing about diving headfirst into an unexpected adventure, especially when it means helping a so-called-friend in need. It should be a lot of fun.

Chapter 3

Megan

Iwait in the resort's elegant lobby, dressed in my finest attire. The vibrant scent of roses and champagne fills the room as I nervously adjust my dress. My heart races with a mix of excitement and anxiety as I anticipate Tyler's arrival. No clue where the excitement part comes from. I’m surprised I’m not dreading this more.

"Get it together, Megan," I whisper to myself, trying to calm my racing thoughts.

The car service pulls up outside, and I spot Tyler through the glass doors. My heart skips a beat as he steps out, looking even more handsome than I remembered. He's wearing a perfectly tailored suit complementing his toned physique where the shirt isn’t all the way buttoned, and his dark blonde hair is styled to perfection. He's a vision of pure masculine hotness.

"Wow," I think to myself. "I can't believe I have to pretend to be this guy's girlfriend." It's both thrilling and terrifying at the same time.

As Tyler strides into the lobby, his eyes lock onto mine. "Megan," he exclaims with a wide grin, crossing the room toward me. "You look stunning." He lifts me off my feet, twirls me, and then gives me the biggest, most elaborate kiss, making my knees shake and my heart pitter-pat. Everything within me wakes up and I can’t believe I’m in his arms and his lips ravage mine.

Why is it so warm in here?

Tyler lowers me and my body rubs against his, and everything inside me buzzes for more. I have to shake my thoughts away. This is a favor and we don’t even like each other.

"Thanks, Tyler," I stammer, in a daze for a moment, and give him a small smile, flashing into the present. I’m aware of how close he is. Our shared charade feels too real for comfort, but I remind myself it's all an act. Remember all the times you envisioned smacking him over the head? Keep it in mind. It’s how I’ll survive the longest weekend in a hell of my own making.

"Ready for this little adventure?" He asks, raising an eyebrow playfully. I nod, hoping my face doesn't betray my apprehension.

"Absolutely," I say, trying to sound confident. "Let's do this."

"Then let's get our room key and head up," he suggests, shooting me a roguish wink, sending shivers down my spine.

"Right," I agree, swallowing hard. "Let's go."

As we make our way to the front desk, I catch glimpses of my coworkers mingling around the lobby and into the bar area. They're all dressed to impress, sipping champagne and making small talk. Unease bubbles inside me, but I push it down as we approach the receptionist, who ogles over Tyler like he’s some Greek God coming down to present his beauty to us mere mortals.

"Hi," Tyler says smoothly, flashing his charming smile. "We're here for the Anderson, Lane, and Associates event. Names are Megan Foster and Tyler Bennett."

"Of course," the receptionist replies with a knowing grin. "I know exactly who you are.”

“Ah, a hockey fan?”

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