Page 8 of Faking the Shot

Surprise has me shaking and hope builds within my heart.

“Have you ever traveled outside of North America?" Tyler asks, not letting me say anything about his confession.

"Only once," I reply. "I went to Europe last year for a few weeks. It was incredible. What about you?"

"Same," he says, excitement in his voice. "I've been fortunate enough to travel with hockey, but I've always wanted to explore more of the world. There are so many places I'd love to see."

"Maybe we could go together sometime," I suggest, feeling bold, daring, and curious. Our eyes lock, and the charge between us intensifies.

"I'd like that," he murmurs, his fingertips brushing against my jaw, sending shivers down my spine.

As our conversations delve deeper, I wrestle with the overwhelming emotions swirling within me. The line between our fake relationship and reality continues to blur, and despite my best efforts, I can no longer deny the growing affection getting stronger every moment I spend with Tyler.

"Tyler," I whisper, my heart pounding in my chest. "What if this isn't just pretend anymore?"

"Maybe it's not," he admits, his eyes full with sincerity. "And maybe that's okay."

I move out of his arms and circle around to look him in the eyes because this conversation is too important.

"Tyler? There are some people here who'd like to meet you," a co-worker interrupts us, gesturing toward a group of fans who have gathered nearby. Tyler's fame as a pro hockey player has drawn attention at the resort, and it seems word has spread that he's here.

Tyler stares into my eyes, and doesn’t turn until I smile and nod, then he kisses me. "Of course," Tyler replies, turning his attention to the eager fans. As I watch him interact with them, I'm struck by how effortlessly he connects with people. His genuine kindness and warmth shine through as he takes time to talk to everyone individually, signing autographs and taking selfies with them.

"Wow, you know how to make people feel special," I say when he returns, my admiration for him growing even stronger.

"In my opinion, everyone should be treated with kindness," he says simply, his eyes meeting mine. "You never know what someone else might be going through. Plus, I have a career because of them. It’d suck to play in an empty arena."

I nod in agreement, touched by his words and thoughtfulness.

We retire to the room shortly after and spend the rest of the night getting to know each other more intimately. I don’t think I’ve ever had a night where a man devoted so much attention to my pleasure before. It’s the biggest aphrodisiac.

On the last day, we partake in all the events, and are constantly interrupted by colleagues and guests who want to interact with the famous hockey player. It's hard not to feel annoyed by the constant interruptions. I crave more private moments with Tyler, where we can continue discovering each other without distraction.

"Tyler, do you ever tire of the attention?" I ask during a rare moment alone together.

"Sometimes," he admits. "I try to remember it comes with the territory. I'm grateful for the opportunities hockey has given me, even if it means sacrificing some privacy."

"Still, it must be nice to escape from it all sometimes," I say, longing for more uninterrupted time with him.

"It does," he agrees, his hand brushing against mine, sending another jolt of electricity through me. “I think I've found the perfect person to escape with."

The undeniable connection between Tyler and me has made the lines between our fake relationship and reality blur. Despite my initial reluctance, I’m happy with how everything is turning out. If we keep going like this, then nobody has to know we started out in a fake relationship.

Chapter 6

Tyler

It’s the last morning of what turned out to be an incredible weekend and I’m to catch my flight this afternoon. I can't help but think about the past two days as I stuff my travel bag with clothes. The way Megan's laughter rang through the air, her intelligence shining like a beacon as she discussed the law and photography. She’s a force to be reckoned with, and yet, there’s a vulnerability beneath it all calling to me.

"Damn," I mutter under my breath, pausing in the middle of folding a shirt. My career means everything to me and it’s the same for Megan. There’s no way for us to live in the same place right now. It’s bad enough I travel when in season, it’ll make a long distant relationship that much harder. This isn't what I signed up for. It’s only supposed to be a weekend charade to help her out, nothing more. However, as I prepare to fly out later, I find myself drawn to her in ways I haven't anticipated. I want more than this pretend relationship, and the thought both excites and terrifies me.

Finishing my packing, I check the room to make sure I leave nothing. I put my bag by the door and head downstairs. Megan already went downstairs as one of her co-workers invited her to have breakfast together. It made me happy because it’s what she wanted, even though I wanted her to myself. After last night and early this morning, I didn’t get my stuff together. I had better things to do, so I encouraged her to go.

Megan is in the lobby looking out the window, gazing over the vast green hills. She looks so beautiful, my heart aches.

"Megan?" My voice startles her from her thoughts, and she turns to see me standing in the archway. She bites her lip as her eyes heat up as she takes me in. My dick swells for more. As if last night was only the appetizer.

"All set?"

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