Page 32 of Faking the Shot

Her cheeks, already feeling warm from the exercise, might’ve heated a little more. Yes, her attire of black leggings and a pink tee under a white business shirt might look a little odd compared to most athletic wear, but the Lululemon shirt was one of those fancy ones that didn’t crush easily and wicked moisture away, and a girl had to look good. Especially if photos might be taken.

He motioned toward Grouse Mountain. “Ever been up to the top?”

“And seen the bears?”

“I take it that’s a yes.”

“I took the scenic chairlift, not the trail.”

“You missed out.”

“You did the Grouse Grind?”

“All the team’s newbies do it, prospects too. Sorts the men out from the boys.”

“I’m going to guess you are one of the men?”

He cut a look at her, and she laughed.

A woman turned to her, nudged her friend, who drew out her phone and took a few not-so-sneaky snaps.

Looked like the plan was working. “Are you ready to go?” she asked him.

“Lead on.”

She was certain the man could ride rings around her, but she appreciated his willingness to go at her pace. His patience made a nice change to some of the other men she’d dated in the past, and even though this was fake-dating, she appreciated it.

They got back on the path, ignoring the photo-taking women, who were walking, fortunately, so couldn’t chase after them on bikes, and continued up to where the path ran under Lions Gate Bridge. At this time of day, much of this section was shadowed, which made her feel cooler than she’d like. The bridge, like a smaller version of San Francisco’s Golden Gate, was busy at this time of day, and this section underneath was popular with joggers as a resting point. A slight incline took them around to the northern tip of the park, and the sun met them again. By the time they reached Siwash Rock, the rocky outpoint with a tree on top, she was tired, and thinking this mightn’t have been such a good idea after all. She wanted to be seen with him, but not looking like a sweaty mess.

They slowed to go around a tree, and he went first. A couple of female joggers slowed to appreciate him, which she could understand.

But then one of them called something to him, which he ignored. The woman’s companion laughed, laughter that ceased as Ainsley rode past and glanced at them. She gave a small smile, got none in return, which suggested they hadn’t expected Zac to have a female companion. Which was exactly what he’d wanted, right? Maybe this wasn’t going to be such a one-sided arrangement after all.

The path continued, rock faces on one side, blue sea on the other, trees and stretches of sand providing natural respite for city dwellers. Breathing in the beauty, the fresh air, really was respite, too, good for her soul. They passed some dog walkers and she smiled, then she heard an “Ainsley!” but didn’t look back.

“Looks like you’re getting what you wanted,” Zac said.

Looked like they both were. A little bit of notice, enough to confirm some rumors. Enough to stop women hitting on him, enough to salvage her reputation.

They passed a sign pointing to The Teahouse, and she wondered if the man who drank tea had ever dined there.

He slowed, glanced at her, nodded to it. “You been there before?”

“I have. You?”

He smiled. “What do you think?”

“Yes?”

“They have some nice vegetarian options. I might have to take you there one day. If you need an excuse to be seen out on a date with me.”

“That’d be fun. Actually, after all this exercise, I’m a little hungry.”

“You want to stop here for a snack?”

Zac Parotti was the snack.

She blinked. Stop! This was fake-dating. Not real. “Maybe another time.”

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