Page 39 of Once Upon a Fake Date

When the first period started, the opposing team gained possession of the ball, and then they were off. I tried to follow what was going on, but mostly, I just cheered whenever Parker had the ball or tried to make a shot on goal.

At the end of the first, we were up by two, and I watched as Parker wiped a towel over his sweaty forehead. There were only a few minutes of break before they started playing again, and I watched in fascination. I definitely regretted not researching lacrosse before the game to learn some of the rules. Parker talked about his practices and the team often enough when we’d hang out, but mostly I felt like it all went over my head.

Still, at least I could appreciate the well-toned thighs and arms the players had. Not that I was staring at any specific player. If my eyes lingered a little longer on Parker’s forearms and how incredible his ass looked in those shorts, well… No one else needed to know that. He was my best friend, but that didn’t mean I didn’t have eyes.

And Parker washot.He was absolutely incredible to watch on the field, too. The way he ran around, keeping possession of the ball, was so confident. He had an air of surety—like nothing could phase him. God, that intense focus had me swallowing roughly, wondering what it would be like to have that focus onme.

After all four periods had finished—sixty minutes of game time total—our team had won, 15-8, and the energy in the student section waselectric. Everyone was screaming, cheering for our guys, celebrating with the person next to them, even as the stands emptied.

I made my way down to the field, waving hello to some girls I knew from class or a few fellow sorority sisters I recognized. They probably were all wondering what I was doing here since I didn’t usually attend sporting events.

Soon enough, they’d all find out that I was here for my boyfriend.

A little rush of excitement ran through me as I reached the edge of the field, my stark white tennis shoes toeing in the grass.

Parker was with his teammates as they all high-fived each other, celebrating, and I held back. Would he want me to interrupt this moment?

But then he looked over, his eyes catching mine, and his face lit up. Like he was happy to see me. A few of his teammates slapped him on the back as he jogged over, holding his helmet and stick in one hand.

“You came to my game.” Parker’s voice was almost breathless when he reached me.

“I told you I would,” I said, fidgeting with my ponytail.

“Still.” He grinned, running a hand through his damp hair. “It was nice to see my girlfriend here.”

I felt warmth creeping into my cheeks. “You’re welcome. You were awesome out there, you know.” He’d scored the winning goal. That was my favorite part to watch. Even I’d jumped from my seat to scream my lungs out for him. “I didn’t really know what was going on, but I had fun.”

He did his best to look bashful. “Thank you for coming. You still coming to the party later?”

I nodded. “If you want me there, I’ll be there.”

Parker leaned forward, pressing his lips to my cheek before pulling back. “See you there.” He looked towards his teammates and then back to me. “Text me if you need me, okay?”

“Okay,” I whispered the word, watching him head back across the field to the guys before they headed back inside to the locker rooms.

Audrey

I’m here.

I was standingin front of the lacrosse house, my eyes focused on the doorknob, but I couldn’t make myself move. Because I knew after this, everything would change. After this, we’d really be fake dating. Everyone would know. I’d be in another public relationship—this time with an athlete. He might have been new to campus, but after the game today, there was no mistaking who he was.

Was I ready? No.

But I needed to be.

The door opened, and there was Parker. He’d changed, wearing a pair of jeans that molded to his thighs and a red flannel that hid the delicious upper arms I’d seen at his match earlier.

He raised an eyebrow at me as I gawked at him. “What are you doing out here? It’s cold. Come inside.”

God, what was I even doing? “Okay.” I followed him into the house, the warmth immediately surrounding me. He stood behind me, slipping off my jacket before draping it over one arm.

“Hi,” I said when he turned around, fidgeting with my necklace pendant.

He pressed a kiss to my cheek. “Hey.” Parker looked me up and down, and I frowned, looking down at my shoes. “Is something wrong? Do I not look okay?” After the game, I’d taken off my sweatshirt, leaving me in a cute white long-sleeved shirt.

“You look great.” He tugged at a piece of hair I’d curled before coming over here. “But where’s your pink?”

I blinked. “I... What?”

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