Page 28 of Faking It with my Hockey Crush

Phil looks at me and then casts his eyes to Ryan. “You weren’t joking, were you?”

Ryan shrugs and nods.

“What are you talking about?” I ask, moving back across the office.

Phil smiles up at me. “He told me you were smart, educated. A woman who knew how to handle herself. You’re going to have these guys eating out the palm of your hand.”

A little later, when I’ve calmed down and Phil has answered all the questions Ryan couldn’t, the meeting draws to a close.

“Just before we finish up,” Phil says, “I’ve amended the contract. Take a look at it and see if there’s anything in there you need me to change.”

He hands me the contract I put together, and while he and Ryan talk about some interview Phil’s set up, I quickly begin toread, but in the very first paragraph, there’s an amendment that makes my eyes widen.

No emotional attachment. This relationship is a façade meant to serve a mutual benefit. Developing feelings will only complicate the arrangement. This stipulation is pivotal for both parties to maintain clarity and prevent misunderstandings that could jeopardize their personal and professional lives.

Amendment: The mutual agreement is as follows. Emma Carter agrees to act as much as it is in her power to do so as Ryan Steele’s wife. In return, Ryan Steele agrees to compensate a hydro pool to both Emma’s clinic and her mother’s home. He will also place a hefty investment into Emma’s clinic to further business.

Okay. I’m stunned. One hydro pool would have been enough, but I’m currently blown away by the rest of it. I mean, sure, he can afford it. But I’m still shocked. I calm myself, though, and say nothing. I mean, what is there really to say? Instead, I carry on reading where there have been other small amendments and an expansion of points already written that make complete sense.

With the contracts signed and business with Phil completed, Ryan and I stand to leave. When farewells are done and we’re heading to the door, Phil says, “You’ve got a day to get used to this. After that, I’m leaking it to the press.”

“Thanks, Phil,” Ryan says, sounding the most grateful I’ve ever heard him.

“Good luck, kid.”

Two days later, Phil keeps his word, and when I walk past a store on my way to the clinic, Ryan and I are front page news.

“Oh, my Lord,” I gasp. I mean, I knew it was coming, but still.

There’s a picture of us together. It’s totally Photoshopped, of course—Phil took it when we were in his office—but it now lookslike we’re walking down a street hand in hand. I mean, it’s scary how realistic it looks.

I’m still looking at the paper when Mandy Stone and Brenda Dingle, two women I went to high school with, stop beside me.

“Oh, my gosh,” Mandy gasps, gawking at the headline. “Is it true?” She turns to me. “Are you guys getting married?”

I’m not ready for her reaction. I should be, but I just didn’t think the questions were going to happen so soon.

“Er, yes,” I say with a nod. “Yes, Ryan and I are getting married.”

“Congratulations,” Brenda gushes, reaching out and squeezing my hand. “Oh, you guys are going to make such a cute couple, aren’t they, Mandy?”

“You are,” Mandy gushes beside her. “Oh, wait until I tell the girls.”

By the girls, she means the women she works with in the hair salon she runs. Which means the whole town will know by lunchtime.

“Thanks,” I say hurriedly. “I’ve got to go. Don’t want to be late.”

The women nod eagerly at me with great big smiles. I suppose I should be happy, right? So, as an afterthought, I pin a smile on my face. I’m pretty sure I now look like a serial killer, but hey, this is all new to me.

“Congratulations,” Sharon declares when I walk into the clinic.

I give her a look, and she laughs. “Hey, you’re the one who signed up for this circus. I tried to talk you out of it.”

“Something you’re no doubt going to continue to remind me when things get tough.”

“What are friends for?” Sharon quips back.

I begin slipping my coat off as I wander behind the desk. “I just got accosted in the street by Brenda and Mandy. I was so flummoxed that I didn’t know what to say.”

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