Page 50 of Faking It with my Hockey Crush

“No.” I shake my head firmly.

I might not know much in this second, but I know that. When I first agreed to help Ryan out with his situation, I thought I knew what I was getting into. I had no idea. Interviews, functions, photographs, it’s been nuts. The idea of having to do all that while wearing a flouncy dress does not appeal to me at all. Besides, I’ve seen my picture in enough tabloids to last a lifetime.

Ryan nods. “I didn’t think so. If we elope, we can avoid all that.”

“Alright,” I say, my mind slowly settling after the shock. “Then let’s do that.”

Three days later, he picks me up, and we head out of Maple Springs. Sharon and Debs are thrilled that we’re getting married, albeit fake-married, and both are sworn to secrecy until we return. Then it’s their job to get the rumor mill working in our small town, while Ryan will contact Phil and tell him the news.

“So, where are we going?”

Ryan throws me a grin. “I could tell you, but I don’t want to.”

“Well, as long as it’s not Vegas, I don’t care.”

“Darn it.” He clicks his fingers in feigned disappointment. “Now you’ve gone and ruined the surprise.”

I giggle then, and he glances over at me with that trademark smile. His eyes are dancing again, and they linger just a second longer before he turns to look back at the road. Things have been much easier between us since the night at the dinner. He’s come in for his appointments—appointments he won’t need for very much longer—and we’ve gotten back to the lighthearted banter we shared before.

More than that, we’ve grown closer. At least, that’s the way I see it. He’s taken hold of my hand a few times, supposedly a supportive and friendly gesture, but it feels like much more tome. By the gaze that accompanies it, I think it means more to him, too. And yet, neither of us is making a move. I know my reasons. I don’t know his, and I’m too scared to ask. Yes, those scars of rejection remain, even after the apology.

An hour and a half later, we’re driving down a quiet road with hardly another car on it. We’re surrounded by tall pine trees, dusted with snow, their branches still full of lush green foliage. After a little while, sparkling water peaks through the gaps in the trees.

“Where are we?” I ask.

“This is the best-kept secret in the county,” Ryan replies.

“Okay,” I sing, looking at him expectantly.

The road now bends, and the trees thin to reveal a huge body of water. We drive beside the lake for a few more seconds, but when Ryan doesn’t say anything else, I can’t help but press him.

“So?”

He chuckles. “You’ll see.”

Wherever we are, it’s beautiful. As far as I can see, the lake is surrounded by huge pines and other evergreens, dominantly standing as though guarding the body of water that sparkles as it reflects the light. As I take the scene in, I make a mental note to remember where Ryan has brought me because I’ll definitely be coming back.

It’s another five minutes before a large building comes into view. The design is based on a log cabin, but bigger, with a small area surrounding it where a few cars are already parked. As we approach, a sign on my left tells me that this place is a spa resort.

I frown across the car. “A spa?”

His face is glowing with a beaming grin, but he doesn’t say a word until he finally pulls into the parking lot and brings the car to a stop. Only then does he shift in his seat to fully turn to me.

“I figure, you spend all your time massaging everyone back to health. It’s time you got some of that benefit yourself.”

He’s gazing at me with pride, but not arrogance. Like he’s all happy with himself that he’s gotten me here, while at the same time, his eyes are soft and caring.

I’m a little stunned. It’s not that I don’t think Ryan has the capability to be caring. I know he does. He’s shown that already on many occasions. It’s just…

His brow pinches again. “You don’t like it?”

I shake my head. “No. It’s not that,” I say, still taken aback. “It’s just… no one has ever done anything like this for me before.”

The eyebrows are now way up on his forehead, and his eyes widen. “Really?”

“Really.” I nod.

I can feel his gaze searching my soul, his eyes piercing into mine. His brow is in workout mode again, and I can’t tell what’s going through his mind. Then he tilts his head, and his eyes soften.

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