Page 27 of Faking It For Real

He nodded thoughtfully, chasing a chocolate chip around his plate. "We need a backstory. People will ask how we got together, especially after our... memorable first meeting."

"You mean when I accidentally stepped on the ice and you nearly took my head off?"

"I didn't nearly take your head off," he protested. "I was justifiably concerned about safety."

"You yelled at me in front of the entire team," I reminded him.

"And you called me an entitled jock," he countered, but there was no heat in his voice. "Not our finest moment."

"Definitely not meet-cute material," I agreed, smiling.

"So what's our story? How did the hockey captain and the photography student overcome their mutual animosity to fall madly in love?"

I rolled my eyes at "madly in love" but considered the question seriously. "It should be plausible. Maybe... after our coffee shop truce, you started explaining hockey to me to help with my assignment?"

"That could work," he nodded. "I noticed your talent and offered more access to help your portfolio."

"And during those sessions, we discovered we didn't actually hate each other," I continued, warming to the narrative.

"I was impressed by your dedication to your craft," Ethan added, building on the story.

"And I realized you weren't just a mindless jock," I said, making him laugh.

"High praise," he said, mimicking my earlier tone.

"The highest," I confirmed with a grin. "So, gradually, these professional sessions became more personal..."

"Until I finally asked you out properly," Ethan finished.

"When, exactly?"

"Last week? After the home game against State?" he suggested. "I was on a post-win high, finally worked up the courage."

"And I said yes because...?"

His eyebrows shot up. "Because of my irresistible charm, obviously."

I snorted. "Let's say I was impressed by your dedication. On the ice and to helping me with my work."

"Fair enough," he conceded. "Though I'm noting that you didn't deny the irresistible charm part."

"Don't push your luck, Wright," I warned, but I was smiling.

"So that's our story," he said, leaning back. "Professional cooperation that blossomed into romance. Simple, believable."

"With just enough truth to make the lie convincing," I agreed.

"Speaking of convincing," Ethan said, setting down his fork, "we should probably know some basic things about each other. Favorite colors, foods, that sort of thing."

"Good point." I pulled out my phone. "Let's exchange numbers. I'll send you a list of questions, with my answers included. You can respond with yours."

"Very efficient," he noted, pulling out his own phone.

We exchanged numbers, and I tried to ignore the strange flutter in my stomach as I entered his name in my contacts.

"So," he said, after we'd demolished our pancakes, "we start tomorrow?"

"I guess we do," I nodded. "What's our first public appearance as a couple?"

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