Page 20 of Faking It with the Forward

“And you think getting into some fake dating scheme will providelessdrama to your life?”

I laugh, but take one last shot. “Honestly, it could help you, too.”

I hear the microwave open and slam shut. She opens the bag and a gust of steam blows into her face. “Exactly how does this help me?”

“You said it yourself. People think you’re not into guys, but you are. There’s a misconception going around that you’re undateable. One that I may have inadvertently encouraged.” I give her an apologetic look. “Being seen with me will fix that.”

“No one would believe it.”

“Shanna did.”

And to be honest, when my lips met hers, I forgot all preconceived ideas that I had about her, too. That kiss, well, she may be awkward and inexperienced, but it sure as fuck didn’t feel like it.

She pauses, shoving her hand into the bag of popcorn. She’s thinking about it, I can tell. All I need to do is nudge her over the line. “Look, we both need something. I need to look like I’ve moved on. You need to look—in your words—dateable. It’s win-win.” I rest a hand behind my head and lean back on the headboard. My camera lands on my bare chest and I see her eyes dart down. Yeah, maybe this girl isn’t immune to me after all. “At the very least maybe you can gain a little confidence and become a little less awkward around guys.”

“Dammit.” Her hand comes to her forehead.

“Drop your popcorn?” I ask.

“No.” She sighs. “Fine. I’ll do it.”

“Don’t act like you’re being so put out.” I smile. “You’re getting to date the unbelievably hot captain of the hockey team, you know.”

“Don’t push me, Cain.”

“I’d stop,” I laugh, feeling another surge of relief, “but it’s just so much fun.”

7

Twyler

I’m five minutes from class when my sister’s name lights up my phone. I’d ignore it, but that won’t discourage her. She’ll just call back.

“Hey—” I start, but she cuts me off.

“I can’t believe you didn’t tell me.”

“Tell you what?” I ask, keeping my voice low. I’ve already had more than my share of attention today as I walked across campus. “What are you talking about?”

“I saw the picture of you and Reese Cain floating around.”

I stop abruptly, apparently right in front of another student who mutters, “Watch it,” as he dodges me.

“Sorry!” I move to a bench outside the Arts and Sciences building. “Where did you see this?”

“I follow the College Mail page. It was on their daily wrap up.”

“Oh no.” My skin gets hot. I obviously knew people on campus would see it, or maybe some of Reese’s hockey fans, but a major college gossip site? This blew up more than I thought. “It was nothing,” I say, using the same excuse I gave Nadia. “We were just messing around.Jokingaround.”

“Please,” she dismisses me. “You, of all people, don’t mess around with hot, superstar hockey players.”

“Sure I do!” Although we both know it’s a lie. “I have a sense of humor. I have friends.”

What I really have, if Reese was serious last night, is a hot, superstar hockey playerfakeboyfriend.

That part I keep to myself. Ruby would never understand. And worse— “Just don’t say anything to Mom, okay? She’ll get the wrong idea.”

“Oh, I won’t. She’d probably drive down there to see it herself.” She laughs, but we both know it’s not a stretch. “I’m just kidding anyway. Reese Cain is wayyy out of your league. Obviously, it’s nothing serious.”

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