Page 14 of Faking the Shot
“It’s fake, remember? The proposal would have to wait until they’ve been seen together for at least a few months—six maybe?” Jacob says, like that’s supposed to make this better. “And again, everything is temporary.”
I narrow my eyes at him, my glare sharp enough to cut glass. “You’re officially my least favorite brother-in-law.”
Jacob smirks. “I’m your only brother-in-law,” he points out.
“Same thing,” I snap, my arms crossing tight over my chest as I throw another daggered glare in his direction. Meanwhile, Kaden leans back in his chair, looking infuriatingly at ease.
“You could have anyone,” I say. “Some tall, blonde model. I’m too . . . blah.”
Kaden’s brow arches, his lips twitching as if he’s fighting back a smirk. “Blah wouldn’t be the word I’d use to describe you,” he says, his tone low and almost amused. “Besides, you’re pretty, smart, and someone I can actually have a conversation with. People would believe it if I said we met at a trivia night down at the local coffee shop.”
I freeze mid-eye-roll, narrowing my gaze on him. There’s something about the way he says it—too casual, like he knows exactly what he’s doing. And then it hits me, like a bolt of lightning to my already overcaffeinated brain. My mouth drops open. “Wait a second . . .You’re KC?”
He leans forward slightly, resting his elbows on the arms of the chair, a smug grin firmly in place. “Kaden Crawford,” hesays, tapping his chest with mock modesty. “See? We’ve already had our first and second date.”
I gasp, feeling my face heat up. “Oh my god. The trivia guy? The one who ordered a latte with half espresso and half oat milk? And then argued with the barista about the Oxford comma?”
“That was a valid debate,” he replies, his tone unrepentant. “And for the record, the Oxford comma matters.”
I groan, dragging a hand down my face. “This is why people don’t like you.”
“Because grammar matters?”
“No, because you argue about everything and anything.”
He shrugs, unbothered. “Theydon’t need to like me. Just you. It’ll make the whole fake dating thing more convincing.”
“Fake dating?” I throw my hands in the air. “We’ve barely established a fake meet cute. You’re a walking, talking red flag wrapped in sarcasm and bad decisions.”
“Wow.” Kaden places a hand over his chest like I’ve physically wounded him. “Tell me how you really feel.”
“Oh, trust me, I will,” I snap. “Starting with the fact that you?—”
Jacob interrupts with a cough that sounds suspiciously like it’s hiding laughter. “You two are gonna do great at this. Really selling the couple vibe.”
I roll my eyes but don’t argue with him.
Kaden, the asshole, chuckles softly, and it’s annoyingly warm and rich, like he’s savoring my misery. He stands, brushing imaginary lint off his jeans before shoving his hands into his pockets. “Look,” he says, all infuriating calmness, “we already know people will buy into it. You thought I was someone else, and it worked. Let’s just lean into it.”
“You mean lie,” I deadpan.
“Spin the truth,” he corrects, his smirk growing. “It’s all about perspective, isn’t it?”
I stare at him, my mouth opening and closing like I’m trying to find the right words. Instead, I let out a huff of disbelief. “This is going to blow up in your face, and I can’t wait to watch.”
“Don’t worry,” he says, already heading for the door. “I’ll make sure you’re in the splash zone.”
I stare at Kaden as he disappears out the door. This is not how I imagined my night going, or even my week. Or my life, for that matter. And the worst part? I’m stuck with him.
Chapter Seven
Kaden
Valentina Calls the Shots
Sweat drips down the side of my face as I push the weight over my head. I’ve been pumping iron since early this morning, but no matter how hard I work, the anger festering in my chest refuses to burn out.
My fathers have tried to call, along with my brothers and sister, but I’m not in the mood to talk to any of them. I already know what they’re going to say. I’ve seen the news, heard the endless chatter on every sports channel. I don’t need a family intervention.
