Page 5 of Faking the Shot
“Makes you wonder how often she actually got to enjoy it.” I pause, staring at him, trying to figure out what angle he’s working. But there’s no smirk now, no teasing glint in his eye. Just something quieter, almost vulnerable, that makes my chest tighten in a way I don’t fully understand.
“What if victory’s not all it’s cracked up to be?” I ask lightly.
KC’s gaze lingers on me before saying, “It is everything.”
The host rattles off the scores, but it’s all background noise. My trivia sheet is graded, the game’s over, but the tension between KC and me? That’s still hanging in the air, stubborn and electric. It’s like the atmosphere crackles with . . . something. Something I can’t quite name, but whatever it is, it’s making my pulse race and my brain short-circuit.
Is this the part where we exchange numbers, head to a hotel, and have one of those reckless, steamy one-night stands that changes everything? Or do we just walk out of here, pretending the sparks weren’t real and this was just another random Trivia Night?
God, I need to stop watching so many rom-coms.
Next thing you know, I’ll be picturing us running through an airport in slow motion, my hair miraculously frizz-free, while he dramatically declares that trivia brought us together and nothing can tear us apart. Because trivia is love. Trivia is life.
I need help. Or maybe just fewer nights with Netflix and wine as my only companions.
But then KC shifts in his chair and the corner of his mouth quirks into that arrogant smirk.
And just like that, I remind myself that alone is the best state of mind.
“Good game, Trivia Queen,” he says as I gather my things, his voice carrying just enough of that cocky edge to make it impossible not to smirk back. “Worth using my night off for this.”
He winks, the gesture so effortless it feels like he’s been perfecting it his entire life.
I hesitate, glancing up at him. “Thanks?” The word ends up like a question and I’m not entirely sure why.
Maybe because, for all his irritating confidence, he’s somehow managed to make me feel like I didn’t just hold my own—I might’ve actually won something tonight.
And that’s not supposed to happen. Not to me. Not after my divorce ripped every romantic bone out of my body and left me swearing off men like they were overpriced jeans. They over promise and never deliver. This is why I put myself on a strict man embargo months ago—no flirting, no dating, no weak knees caused by ridiculous smirks. Love is a lie, a glitter-covered scam sold to fools who don’t realize it always comes with fine print.
But as I head for the door, his eyes linger on me, and for a split second, I wonder if maybe—maybe—I’ve gotten it all wrong. Maybe not everything is fake. Maybe not everything falls apart.
I shake the thought off the second the cool night air hits my face.
I came here for a quiet date with myself. No distractions, no complications. Yet somehow, I walked away with a question I can’t stop turning over in my mind: was this the end of the game—or just the beginning of something I swore I’d never believe in again?
Chapter Three
Valentina
Definitely Not a Coffee Date
It’s been a week since Trivia Night, and I’ve done a stellar job pretending it didn’t happen. I haven’t mentioned it to Noelle or anyone else. Have I thought about KC? Nope, not even a little.
I’ve not been replaying his stupid, distracting smirk.
I’ve not been wondering what it might be like to grab a drink with him outside the chaotic confines of trivia.
And I’m definitely no second-guessing my self-imposed man embargo.
I push all thoughts of KC aside as I step into the coffee shop, the door jingling behind me. The warm aroma of espresso and freshly baked pastries wraps around me, soothing in a way that almost makes me forget the long day ahead.
The line isn’t too bad—just a couple of people ahead of me—and I let out a small sigh of relief as I step into place. One latte, maybe a muffin, and I can start my day on the right foot.
But then the door jingles again.
It’s almost like the universe has a sense of humor because the next person to walk in is KC.
He’s wearing the same black-framed glasses from Trivia Night, but this time, he’s ditched the button-down for a casual, sporty look. A baseball cap sits low on his head, and his messy, dark hair curls at the edges. He’s got on a pair of basketball shorts and a sweatshirt that clings to his broad shoulders, the sleeves pushed up to reveal strong forearms.
