Page 66 of Skating and Fake Dating
Ashlyn clears her throat. “I mean, I understand. There are those of us who see the value in keeping Maple Falls as is and letting things grow organically and those with dollar signs in their eyes.”
Bailey brightens. “Exactly. It isn’t just a place on a map. It’s where we grew up. It’s home.”
My phone buzzes with a text, the vibration unnaturally loud in the sudden silence. When I glance down to see that it’s only from Nate Simpson, I look back up to find Ashlyn already ten steps away, practically speed-walking toward the parking lot.
When I tell Bailey about dinner plans, she scrunches up her nose, then, as if interrupting what she was about to say, changes course. “Wait. Did you notice how weird Ashlyn was acting? Almost like she’s hiding something.”
“Or maybe she also has somewhere she has to be.”
“Or would rather be. About dinner, I’m not so sure I’m team event material.”
“About that—” I start, then the questions bunch up in my brain. I’d rehearsed how I was going to ask her on a real date, just us, but now I can’t remember which one I settled on because all of them seemed wrong. Instead, I say, “Hey, so there’s this thing ...”
She looks up at me, gaze guarded.
“The team expects me to bring someone to the season kickoff party. It’s a formal event, kind of fancy ...”
She tilts her head, daring me to just say the words.
“It’s not a big deal, but if you want to come with me …”
I don’t want to pressure Bailey, especially after seeing her reaction to being recognized in public and what’s sure to become social media comments, more fan encounters, and expectations at team events, from the dinner at Simpson’s to other ones. She doesn’t seem like the kind of woman who wants to live her life on display.
Then I realize that I just got way ahead of myself, looking into the distant future rather than the deadline we have on this fake relationship. The knot in my stomach tugs.
“In addition to the team’s launch party, there’s a charity event coming up. It’ll be more casual. Partners are expected to attend that as well.” I clear my throat as I watch her expression carefully.
“Oh.” Bailey’s smile falters slightly.
“It’s a bit of PR, but it helps preserve Maple Falls, so I figure it’s something you might want to get behind. Just a little, um, bachelor auction.”
The corner of her lip lifts with sly recognition. “So you need your fake girlfriend to make an appearance.”
“You don’t have to, but you know, you could bid on me so your cousins don’t, uh—” Why am I suddenly tongue-tied?
“It’s my job to help you integrate with the team, right? Part of the arrangement.”
Disappointment nips at me as she frames it as work and as part of our agreement rather than something else … something I want it to be.
So I don’t get blindsided like I did with Charlene, if Bailey wants out, I say, “We should probably talk about coming clean soon. This charade is getting complicated.”
The question hangs between us.
I can’t ignore what I want, even though it’s irrational. Shemeets my gaze and her lips part. I remember the soft warmth of her mouth against mine. How the lines have blurred. The way she makes me feel. How she smiles at me.
At last, Bailey says, “Whatever you need. I’ll make it work. For your reputation. For the team.”
Our worlds collided, but now I’m worried they’re drifting apart again.
However, the real question isn’t what I need, but rather what I want.
CHAPTER 28
CARSON
The day of the Ice Breakers inaugural bash comes with rain that gives way to a dry sky and damp cement by evening.
I adjust my bowtie for the third time, staring at my reflection in the mirror. The black-tie season kickoff party is the first occasion Bailey and I will be “officially” out as a couple in front of my teammates and management. I’m more nervous than I’ve been before playoff games.
