Page 69 of Skating and Fake Dating
There has not been a single moment all evening when I’ve not wanted Bailey by my side. When she isn’t, I physically crave her. Being apart from her is like getting a plate of pancakes without syrup. The longing is met as she glides toward us, all smiles.
Reluctantly, I introduce her to Gabe.
Winking, he says, “I’ve heard so much about you.”
“I’ve been hearing that a lot tonight.” She glances at me with a question in those pretty, innocent, hazel eyes.
I’m not going to say that Gabe is a snake, but he wouldn’t hesitate to get her alone in a quiet corner or blab about just how fake, fake, fake this is.
Only, I’m not sure that’s true and am not ready to say so, especially with the direction Gabe wants to take my career—the “big leagues” as he calls it, even though this isn’t baseball. In fact, I believe he’s the one who originally dubbed me the ‘Gentleman Wingman,’ ran with it, and wants to capitalize on my Southern charm.
“We have big things coming for our big boy. Endorsement opportunities, including one from a hydration drink that’ll mean he’ll have to—” He makes robot arms and sort of dances in the dorkiest possible way while wearing a slick smile. “Ditch the small-town simplicity, if you know what I mean, and upgrade to the big time.”
Bailey’s laugh is nervous and she tucks a phantom piece of hair behind her ear.
Gabe continues, “I saw your local news article, ‘Puck-er Up: Local Girl Melts Ice Around Hockey Star’s Heart.’ I’m not so sure you’re a girl—” He waggles his eyebrows, then lowers his voice, “And we both know he isn’t going to last, but you just keep me in mind when this little publicity stunt is over and you’re available.”
The words hit close to home, but I also want to hit Gabe in the back of the head with my hockey stick … or give him a matching set of black eyes for looking at Bailey like she’s available. Like she isn’t mine.
I won’t be renewing my contract with him when our current agreement expires. My fist clenches and then loosens as I think back to the moment with Bailey on the hilltop when she said two simple yet powerful words.I’m yours.
If only that were true.
But I’ll still protect her from smarmy guys like Gabe.
CHAPTER 29
CARSON
After an hour of mixing and mingling at the Ice Breakers inaugural bash—a near collision with a dessert cart, rescuing one of Bailey’s stiletto high heels, and then having what we’ll call aje ne sais quoisituation between Clément and Marcy, I’m pulled away for photos with team management and recording some content with Clara for social media.
“Will you be okay?” I ask Bailey.
She waves me off. “Go ahead. Fiona and I are bonding over hockey player habits.”
I just hope no one here is as shrewd and cynical as Odette and questions whether we’re a real couple or that Gabe blabs to the wrong person.
Eyes still washed out from the flash of the camera, after the photo session, I can’t find Bailey immediately. The same panic that’s only happened once during a game seizes me. I’d been pushed against the boards and was slightly disoriented. For a moment, I couldn’t find the puck. One of my strengths is that I never lose sight of it. My grandmother used to call me Eagle Eyes because I could spot things clear across their pasture. Scanning the makeshift ballroom, Bailey is deep in conversation with Coach Hauser. Recalling her worries about tonight, I cross thespace in several quick strides. I relax a measure when I see they’re both laughing and he slaps his thigh.
“Bailey is a hoot,” Hauser says when I meet them.
She grins like she just got a gold star.
Coach nods approvingly. “She’s the most refreshing person I’ve met at these stuffy events in years.”
Something like pride swells in my chest. “She certainly is someone special, sir.”
He elbows me. “I can see that. There I was worried that the gentleman wingman was going to be trouble after your performance last season.”
Bailey definitely dragged me out of the pit, but will I slide back in when this is over?
“Yeah. That was a low spot. I’m glad I got a second chance. Thank you, sir.”
“Keep it up and the Ice Breakers are going to dominate.” But whatever else he says is lost when the music changes to a slow song. Bailey looks up, our eyes meet, and I feel a magnetic pull to take her into my arms.
“Excuse me, I need to dance with my date.”
I extend my hand. “May I have this dance, Miss Porter?”
