Page 32 of Just One Season
I laugh again at the absolute absurdity of it all. Not only the general concept of fake dating, but that anyone would believe that I’d end up dating Kellen Bassey, a gorgeous star hockey player.
“Fake date so you can help me create a certain image of my life to my father and my ex?”
“And I can keep my spot on the team.”
“Wow.”
“Don’t answer now.” Kellen holds up a hand. “Why don’t you think about it, and we can talk about it on our hike tomorrow? If you want to talk about it. We don’t ever have to speak of it again.”
“Oh, the answer is definitely yes.” Something akin to joy rushes through my veins. This is ridiculous. Hilarious. Perfect.
“Really?” Kellen’s cheeks lift with a grin.
“Yeah. Really. I think we have some serious plot holes to work out, but I’d love to help you with your Paul Harrison problem. And I’d also love to get my father off my back.”
“Excellent. Thank you, I guess.” Kellen stands. “So I’ll pick up you and Waffles tomorrow morning. Taco? Prince Harry.”
“Prince Harry. What kind of hike is this?”
“An easy one. Good views.”
“So when you say easy, you mean someone who never hikes could do it?”
“Yes.”
“And I should let a random man take me into the mountains?”
“Fair point. But you’ll have Prince Harry to protect you.” He blinks slowly and is painfully charming.
“I’m not really a big hiker.”
“No problem. Wear layers. And sturdy shoes. I’ll pick you up at eight.” He steps backwards toward the doorway.
“Eight in the morning? Is that necessary on a Saturday?”
“Yes. You’re still staying with Atticus?”
I nod, and Kellen pulls out his cell phone.
“What’s your number? Just in case I need to get ahold of you.”
I tell him my digits and he smiles at me. Yes, I just gave my number to a hot professional hockey player.
Kellen starts to walk out but pauses in the doorway and turnsback to me. “And I’m not a random man. I’m your fake boyfriend.”
And with that, he disappears from my office.
“Oh, for fuck’s sake.” I laugh in the empty room. I feel like an insane person.
What just happened?
I’m just going to go ahead and fake date a hockey player? How can I possibly pull this off?
It’s almost five o’clock. Maybe I’ll head out early and go buy some hiking boots. I definitely don’t own any sturdy shoes. I pack up my stuff and tap my phone as I leave my office, flicking the light off and pulling the door shut behind me.
Me
You’ll never believe what my plans are for tomorrow
