Page 74 of Test the Ice
That’s where I draw the line, though. I don’t want anyone else to know about Reese’s and my fake engagement.
I may be flippant and only appear serious when I’m racing my opponent on the ice, but I understand the gravity of the situation I’m in. Being fake engaged is all fun and games until Iremind myself that Reese is in a shitty situation with a man who has a vengeance for control.
Kane elbows me on the way out of the locker room, and I slow my pace to walk with him. He waits for some rookies to pass before leaning in, “I assume you’re taking Reese to the charity function, right?”
My steps falter.
He rolls his eyes before pulling on his helmet. “If you want people to believe your engagement, you should probably take your fiancée as your date.”
My fingers tighten as I grip my own helmet, but I make no move to put it on.How the hell does he know the truth?
He answers my silent question. “We lived together. I’m not a fucking idiot. You’ve either swept her off her feet in a couple of weeks—which is unlikely—or it’s a fabricated engagement.” He shrugs. “Plus, Daisy mentioned something being off too. She’s just waiting for Reese to fill her in.”
Great.
He calls over his shoulder as he continues toward the ice. “Text Reese and tell her to pick one of the dresses that I had her get for Daisy. She’s on her way over there now to inform Daisy that she’s going as my date.”
I rush toward my locker. Placing my helmet on the bench, I dig for my phone.
Reese’s name is already on the screen with a text message.
Reese
I found a bag of Blue Devils merch on the bed. I assume this is from you, considering there’s a jersey inside that says, Future Mrs. Young on the back…
I grin.
Me
You’re welcome Also, I need you to pick one of those dresses for the charity function you got for Daisy for yourself. You’re coming with me.
My heart beats fast, and I haven’t even climbed on the ice. I could blame it on game-day jitters, but I haven’t been nervous for a game in years. Hockey is my calm, and apparently, Reese is my chaos.
When Reese doesn’t text me back right away, I send another, because I have a feeling she’s trying to come up with some excuse.
Me
It’s time I showed you off…
Reese
Showed me off? Like I’m cattle?
No, Dimples. Not like cattle.
Me
It’s time I showed you off as mine. So pick a dress, and I’ll see you tomorrow.
Oh, by the way, Kane and Daisy are onto us, so you might want to tell her something.
Night, Mrs. Young
I toss my phone into my locker and head for the ice, and what do you know? I’m no longer nervous.
The house is spotless when I get home. The scent of something sweet fills the air, and I have to admit, I’m not necessarily upset that Reese is taking this whole “work for me”thing seriously. Coming home after an away game to someone other than Kaneandthe house is clean? Who would argue with that?
The simple contract she made–not me–listed the tasks she’d take care of while we continued our fake engagement, and an entire monthly menu with lasagna on it twice. I decided to let her have her way. She’s persistent when it comes to supporting herself and Charleigh financially, and I can’t blame her for that.
