Total pages in book: 129
Estimated words: 125257 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 626(@200wpm)___ 501(@250wpm)___ 418(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 125257 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 626(@200wpm)___ 501(@250wpm)___ 418(@300wpm)
Something aches inside my chest for several seconds. Maybe it’s the reality that she’s probably right about her brother. “It’s all good since it’s not like I’m going to real date anyone now,” I say as I spot a teal cardigan that looks perfect for my sister’s wedding picnic. “All my focus will be on faking it for the wedding. That means we need rules, a plan, and a story.”
Once I find an outfit, I do just that—focus. As Clementine returns to Cozy Valley, I return to my place. I may have messed up my last romance, but I’ve got a chance to do things right in this fake one. Better get my ducks in a row.
I head to the kitchen, and I send Lake a text.
Remy: Apparently we need to establish rules for fake dating. I’ve got some ideas. Do you want to hash them out here over text?
I yank open the refrigerator to grab a raspberry bubbly water from the neatly arranged shelf of bubbly waters when his reply lands.
Lake: As opposed to you showing off your great date-planning skills when you plan a non-date during which you tell me the rules of our fake dating?
I can’t stop smiling as I read his note. Or as I crack open the can, and it fizzes, sounding like I feel inside. But I don’t take a drink right away. I lift my other hand and touch my cheek. It’s warm, and I wonder where Lake is right now and if he feels a little flush as well. He did just up the ante again—from texting to hanging out.
Remy: So it’s a real non-date to prep for our real fake date?
Lake: Whatever you want to call it, I’m there. Can’t wait to find out where you take me. I love surprises.
Remy: I hate them. Maybe even more so now after that game a couple of weeks ago.
Lake: That is very understandable.
Remy: Thanks. Appreciate you saying that. Also, I guess we’re opposites then.
Lake: We are. Good details to know about my new…woman.
Remy: Why is that good to know?
Lake: Maybe I’m keeping a list of things I know about you.
My fingers pause. I’m not sure how to reply. He’s teasing me. He has to be teasing me. And besides, if he’s keeping a list, it’s probably because he wants to be good at fake dating.
Nothing wrong with that.
I do too.
As I crack open my World Domination notebook, I review the list of things I know about Lake Axelrod even though it’s scarily small. He’s superstitious. He’s ridiculously handsome. He’s known as Axman on the ice, partly because he’s so tough on opponents. He likes free food and, it turns out, owls. He loves surprises. He’s unruffled.
And then it all comes together, especially the part from Clem about him being a little weird. This might be the weirdest date I’ve ever planned. Or is it a non-date? I don’t even know what it is. But Lake and I make plans to meet after practice tomorrow.
I’m kind of counting the hours till I surprise him with the non-date for our fake-date prep.
8
YOU SPREADSHEET NERD
LAKE
After I finish practice and Remy finishes her work in the office at the arena, we meet in the players’ lot. Miller drove himself today, so I don’t need to worry about him. But as I walk Remy to the passenger-side door, our D-man Ivan shoots me a curious look from a row away as he hops into his truck. Tomorrow, he’ll be asking questions about why I’m holding open the door for the community relations manager as she slides into the car, no doubt.
But today I don’t care.
When I drove her home the other week, it felt like a goddamn gift to be the one to help her out. To see those long legs stretched out in my passenger seat, her hair touching the faux leather of my car, her flowery scent lingering when she was gone.
I walk around the car and turn on the engine. It’s a little surreal she’s here again, just weeks later. Didn’t see this fake dating twist coming. But I don’t want to let on how stupidly excited I am simply to spend time with her one day after work. “How are you going to surprise me with this date, Remy?” I ask, keeping my tone even as I tug on my seatbelt.
“Lake, don’t you know I can’t tell you till we get there,” she says, sounding pleased with herself as she meets my gaze with a smile.
Good. I want her to feel good.
I start to back out of the spot when she holds up a hand. “Wait.”
I stop. “Did you forget something?”
“No. What’s that?” She’s pointing to the back seat, where there’s a black mesh box strapped to the car.
“Oh, that’s just Thor’s car seat,” I say, offhand.