AllFreeNovel
Share Us
She sticks out her hand for a handshake and I stare at it, not moving.
In the dim lighting of Nonna's living room, Gabi's green eyes look almost golden. I can see the worry and hesitation in them, but also a flicker of hope.
Or maybe I'm the one hoping.
Hoping she can't see how shaken I am by that kiss. By the scent of her floral perfume that lingers on my skin.
I exhale out loud. "Deal."
I reach out and take her hand, lacing my fingers through hers. We shake on it, sealing our fake relationship in a simple gesture—a gesture that, despite what we just agreed on, suddenly feels like so much more.
Chapter 7
Gabi
The playoffs begin and suddenly, the Blades' calendar is more hectic than a cat in a room full of laser pointers. Every minute of every day is spoken for, whether it's practice, games, or—my personal nightmare—media interviews.
It's only been a week since Jacob and I have made our fake engagement "official" and already, our faces are constantly plastered on phone screens everywhere.
Social media is abuzz about the charming Jacob "Jackhammer" Walker popping up with a fiancée...and a baby.
It's a lie we tell to everyone but our closest friends. We do let Lexi and Gio in on the secret, however. I try my best to pretend everything about this "arrangement" is normal.
But on a particularly rainy summer Sunday, I can't escape my best friend's scrutiny as we shop in a boutique...only this time we're shopping more for the baby than we are shopping for me.
Alexandra turns to me, blonde curls swinging between the racks.
"So, tell me," she starts, "how is this supposed to work again? You and Jacob?"
I sigh. "Okay, for the last time: we're pretending to be engaged to let the rumors about him and the Chicago Blades owner's wife die. We'll play the part of the perfect couple until the Blades lose in the playoffs..."
"Or they win the whole damn thing."
I shrug. "Whatever happens to come first."
"And Jacob...he just pretends to be…what exactly?”
“Well, the official story is that Jacob and I were together—or dating. We took a break. Dated other people. And I happened to get pregnant. That’s when Jacob and I discovered that we couldn’t live without each other and we’ve been inseparable since. We’re not rushing to get married, but we wanted to make it official for the baby’s sake.” I pause, realizing how ridiculous this all sounds.
Lexi raises an eyebrow. "Sounds like a lot of pretending."
"Tell me about it. But if we do it right, it'll save Jacob's career and avoid a major scandal for the team."
"And what about you? Your own career?"
I shrug. "I'm just grateful for the opportunity to work in public relations. It's what I do, what I'm good at. In order to keep being good at it, I can deal with a little acting."
"You mean acting like Jacob isn't the father of your unborn baby when he actually is?"
"Correct."
Alexandra rubs her hairline. "The whole thing makes my brain hurt just thinking about it."
"Trust me, it's not easy for me either."
She turns to a nearby mirror and holds up a cute green onesie. "But look at this, Gabi," she coos. "This would be perfect for your little bundle of joy." She clears her throat. "Or, rather, you and your real-slash-fake-baby daddy’s bundle of joy."
"Thanks for reminding me." I continue sifting through the racks.
