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Alexandra looks at me, arching an eyebrow. "So, you're saying there's zero chance you might be developing actual feelings for him?"
"Exactly. This whole thing is a strategic maneuver. Nothing real about it. Jacob and I are strictly business."
"And the fact that the plot isn't the only thing thickening when he looks at you?" She blinks. "You haven't noticed? The guy looks at you like you're a bucket of fried chicken on Super Bowl Sunday."
"Right. And I'm sure he's just dying to be with someone who's constantly trying to find ways to get rid of him."
Alexandra rolls her eyes. "You two are both too stubborn for your own good." She grabs a stack of sweaters and starts rifling through them, clearly not ready to give up on this conversation.
"Well, at least one of us is smart enough to see that this fake engagement is purely business," I retort, feeling my face flush.
"Deny it all you want, Gabi. But deep down, you know there's something more there. You wouldn't be so damn defensive if there wasn't."
I huff and cross my arms, refusing to admit that maybe Alexandra has a point.
Maybe there is something about Jacob that goes beyond his annoyingly charming exterior. But I refuse to let myself go down that path. I refuse to invest in someone who I know will get gone when the going gets tough.
I've made that mistake before. Held out hope for fickle people who ultimately left me high and dry.
Left Gio. Left Nonna.
And their names were Mom and Dad.
Right now, my focus is on building my career, not getting swept away by some hot-shot hockey player—a man who can spend a night with a woman and forget her by morning.
Nope, not me. Not again. Not the hell ever.
"Let's just drop it, okay?" I say firmly, trying to shut down this conversation before it spirals any further. "Tomorrow's a travel day for the team. For me. We're headed to New York for the game on Tuesday, and I need to pack."
Alexandra seems to get the hint and nods. "Fine, fine. I'll leave you to your denial." She winks at me before walking to another aisle of the baby boutique, leaving me alone with my thoughts.
I let out a deep sigh and fix my mind on the task at hand. I have a big game ahead of me and I need to be focused.
But my mind keeps wandering back to Jacob, his bright blue eyes, and his infectious laugh. And as much as I hate to admit it, Alexandra may be right.
Maybe there is something more there. Maybe this fake engagement is stirring up feelings that I didn't even know were possible.
And maybe, just maybe, I need to put additional guardrails in place before this trip. No harm in adding a few more rules to the never-ending list that is my life.
Rules like…
No keeping in touch with each other's grandmothers. No late-night potato peeling. And definitely, no falling for a guy who could break my heart in an instant.
Feeling more determined than I have in the last few days, I grab a few onesies, motioning to Lexi before heading to the checkout counter with a new plan and a new sense of purpose.
Chapter 8
Jacob
Ihate flying. I mean, really hate it. Not that I have a fear of heights or anything, but being cooped up in a metal tube for hours is not my idea of fun.
Especially when "cooped up" also means being close to Gabi, who, naturally, is traveling with us as the Blades' head of PR.
The moment we board the plane, I'm hyper-aware of Gabi. Her slight waddle, the way she holds her belly protectively, and that determined look on her face—like she's ready to take on the world, one swollen ankle at a time.
I try to focus on the game, on the strategy against the Rangers, but my eyes keep drifting back to her.
It's a full-time job, keeping an eye on her without making it obvious. She catches me peeking over every so often and arches an eyebrow, clearly irritated or amused, I can't tell which.
