“You both are dealing with some serious situations,” Bill’s voice infuses so much enthusiasm you’d think he was leading us to an Olympic medal. “There’s no harm in giving the press more positive stories for them to focus on. Then Sophie doesn’t have to hear about her ex’s infidelity all over.” He raises his hand toward Axl, before tacking on, “And you don’t have to have the press obsessed with your unlikability. It’s a perfect solution for both of you. Plus, we’re selling tickets, which means I can offer a bonus. Keep these ticket sales up, and the bonus only grows.”
“This is absurd,” Axl rasps in disgust. “I’m not lying to people to sell tickets.”
Slowly rocking his chair, Bill stares above Axl’s head. “Did I ever tell you that when I was in college, I had a roommate for a year. His name was Mike Stevens. You might know the name. He’s one of the most successful coaches—”
“In the NHL,” Axl cuts, he lowers his voice before continuing. “Are you saying that if I do this, you’re going to talk to him about signing me?”
“It’s a possibility.” Bill nods slowly. “Let’s give this thing a good month.”
“The NHL has always been the dream.” Axl’s gaze turns to me, and without pause, he says, “I’m in if you are.”
“Whoa, whoa, whoa.” I wave my hands in front of me as if someone is coming to crash directly into me. “I’m not sure. All I needed was a photo or two to make Rocco jealous. I also have to get back to work. I can’t camp out here in Mapleton for a month. What’s in it for me?”
Bill’s gaze locks on me, but it’s what Axl does that makes my heart motor up. He’s clearly all in, already seeing the NHL, and he latches those gorgeous blue eyes on me. “What do you want?”
Triple blinking, I fight the soooo many words that come to my head, words I shouldn’t even be thinking. Most of them have to do with his lips on mine. I didn’t hate the chance to meet him. I enjoyed watching the game tonight and would look forward to seeing him play again. But I’m in this to make Rocco jealous, and Axl’s going to have to play, too. “Rocco went on a vacation with some woman, but we had planned that trip together. We also planned a black-tie charity fundraiser together, and neither one of us can cancel, despite our breakup, because it’s this weekend. I’m sure he’ll be there with her, or some other bimbo. I want you to come to New York with me so I don’t have to face him alone.”
“Deal,” he confirms too fast, and he throws his hand out in front of me. “Shake on it.”
I chuckle as this whole thing seems foolish. Yet, as his calloused palm scratches at my skin, it lights a spark in my arm that assures me his weathering is the best kind. He’s strong. Focused. Determined. And I take comfort in that when he gives my palm a confirming squeeze.
“We have to set rules, though.” Axl drops my hand, placing both hands on the back of a chair in front of him. “This is professional. We take photos in public together, but nothing ever crosses that line.”
“I think we’re safe there.” I motion toward the exit. “We’re at a hockey arena, and I’m watching you play. There’s no chance for anything to cross any lines.”
“What about in New York? That’s obviously different because it’s going to look like a date.”
Heat burns my cheeks as I think about spending time with Axl, even if it’s a fake date.
“I think we only need one rule. No kissing.”
He nods. “Right. There will in no way be any kissing. That’s an absolute must. Anything else?”
I tip my head, thinking. I have the upper hand in this negotiation. I’m going to move on from Rocco no matter what happens, and frankly, after tonight I mostly have. I don’t want to appear too eager to agree to this, and there is something that would be fun to throw out there. “One more thing.”
“What’s that?” His face becomes alert, eyes pinning on me with laser focus.
“Grow a beard.”
His eyes shift from side to side before he smirks awkwardly. “Why? Does your ex not like beards?”
“This isn’t about him.” I run my tongue over my bottom lip, hydrating it. “I like beards.”
His gaze hovers over mine, and for a moment I swear I see a flicker in his eyes, but Bill inserts himself back into the conversation. “Sounds like a plan. And like any good plan, we need to review. Sophie agrees to come to the games and watch Axl, posing for a photo or two. Axl agrees to go to New York for a charity thing, and both of you agree that under no circumstance will there be any kissing.”
Without pause, Axl nods. “Agreed.”
I hang back against the wall. This is happening sort of fast, and I don’t have time to think about any potential downsides.
I guess it can’t hurt anything. “Same.”
Bill declares, “It’s settled.”
I bite the inside of my cheek, trying hard not to flush warm, as an announcer calls in my head, “Let the games begin.”
nine
Sophie
