Page 18 of The Publicity Stunt

Kace

Kace

After dinner in Moose Jaw, Kace hasn't seen or talked to Bri. Her confessions knocked him off his feet. Not only because the confessions themselves shocked him but because of the honesty in her answers. He saw her differently that night. There are many different sides to this woman, and he doesn't know how long he can keep this relationship he feels brewing as fake. And based on the way she looked at him, he's pretty sure she feels the same way he does. Which is exactly why he hasn't been able to get her off his mind since that night.

The first thing he did when he got back to his place was look up the awards show. A couple of awards his ass. She's up for seven, and it works with his schedule. Their relationship will most definitely make the headlines and kick ED to the back pages. And for some reason, the idea of being Bri Waters' boyfriend makes him happier than he'd expected. Fake or not, he plans to show her how a real man treats a woman. Outside the bedroom. Unless she asks really nicely.

The media's been in a frenzy after Carl gave a full account of their dinner together, along with a picture he took with his cell phone when they weren't paying attention. They stared captivated by each other, and everyone believes the rumors aren't just rumors. It also helped every paparazzi got a shot of him protecting her and holding her hand as they walked into the restaurant.

Tonight, he played Galveston, and he looked up to find Bri in the Twister's VIP section with Tessa, both wearing opposing jerseys. The anger radiating from Rudy made everything even better because the media kept focusing on Kace and Bri. Rudy should've been happy they beat the Twisters in a near-sweep, but he hated every minute of it.

After the game, Brett waits for Kace outside the locker room, and Rudy hurries after them. Kace rolls his eyes, but he keeps walking to find his brunette superstar. He plans to get her number tonight, so he doesn't have to wait so long to talk to her. He's been itching to even text her since their dinner.

"You kicked my ass tonight," Brett says. "Is it because of the sexy pop star sitting in our box with the hot blonde?"

Brett's the only person who knows about the relationship idea their reps came up with, and he's been sworn to secrecy. The last thing he needs is Rudy finding out about this and going to the press. Especially because Kace doesn't know if this is completely fake yet or not.

"I almost forgot Tessa was here. She probably got the box because she's dating your trainer."

"The hot blonde is?"

Rolling his eyes, he punches his shoulder playfully. "No, Bri is. It's a really messed up situation I'm in. Yes, Tessa. She and Bri are best friends."

"You're on a first name basis with her friends now?" Rudy asks from behind them.

"What're your plans after this?" Kace asks, ignoring Rudy tagging along like the annoying little brother no one wants.

Brett shrugs. "I want food, but that's about it. You?"

"If Bri's waiting like I hope she is, I plan to take her out. You should come with."

They push open the double doors, and his stomach drops when he sees not only Bri but Sasha. And no Tessa this time. Oh, God.

"I'm a huge fan," Sasha gushes, her blonde hair in loose curls. The way Kace always said he loved, but she never wore it that way. At least until she saw Bri with the same hairstyle on his lap.

Sasha's been to many of their games, likely hoping Bri would show up to meet her in person. She just got her wish, but Bri looks so unimpressed she looks bored. "Thanks."

Sasha runs a hand through her hair, and they get stuck in the tangles at the ends. "Where do you get your hair done? I've been thinking about going brunette."

"My stylist does it," she says, and her eyes widen with a warning look as Kace comes into view. "Hey, you."

Kace places a hand on his chest and sighs dramatically. "Waiting for me? I'm honored."

Her hand waves to fan her face. "Of course, I'm waiting for the hot hockey star. Now, as much as I like stadium food, I'm starving. And I can only imagine how hungry you must be. Any chance you want to take a girl out to eat?"

"Rudy and I would love to join you!" Sasha says, a wide smile on her face. "Where are we going?"

Brett laughs, but Kace shoves him.

Bri turns and looks at her for the first time. "No, thanks."

Sasha's face falls. "Excuse me?"

Taking a deep breath, she closes her eyes for only a moment before softening her face to answer Kace's ex. "Look, I appreciate you being a fan. And if you want me to sign something, I'd be more than happy to. But you have to realize how weird this is with you being Kace's ex, who's with his teammate and former best friend. If you didn't realize it was weird, hopefully now you do."

"Why?"

"Well, because Kace and I were able to bond so quickly over our exes cheating with lesser versions of ourselves. Now, you two have a good night."

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