Page 20 of The Hockey Contract

"Yeah." Jax ran a hand through his hair, a gesture I was beginning to recognize as a sign of discomfort. "Leo and your friend seem to have a history."

"Apparently they were rivals in business school," I explained. "Though I suspect there's more to that story than either is telling."

Jax's lips curved in a slight smile. "Definitely. Leo never gets that worked up unless there's more at stake than professional pride."

A young woman approached us hesitantly, phone in hand. "Excuse me, are you Jax Harrison? From the Kraken?"

Jax's expression immediately shifted to what I was coming to think of as his "public face"—polite but distant. "Yes."

"Could I get a photo with you? My boyfriend is a huge fan."

"Of course," Jax agreed smoothly, then glanced at me. "Do you mind, sweetheart?"

The endearment took me by surprise, though I quickly realized he was already in character for our arrangement.

"Not at all," I replied, stepping aside.

"Oh, you should be in it too!" the fan insisted. "Are you two together? There were those videos online..."

Without hesitation, Jax placed his arm around my shoulders, drawing me against his side. "Yes, this is Sienna, my... fiancée."

The word hung in the air, surreal yet somehow thrilling to hear. The fan's eyes widened.

"Oh my god, congratulations! That's amazing!"

She positioned herself for a selfie with us, and I found myself smiling naturally, hyper-aware of Jax's solid warmth beside me, the gentle pressure of his arm across my shoulders. The moment felt bizarrely authentic, as though we really were a happy couple sharing our joy with a stranger.

After the fan left, Jax immediately dropped his arm and took a step back, reverting to his usual reserved demeanor. The contrast was jarring.

"You said fiancée," I observed. "Not wife."

"The license isn't finalized yet," he pointed out. "Technically, you're not my wife until after the ceremony."

"Which is when, exactly?"

"Two days from now. Small ceremony at my house, just the necessary witnesses. Leo's arranging everything." He hesitated. "You should start packing your things. And your dog's things. We'll need to maintain the appearance of a real marriage, which means living together immediately after the ceremony."

The reality of what I'd agreed to hit me anew. In two days, I would be moving into Jax Harrison's mansion, sharing his space, pretending to be his loving wife.

"I'll help you move," he added, seeming to sense my sudden anxiety. "And you can bring whatever you need to make the space feel... comfortable for you."

"Thank you," I said, oddly touched by the offer. "I don't have much—my apartment is tiny. Mostly it'll be my clothes, some baking supplies, and Sprinkles' things."

We stood in awkward silence for a moment, neither sure what to say next.

"I should get back to the bakery," I finally said.

"And I have practice," Jax replied. "Leo will be in touch about the ceremony details."

Before we parted ways, Jax reached into his pocket and pulled out a small velvet box. "I almost forgot. This is for you."

I stared at the box, my heart inexplicably racing. "What is it?"

"Your engagement ring," he said simply. "If we're selling this as real, you'll need to wear it."

With slightly trembling fingers, I opened the box to find a beautiful vintage-inspired ring with intricate detailing that immediately reminded me of the art deco designs in my grandmother's bakery. It was elegant, unique, and somehow perfectly suited to my taste.

"It's beautiful," I said honestly, surprised by his selection. "How did you know I'd like this style?"

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