Page 5 of The Hockey Contract

"So," Finn said once we'd ordered. "What's going on? And don't say 'nothing' because you nearly decapitated Reynolds out there."

I sighed, setting down my water glass. "Perfect Home Furnishings wants someone 'family-oriented' for their spokesperson. It would be the biggest endorsement deal of my career, but they're concerned about my image."

Finn nodded thoughtfully. "The Ice Man persona doesn't sell sofas, huh?"

"Apparently not." I ran a hand through my still-damp hair. "Leo thinks I've got no chance unless I can completely overhaul my public image in three months."

"That's tough," Finn said. "Though if anyone needs a warmer image, it's probably you. No offense."

"None taken," I replied dryly. "It's not like I cultivated the Ice Man thing on purpose. It just happened."

Finn grinned. "Sure, because you're such a warm, fuzzy guy naturally."

I flipped him off, which only made him laugh.

"You know what you need?" he said, leaning forward. "A wife."

I choked on my water. "Excuse me?"

"Think about it. Nothing says 'family values' like being happily married. Get yourself a nice, respectable woman, do some cute public appearances together, and boom. Family man image achieved."

"That's the stupidest thing I've ever heard," I said flatly. "I'm not getting married for an endorsement deal."

"Who said anything about a real marriage?" Finn raised his eyebrows. "I'm talking about an arrangement. Happens all the time in this business."

I was about to dismiss the idea entirely when my phone rang. Leo's name flashed on the screen.

"What's up?" I answered.

"You are not going to believe this," Leo said, his voice practically vibrating with excitement. "Perfect Home Furnishings saw the viral video."

My stomach dropped. "And they're pulling the offer?"

"Quite the opposite. They're intrigued. They said the interaction seemed real, authentic. Apparently, they liked seeing you with someone who wasn't, and I quote, 'another model or socialite.'"

"What are you talking about?"

"The baker girl, Jax. They actually like the idea of you with someone like her. They think it humanizes you. Makes you seem more approachable."

I was speechless, aware of Finn watching me with interest.

"I've been doing some research," Leo continued, not waiting for my response. "Her name is Sienna Rose Williams. She owns Grandma Rose's Bakehouse. It's been in her family for generations, very wholesome backstory. But get this: the place is in serious financial trouble. She took out a loan last year for renovations, and now she's facing foreclosure if she can't come up with around $150,000 in the next three months."

"How do you know all this?" I asked, uncomfortable with the amount of personal information he'd gathered.

"Public records, social media, a few calls. It's my job to know things, Jax." Leo paused. "Look, I'm not saying you should approach her with some wild proposal, but this could be a mutually beneficial situation."

Finn was gesturing for details. I held up a finger, signaling him to wait.

"I'll think about it," I said to Leo, though I had no intention of pursuing such a ridiculous idea. "I've got to go."

After hanging up, I filled Finn in on the conversation.

"Holy shit," he exclaimed, slamming his hand on the table. "I was joking about the wife thing, but this is perfect. The universe is practically gift-wrapping this opportunity for you."

"It's insane," I argued. "You're suggesting I approach a woman I barely know, a woman who already thinks I'm an asshole, and propose a fake marriage?"

"A mutually beneficial arrangement," Finn corrected. "She needs money, you need an image makeover. It's business."

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