Page 79 of Perfectly Faked

“I only wish it were that easy,” I grumble. If I’m going to be honest with Coach, I might as well tell my teammates while I have the chance. “Victoria and I decided to make things official. We’re dating.”

Tate tilts his head, looking genuinely confused. “Wait, I thought you were already dating?”

“No, that was for the sponsorship,” I say. “They wanted us as a couple.”

Lucian skates up, a smile on his lips. “Fake or not, you’ve wanted to date her this whole time, right? I could see it all over your face at Boots and Buckles.”

“I wasn’tthatobvious,” I say.

All the guys roar in laughter.

“What?” I ask.

“Pretend all you want, but you are the worst at hiding your feelings,” Lucian says.

“Ever since New Year’s Eve, it’s been obvious how much you were pining for her,” Tate says.

“Hockey players don’tpine,” I say.

“Fine, then lovesick? Smitten?” Tate asks. “Staring at her like you couldn’t stand another day without her?”

“Please, I’m not that bad,” I say, picking up my hockey stick.

“You most definitely are,” Tate shoots back. “I’m so glad Victoria’s apartment is finally done, so I won’t have to watch you staring at her anymore over dinner.”

I blink. “What do you mean, her apartment’s done?”

“I overheard Victoria on the phone,” Tate says. “It was finished almost a week ago.”

I don’t believe this. “Why didn’t she tell...” I look around, and all the guys are smiling at me, enjoying the fact that I’m the last to know.

“You kept this secret from me?” I ask, even though I’ve loved having Victoria around. “What kind of friends are you?” I shake my head, pulling out my phone to send Victoria a text message. If they think I’m going to let this slide without saying something to her, they’re wrong.

“The kind of friends who know what’s best for you,” Lucian says.

“We figured you needed all the help you could get,” Brax adds. “Andyou’re welcome.”

Leo

You’ve got some explaining to do.

Victoria

You mean about Peter arriving early? I didn’t know he was coming today, and I’m rushing off to meet with him.

Leo

No, that’s not what I meant. Care to explain why your apartment’s been ready for a week and you’re still here?

Victoria

Oh . . . you found out about that?

Leo

Hard not to when your coconspirators can’t keep a secret. Tate’s very chatty this morning.

Victoria

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