Page 86 of Perfectly Faked

“You look perfect,” he says, his eyes lingering on me.

“It’s just your jersey,” I say with a shrug.

“It’s not just a jersey—it’s a piece of me, and I want you to have it.” Then he adds with a grin, “Better yet, when you return it, I’ll be able to smell you on me all the time.”

“That’s if I return it,” I tease. If he wants the jersey or the hoodie back, he’ll have to fight me for it. And honestly? I’ll gladly let him wrestle me to the ground.Win-win for me.

Caden Parker, the head chef for the Crushers, peeks his head around the corner with a knowing grin. “Dinner’s ready whenever you are.”

I glance at Leo, eyes wide. “Please don’t tell me you hired the Crushers’ chef for us tonight.”

“I most definitely did,” Leo says with a cocky grin that tells me he loves to spoil me. He turns to Caden. “We’re ready. Tell Lucy we won’t need dessert for another hour.”

“Lucy’s here too?” I gasp.

Caden was a hockey legend until he retired last year to open a restaurant. When Rafael Marco ate at his farm-to-fork cafe, he knew Caden was the perfect fit for the Crushers’ kitchen. And now, Lucy Simmons, his assistant chef and spunky TikTok baking star, has become his partner in crime, turning the team’s meals into gourmet masterpieces.

“They offered,” Leo says with a shrug, as if this isn’t a ridiculously big deal. “Caden overheard me saying I was going to cook for you and figured he’d save me from burning down Rose & Thorn.”

Caden sets two plates of chicken parmesan on the table. It’s one of my favorites—right up there with tacos. I’ve already decided I’m not changing my eating habits for competition this year. I like my curves, and based on the way Leo sneaks glances at me, he does too.

Lucy arrives with a fancy cream soda from a local soda place I love. She sets the drinks down and smiles. “The chocolate lava cake will be ready when you are. Caden and I will be having our own date in the kitchen. Call us if you need anything.”

I dig into the chicken parmesan without hesitation. Leo leans back, watching me with a slow smile.

“What?” I ask, my fork pausing mid-air.

“I like that you don’t hesitate,” he says with a soft grin. “You’re not waiting on me or wondering if you should take the first bite.”

“It’s how I approach life since I moved away from my mother,” I say, savoring another bite of homemade marinara and mozzarella. “Otherwise, I get in my head too much, and it’s all downhill from there. I guess I should warn Peter about that. He needs to know that I can freak out on occasion.”

Leo tilts his head. “Peter’s lucky to have you.”

I study him, wondering if he has any reservations about this new arrangement. “Hey, you’re not upset about not being my partner anymore, are you? I mean, I kind of just gave you the boot when Peter showed up, thinking this would be a relief.”

“Me? Upset about not having to deal with your trash-talking on the ice? Never.” His grin widens. “God bless Peter for taking my place. I can’t skate gracefully to save my life, and I told you I would be in it until you found another partner on the ice.” Leo sets his fork down and grabs my hand across the table. “As long as I’m your partner everywhere else.”

I turn back to my plate of chicken, swirling my fork in the sauce. “Butthere is one thing I need to tell you.” I hesitate, the words catching in my throat. I don’t want this to ruin our evening, but if I don’t say it now, I might lose my nerve. “Peter asked me to move to Seattle. And I’m considering it.”

“I know, and I’m glad,” Leo says with a soft smile. “Your dad told me. And honestly? I think you should consider it.”

“My dad?” I set my fork down. “You were talking about me?”

Leo leans forward slightly, his gaze on mine. “I thought it was time to tell him how I felt about you.”

Worry twists in my stomach. I shouldn’t have let Leo go to him alone. He’s one of Dad’s players—it’s an unfair powerdynamic, and I should’ve been by his side, so Dad would know where my loyalties stand. “How did he take the news?”

Leo exhales, his expression guarded, but there’s something in his posture—a tightness in his shoulders—that makes me uneasy. “About as well as I expected, considering you’re his daughter.” He hesitates for a beat before he adds, “But it made me wonder if I should start looking for another team. Somewhere closer to you.”

“But what about your life here?” I ask. “Your friends, your team. Everything you love is here.”

“Exceptyou,” Leo finishes, squeezing my hand.

“You’ve never lived close to your parents, and it’s always worked out,” I say. “You do long-distance relationships really well.”

“That’s different. My parents love their home in Virginia. I couldn’t pay them a million dollars to move, and truthfully... they’re not nearly as cute as you.” His lips curve up on one side, and I get the feeling he’s trying to make me feel better.

Before coming to Sully’s Beach, I would’ve taken this chance in a heartbeat. But I’m a different person now. It’s not just about being the best anymore. It’s about making a life worth living, realizing that until I do, I’ll be homesick for Leo and my life here. Because here’s something no one will tell you: An ordinary life with the person you love is the most extraordinary life there is.

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