Page 15 of Faking Ties

He bows his head, and I snicker and do the same.

“So farewell,dear friend,” he says, holding his hands in prayer.“May your battery never die again in the afterlife. We'll miss you,but mostly we’ll miss the entertainment you provided by constantly reminding us that you need an upgrade.”

“That is the realest thing I’ve ever heard.” I can’t hold back my laughter anymore and I lose it. Tears dripdown my face, and I really hope I’m wearing waterproof mascara. He laughs with me, and I take the paper from his hands, fold it into quarters, and put it in the box. “This might be the most thoughtful thing someone’s ever done for me.”

I instantly regret my words. I have no idea what thoughtful things Stella has received; instead, I responded as Elodie. Needing to distract him from my comment, I laugh awkwardly while changing the subject in the smoothest and least obvious way possible. “Ssssoooo, what did you want to talk to me about?”

He grins and says, “Let’s order some drinks first.”

“Do I need to be drunk for this conversation?”

“It might help.”

I snort and the server comes and takes our order, pasta with meatballs for me and some steak for him. He also orders a bottle of red wine. The wine comes within minutes, and once we have a glass in hand, Hunter raises his and clinks it against mine.

“Thank you,” he says. “For coming tonight.”

“Thank you for Cracky’s service.”

He grins and takes a sip. I drink half the glass in one go.

“All right,” I say, wiping my mouth with the back of my hand. “In a few minutes, I’ll be tipsy. Tell me what’s up.”

“How the hell was that so hot?” He looks from the wineglass to my lips and back again.

“Stop stalling,” I say to distract myself from the way he’s looking at me.

He nods once and drinks all his wine in one go before refilling both of our glasses. “I have a proposal for you.”

“Okay?”

“How do you feel about dating me?” He pauses, takes a deep breath, and says, “But not for real.”

HUNTER

“So, it’d be fake?” she asks, a line forming between her eyebrows.

It’s not my best line or idea, but it’s all I’ve got. In college, I tried to date, but it never got past the first couple of meetings before it fizzled out. Football always came first, and more than one girl threw a tantrum over that fact. Eventually, I realized hookups were easier. I was in control of the relationship. There was no rejection and also no pressure to keep someone interested in me. Something I’m not sure is possible given the fact that my own mother barely tolerates me.

A real relationship with Stella is out of the question. But with fake dating, there would be no expectations of anything serious between us, and we’d both still benefit from it. Just like last night. Andrew was ecstatic with the headlines, saying this was exactly what we needed.If fake dating Stella will help me get my contract extension, then that’s what I’m going to do.

I had Andrew do some digging, and apparently Jax is livid that Stella has moved on. I’m really hoping she needs to keep me around to continue to make Jax jealous. It’s a far-fetched idea, and she’ll probably say no, but I have to know if she’d be interested.

“Yeah, fake,” I say, rubbing the back of my neck. “I get that this is a strange thing to ask, but I’m hoping you can keep an open mind about it. Last night was fun, but once my season starts, I’m going to be focused only on football. I’m sure you’re also busy with your tour?”

She nods. “I am.”

“So, neither of us would have time for a real relationship. That’d just take our attention away from what matters most to us.”

“Okay, I hear you, but why me? I’m sure there are tons of women who’d jump at the chance to fake date you.”

“Last night,” I say, “was the first positive headline I’ve had in a long time. I need more of those to impress Evren and get my contract with the team extended.” She also captured my interest, and if I have to date someone, I’d want it to be her.

“I see. So, you want to use me?”

“More like we use each other. You help me get some positive headlines, and I’ll help you with your ex. He rubbed me the wrong way last night, and his statementwas ridiculous. No man should treat you like you’re his property. Well, unless you’re into that type of thing.”

“I’m not.” Her gaze roams my face for a good minute. “Are you actually wanting to fix your image, or do you just want to use me as a cover while you do all your usual stuff behind my back?”

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