Page 51 of Daddies on Ice

If I’m being truthful with myself, I’m not even worried about selling the boyfriend-girlfriend bit.

I’m concerned about being put into that position—and not acting on it, considering my damn attraction to the man.

But then Carl’s expression hardens. “She’s the only one who can handle it,” he says, finality ringing in his tone. “Anyone else would sell the story for cash the second it’s over.”

Jake chuckles, low and humorless. “You’re not wrong. But that doesn’t mean this is gonna work.” He turns his head toward me, eyes sharp. “No offense, sweetheart, but everyone knows I don’t do serious. They’ll never believe it. Not for a second.”

The wordsweetheartlands wrong, like a dare.

Ash bristles. “Watch it.”

Jake shrugs. “What? I’m just saying the obvious.”

“You don’t get to drag her into this and act like she’s a prop in your freak show,” Ash snaps. “She deserves better than being painted as the poor fool dumb enough to fall for you.”

Jake’s smirk falters, but he doesn’t back down. “You think I want this either? You think I enjoy the idea of being paraded around like a neutered show dog? No thanks. I’d rather?—”

Carl cuts him off. “Trisha will break things off when the time comes. That will save her reputation.”

The silence that follows is thick, suffocating. Ash mutters a curse under his breath. Jake shakes his head, his lips pressed into a hard line.

I take a slow breath, my pulse still hammering.

Carl’s mind is set and I doubt there’s anything, or anyone, that can change it.

He said earlier I still get a say, but I also understand his reasoning even if I don’t like it.

The fight drains out of the room, replaced with a heavy, reluctant acceptance.

Carl waves us toward the door. “That’s it. Go cool off. We’ll work out the details later.”

Ash storms out first, his shoulders rigid, every step sharp with anger.

Jake lingers, eyes locked on the floor, before shoving his hands in his pockets and following.

I push away from the table, my legs stiff.

“I’m sorry, Trisha,” Carl says. “It’s really the only way I can think of.”

“I understand.” And I do. It is a good plan, I just wish I wasn’t the designated girlfriend.

I move to the door, but just as my hand is on the doorknob, Carl speaks again. “If you’re really dead set against this, we can try to figure something else out.”

I want to tell him, yes, figure something else out, but I don’t want to let down the team, either.

This is just temporary.

It’s for the good of Jake and the Thunderwolves. It’s a few pretend dates until things cool down.

Just the fact that he is offering me a way out pulls at me. Despite his thunder and gruffness when Ash and Jake were in here, he’s offering me a way out if I really want to take it.

But I see the dread and concern in his eyes, too. He made me the offer, but he’s afraid I might take it.

My smile is a little weak when I look at him. “I will give this a try,” I say then leave the room. I head for my room, needing distance, needing quiet.

Footsteps sound behind me and I turn.

“Hey,” Jake says.