Page 6

Bennett

Being on the ice is the one place that calms me. Here, I'm in my element, free from the expectations and pressures that come with being a professional hockey player. Sweat drips down my forehead as I glide across the empty rink I rented for solo practice, taking aim at the net before snapping the puck forward.

Damn .

The puck ricochets off the post instead of finding its mark. I've always been my own harshest critic, but I can't afford to let any weaknesses slip through the cracks.

My phone rings from the bench, breaking my concentration. I skate over to the bench and fish it out of my duffle bag, sighing when I see Mom's name light up on the screen.

"Hey, Mom," I say. "What's up?"

"Ben, sweetheart, I need a favor," she starts. My guard instantly goes up. After Cole’s strange call yesterday, and now Mom has this tone that I know all too well.

"Mom, if this is about the Holidates app again, I've told you a thousand times, I don't want to get involved."

"No, it's not that," she insists, but I can tell she's holding something back. "Well, not exactly. There's a coworker of mine who needs a date for an event, and I think you'd be perfect for it."

"Wait, what?" I choke out a laugh, disbelief settling in my chest. "You want me to go on a date with someone from your work? Come on, Mom, you know I'm not into that kind of thing."

"Please, just hear me out." I can hear the genuine concern in her voice. "She's a lovely girl, and she's really in a bind. It would mean the world to her if you'd help her out."

"Mom, I have enough on my plate with the team and trying to stay focused on my career," I say, my patience wearing thin. "I don't have time to play matchmaker or be someone's arm candy."

"Ben, it's just one night, and I promise there are no strings attached," Mom says. "I wouldn't ask unless it was important."

As much as I want to resist, there’s a feeling of loyalty that tugs at me. Family has always been a priority, even when it comes to ridiculous requests like this one. Although, I feel skeptical about what I'm getting myself into.

"Fine," I sigh. "But I'm only doing this as a favor to you."

"Thank you, Ben. You won't regret it." Despite her words, I already find myself questioning what I've agreed to.

As I end the call, I wonder what I've signed up for. My hands form into fists at my sides, and I force myself to take a deep breath and go over a few things. This is just two nights: one to meet and get the plans set, and one for the night of the event. There are no strings attached. I'm doing it for family.

I step out of my townhouse and make my way to the agreed-upon location, a dive bar that I like to frequent.

I know I should be more open to the idea of meeting someone new, but the truth is, I crave the solitude of staying home most nights.

I’m not able to think about it much longer as I park my car and walk into Marley’s.

This is a place I’ve come to know well. The distinct aroma of aged whiskey and faint cigar smoke hits my senses as soon as I walk in. Used leather barstools perch under the polished wooden bar top. Neon signs flicker against exposed brick walls adorned with vintage sports memorabilia, while a classic rock playlist adds to the nostalgic vibe.

I'm here for Mom, I remind myself, scanning the room for any sign of the woman I'm supposed to meet.

"Hey, Ben!" a voice calls out from behind the bar, drawing my attention away from my search. "The usual?"

"Sure thing, Dave," I reply with a nod and make my way over. He's been a fixture at this local watering hole for as long as I’ve been coming here, and on more than one occasion, he's served up a cold one alongside some much-needed advice. Tonight, however, I don't have time for any heart-to-hearts – I'm on a mission, whether I like it or not.

As Dave sets a frosty beer down in front of me, I rake my fingers through my short-cropped blond hair and let out a sigh. This whole situation feels wrong, like I'm betraying my own principles. But what choice do I have? Family comes first, even when it means going along with Mom's harebrained schemes.

"Waiting for someone?" Dave asks, raising an eyebrow.

"Sort of," I mumble, taking a swig of my beer and allowing the cool liquid to slide down my throat, temporarily soothing my nerves. "It's complicated."

"Isn't it always?" he chuckles, shaking his head before moving on to tend to another customer.

I turn back to survey the room, searching for the mystery woman who has somehow managed to ensnare me in this mess. My gaze flits from face to face, but none of seem to be looking for someone that they don’t know.

"Excuse me," a soft voice says, breaking through my thoughts. "Bennett?"

I glance down to find a pair of wide, inquisitive eyes staring up at me. She's petite and dressed in a simple black dress that clings to her curves just enough to be intriguing. Her hair cascades over her shoulders in loose waves, framing her delicate features.

"Uh, yeah," I stammer, taken aback by the sudden realization that this is her – the woman bumped into in front of the cafe.

"Hi," she says with a tentative smile. "I'm Gracie."

She fidgets with the strap of her purse, betraying a hint of vulnerability that I wouldn't have expected from someone who looks so put-together.

"Sorry if I startled you that day at the cafe," she continues, tucking a stray strand of hair behind her ear. "I didn't mean to barge in like that."

"No, it's fine," I say, forcing a smile as I try to wrap my head around this unexpected development. It's not every day that a woman I literally run into ends up becoming the center of my attention – and potentially the source of my future headaches.

"Did your mom tell you why we're meeting?" Gracie asks, her gaze flickering between me and the bartender, who's busy mixing drinks for another group of patrons.

"Something about doing her a favor for a coworker?" I reply, my words sounding more like a question than a statement. "I'll be honest, I wasn't really listening."

"Ah." Gracie nods, her lips pressed into a thin line. "Well, I guess I should introduce myself properly. I'm Gracie Leighton, your mom's... uh, employee."

"Right," I say, my brows furrowing as I recall my mother's insistence that I attend some event with this woman.

"Okay," I start, trying to get to the point and ease this tension. "What exactly do I have to do?"

Gracie takes a deep breath and looks me straight in the eye. "I just need us to attend this event together – as a couple."

"As a couple?" I choke out, nearly spitting out my drink.

"I have to show up with some decent looking 'eye candy' on my arm because I kind of lied to my sister and mom that I’ve been dating someone for a little while now." She gives me a wry smile, and I'm struck by how unapologetically blunt she is.

"Let me get this straight," I say, shaking my head. "I'm just supposed to pretend to be your boyfriend for one night to make your sister and mom happy?"

"Basically," Gracie confirms. "It's nothing serious, just a little white lie to keep up appearances."

As tempting as the idea sounds – spending an evening with this intriguing woman – I can't shake the feeling that it's a slippery slope. The last thing I need is to get entangled in someone else's life when I'm struggling to keep my own together.

"Look," I say firmly, setting my drink down on the scratched wooden bar counter. "I don't mind helping out, but I have to be clear about something: this is just a one-time thing. No strings attached. I'm not looking for any kind of relationship."

Gracie studies me for a moment before nodding slowly. "I understand. I'm not really in a place for anything serious either."

"Good," I reply, relieved that we're on the same page. The thought of attending this event with Gracie becomes less daunting now that I know there won't be any complications.

"Besides," she adds with a little smile, "who says you have to be in a relationship to enjoy a night out together?"

"True," I concede. Maybe this won't be so bad after all.

Her eyes lock onto mine as she leans in closer, her breath warm against my cheek. "You have nothing to worry about, Bennett," she assures me. "I promise, there are no expectations beyond this one date."

It feels like we're on the same wavelength.

"Alright," I agree. "But let's make sure we're clear on the details, so there aren't any surprises."

"Of course," she replies, sitting back in her seat and crossing her legs elegantly. She's poised and professional, yet I notice the way her fingers toy with the edge of her napkin.

"So, when is this event?" I ask, taking a sip of my drink.

"Next Saturday evening," Gracie answers promptly. "It's my sister’s wedding. There will be vows, then dinner, dancing, and speeches... you know, the usual fancy affair."

My mind races through my schedule, trying to determine if I have any hockey-related commitments that night. Thankfully, it's one of our rare off days, so there won't be any conflicts. "Okay, I can do that."

"Great. I'll pick you up at your place around 7pm, if that works for you?" Her relief is evident as she uncrosses her legs and sits up straighter.

"Sounds good," I agree, making a mental note to have my suit cleaned and ready to go.

"Since I’m not in the bridal party, I don’t have to wear anything particular. Are there any preferences on what color you'd like me to wear?" she inquires. "I want to make sure we look good together."

"No, I have a dark grey suit that will go with anything," I reply with a chuckle, intrigued by her confidence.

"Very well," she says.

Gracie and I exit Marley’s, and we pause under a streetlight.

"Thanks for agreeing to do this," she says softly, her eyes searching mine.

My initial skepticism has been gradually replaced by a sense of intrigue and curiosity. My eyes lock with Gracie, and I realize that I'm looking forward to our date more than I'd care to admit. "You're welcome," I reply softly.

"See you Saturday?" she asks.

"Saturday," I confirm.

"Goodnight, Bennett," she whispers, turning to walk away.

"Goodnight, Gracie."

I watch her leave, her hips swaying hypnotically as she disappears into the parking lot.

Once I'm alone, I take a deep breath and try to process everything that's happened tonight. On one hand, agreeing to go on this date feels like a risky move, considering my desire to keep my personal life private. On the other hand, there's something undeniably alluring about Gracie that I can't quite put my finger on.