Page 62 of Faking the Shot

He told her, and she checked her calendar. “I’m free. You’re right, it’s probably about time I made an appearance there. I don’t want people thinking we’re not together.”

His chin jerked. “Even if it’s all for show.”

“Exactly.”

* * *

The restof the road trip saw two more wins and a loss, before he finally boarded the plane home. His return would see an avalanche of obligations, sponsorship meetings, skills sessions with kids, meetings with his agent. But busy as he’d be, he couldn’t help but wish their schedules would allow him to see Ainsley before she flew away for work.

He slept the three hours on the return journey, deplaned and saw his messages. His mom. His agent. His sister. Franklin. Oh! He smiled. And Ainsley.

After collecting his bags he made his way to his Porsche. He didn’t want Chris overhearing. The last conversation with Ainsley had felt so real, so sweet, it was like he’d entered into one of her movies with her, where he really was the hero as she’d called him all those weeks ago. He really wished they could see each other soon.

He entered his car and tapped his voicemail. Listened to her message. Smiled at the smile in her voice. He loved her voice. “Hi Zac! I hope you’re doing well. Sorry about the last game. You played well.”

He closed his eyes. She’d watched him? That was something. Even if he’d much rather have her watch him in person.

“So, anyway, I thought I’d let you know that there’s a bad weather front coming in on the islands, which means our departure has been delayed. So we’re shooting here a little longer, but it does mean I’ll be around for your next home game. If you’re still wanting me to come see you play, that is. So, please let me know if you want me to come see you at a game. But only if you want. Okay. Bye!”

Ifhe wanted? After ten days apart he was like a hungry man. Seeing pics of her online wasn’t satisfying. He checked the time. Past midnight. She wouldn’t still be up. Man. He wanted to call her. But that wouldn’t be fair.

He’d just have to call her tomorrow. Or message her right now.

If I want? You know I want you to come. I can’t wait to see you again. There, that wasn’t too much, was it? It was honest, anyway. He pressed send.

Knock knock.

He jumped, glanced through the window. Drew. He powered down the window. “Hey.”

“Hey yourself. You okay in there?”

“Yep. Just sorting some stuff.”

“Ainsley kind of stuff?”

He bit back a smile. “Maybe.”

“She gonna come to a game one day? Be good to meet her. You know, after not meeting her at that White Night thing, and only messaging her on your behalf. You still owe me for that, by the way.”

“You’ll get yours.”

Drew grinned. “So, is she coming to a game?”

“Next home one. She thinks.”Please God.

“Awesome.”

He nodded. Awesome it would be, indeed.

CHAPTER13

Ainsley smoothed her hands down her brand-new Vancouver Parotti jersey. It had been delivered to her apartment, along with two tickets. She hadn’t expected the second ticket, but knew of all the people in her world there was really only one she should ask. So she’d asked Benson, and he’d nearly yelped in excitement. Which was why he was now driving them while she wondered how she’d do small talk with his teammates and not lie.

“Almost there, Ains.”

“It looks busy.” Cars were everywhere. There was a reason public transport was encouraged at these events. But she couldn’t do public transport, or walking, thanks to the likelihood of recognition, so car it was. Zac had given her instructions on where to go, who to meet, and assured her that Chris Thomas would have his wife meet Ainsley there.

She appreciated Zac’s thoughtfulness. Likely he’d had to do that for other girls, so he knew what had to be done, but she was grateful he thought of her.