Chapter 7

Cassie's POV 

It seemed I had bitten a lot more than I could chew. I had underestimated just how famous Ledger was. Everywhere I turned, whispers followed. My name was on people's lips, but never in ways I liked. Maybe getting involved with him, even fake involved, was not worth it.

This could ruin everything I had worked for. As a journalism student, I could not afford a scandal. I could not afford to be another girl in a hockey player’s story.

“What are you thinking so hard about?”

The sound of his voice snapped me back to the present. He had been watching me pace back and forth for a while now. “Nothing.”

“Nothing,” I replied, too fast.

Ledger hummed, clearly not buying it. “That’s obviously not true. Why don’t you tell me what’s running through that pretty brain of yours?”

I exhaled, pinching the bridge of my nose. “I never should have played along with you last night,” I muttered. “I should have shut you down the second you opened your mouth and called me your girlfriend. This whole thing was a mistake.”

Ledger frowned. “If you’re worried about the rumours…”

“I am worried about the consequences of the rumours,” I snapped. “Not all of us walk around campus with a fan club and a get-out-of-jail-free card.”

I folded my arms, pacing again.

“This could wreck my reputation. My career. You get to joke through it, but I am the one who gets branded.”

“It won't.” He responded almost immediately. The certainty in his voice gave me pause. I looked up, watching him intently. 

“You cannot promise that,” I said.

“Actually, I can,” he replied, full of that annoying confidence. “Rumours like this fade. People get bored. But if they don’t, we handle it.”

I raised a brow. “Handle it? How exactly?”

Ledger tilted his head, grinning. “Well, I have not thought that far ahead.”

I rolled my eyes.

“But my offer from last night still stands,” he continued, suddenly serious. The teasing smirk I had come to expect was gone. “If you are that worried about your reputation, maybe you can stick around just long enough to get a front-page exposé.”

The corner of his mouth tugged upward again.

“How about it, Monroe? Use me to get your revenge. In return, you make me look good, and I get to clean up my image.”

I paused. It was a bold suggestion, but not a terrible one. We both stood to gain. If we did this right, he would impress the scouts, and I would have the byline of the year.

“Well, since Otto never told anyone about us, it means someone who knew started the rumour,” I said, narrowing my eyes. “Jade was the only one I told. Did you tell anyone?”

Ledger nodded. “I told my best friend, Freddie. And I trust him. So it is between the traitorous ex and the fake bestie.”

I laughed before I could stop myself. The sound came out light, too light. Ledger’s grin widened like it was the first win of the day.

I cleared my throat, instantly regretting how easy it had been to slip.

“Anyway, I would not rule out Freddie,” I said.

Ledger’s brow creased. “Why not?”

“Because if Jade could betray her best friend, then no one is off-limits.” I said. Though I was bitter about it, I didn't want Ledger to go through the same thing I had.

“He's different, but as you wish.” He said with a shrug. “I’ll include him to the list of suspects if only to clear his name.”

I nodded. It made sense.

“So?” Ledger prompted. “Will you accept my offer?”

I hesitated.

If I ignored everything, the whispers, the risks, the knot in my chest, I could admit that the idea was solid. Practical, even.

I gazed into his eyes, trying to read them. But, it was a mistake. The intensity within his eyes was too much and I found myself turning away in an instant. “Fine. I’ll do it. But we keep it clean. No surprises.”

Ledger beamed, and it was the brightest smile I had ever seen. Suddenly, he leapt forward and I was in the air. He had lifted me by my waist and was spinning me around the rooftop. “Hey, cut it out!” I yelled, annoyed.

He simply laughed. After another spin, he set me down, his hands on my waist. 

But Ledger didn't let go immediately. I knew it was totally harmless. He was just holding on till I was stable once more, but I couldn't help but notice just how close we were. Our noses were almost touching. Heat seeped through his hands where he held me.

“Are you alright? You looked a little flushed.” His voice was quiet.

I looked up and he had that teasing smile in place. It was enough to snap me out of it. I placed my hand on his chest and shoved him backwards, trying not to dwell on how firm it was. 

Ledger stumbled backwards with a chuckle. Ugh, what an insufferable ass.

“We’re done here, right?” I turned to leave without waiting for a response.

“Wait, where are you going?” He called after me.

“Anywhere without you in it!” I replied. 

“That defeats the purpose of our relationship, Monroe!” He pointed out. “We need to plan ahead, get our stories straight.”

I stopped, my hand pausing on the door knob. I didn't want to admit it, but he was right. 

“Fine.” I answered, turning on my heel. I didn't want to spend any more time than necessary with Ledger, but we had to cover our bases. “Let's get this over with. I have classes to attend.” Nevermind that I was already tardy. 

Judging by the smug look he shot me, Ledger already knew that, but he said nothing.

“Alright, first of all… We need a story that covers how we first met…” He began.

And that moment marked the beginning of my fake relationship with the Captain of our prestigious hockey team. Nothing could have prepared me for the roller coaster ahead.