What happens when two people who take care of everyone finally get taken care of? Zara Mitchel talks with her hands, laughs with her whole chest, and walks into a room like she owns the light. She has spent years being the dependable one, the oldest daughter, the problem-solver, the woman everyone calls when something goes wrong. Between building her career in New York's fashion industry and carrying the weight of her family's expectations, she doesn't have time for distractions, especially not a charming hockey player with observant eyes and a touch that makes her forget her own rules. Connor Whitfield prefers quiet to crowds and actions to words. As a professional hockey player, he's used to pressure, responsibility, and putting everyone else's needs before his own. Then Zara crashes into his life, all confidence, warmth, and sharp insight, and suddenly she's the only person he can't stop thinking about. They collide by accident and become something neither of them planned and both of them crave. The more time they spend together, the harder it becomes to ignore what's growing between them. What begins as friendship turns into longing, stolen moments, and a connection neither of them expected; and in the soft glow of New York nights, control slips first... then clothes... then every rule they swore they'd keep. How long can two people who are already acting like they love each other pretend they don't? Disclaimer: I do not own any rights to the images used both on the cover and throughout the story.

Vince Hunter. The rich, famous, and world-known hockey player and my asshole of a boss. People see his charming smiles and game moves on the ice. I see his tantrums and irresponsibility. What I never imagined happening between us was a drunken one-night stand. And even worse? Getting fired because of it. But now, six miserable months later, he's back to ruin my life and he's at it again except this time he needs me to play the picture-perfect girlfriend. As it turns out, our scandal left his reputation more damaged than mine and if he can't redeem it, he can kiss his spot on the team goodbye. The worst part of it all? I'm stuck with him, bound by contract, until... forever? . . . ALL RIGHTS RESERVED TRIGGER WARNING: Mentions of parental abuse

Completed • First Draft - not edited. || "You gonna sit there all night?" Luka glances at me, smirking. I glare back. "I was enjoying the last few seconds of peace before having to spend an evening pretending to like you." "That's funny," he says, unbuckling his seatbelt. "Why?" I snap. "Because I was thinking the same thing." || The rules? Easy enough. 1. Pretend to be the perfect couple. 2. Keep it professional. 3. And whatever you do, don't. catch. feelings. Simple, right? Sofia Calloway never planned on going viral for throwing a drink in Luka Mikhaylov's face. But one video, one pissed-off hockey star, and one furious university later... she's suddenly stuck in a fake relationship with the guy she can't stand. He needs to clean up his image before the NHL draft. She needs the free tuition that comes with the deal. All they have to do is smile for the cameras, hold hands at the games, and act like they don't want to strangle each other. Then come the late-night arguments that last too long. The stolen glances that feel too dangerous. The moment where "pretend" starts looking way too real. Because when you break the rules, someone's bound to lose. And this time, it might be both of them.