Playing Pretend

Aiden Bennett was my first crush, my brother's best friend, hockey superstar, and now? He's my fake boyfriend.

Running away to Boston was a chance for me to start anew, but as life goes, I find myself back in my hometown for my sister's wedding, where I'm unfortunately dragged back into the judgmental spotlight over my failed engagement.

Enter Aiden, who much to my surprise, swoops in like a knight in shining armor to shield me from any more scrutiny. His plan you ask? Pretending to be my boyfriend. Yup, you heard that right. I didn't believe it either myself. Little did we know, a leaked photo from our night of playing pretend would spark a media frenzy, landing right into the hands of Aiden's agent who has a plan of his own. His plan? Use this charade to help polish Aiden's recently damaged image while securing a long term future in the league.

Now I'm stuck in a whirlwind of public appearances, unexpected moments, and conflicting emotions. I've spent years keeping the feelings I had for him frozen away, but with every look, with every touch, he's chiseling his way back into my heart.

As time goes by, I'm terrified that the lines between real and fake are going to blur, and after everything I've been through, could I be ready to take a chance on love again?

Do I play it safe, or risk everything for the one person who has always been there, just out of reach?

Aiden Bennett could destroy me, but maybe that's a risk I'm finally willing to take.