Lily’s sneakers squeaked on the polished floor of the university’s ice arena, the chill seeping through her thin sweater. She hugged her arms to her chest, regretting every life choice that had led her to this moment: standing in the bleachers, surrounded by screaming hockey fans, pretending to be Jaxon Wolfe’s wife at his first home game of the season. Mia had insisted she show up to “sell the marriage” to the team, who’d apparently heard rumors about Jaxon’s sudden nuptials. The county clerk’s office had filed the paperwork, of course; and once something’s on public record, it doesn’t take long for gossip to spread.

The arena buzzed with energy; cheerleaders waving pompoms, students chanting, and the smell of popcorn mixing with the cold, metallic tang of the ice. Lily felt like a fish out of water, her glasses fogging slightly as she scanned the rink for Jaxon. He was out there, a blur in his navy-and-white jersey, number 17, stick in hand, moving like he owned the ice. Which, to be fair, he kind of did.

She adjusted the scarf Mia had forced her to wear. The scarf was navy blue, with “Wolfe’s Pack” embroidered in bold white letters. “This is humiliating,” she muttered, sinking lower in her seat.

“Not a hockey fan, huh?” A guy in a matching scarf plopped down beside her, his grin wide and his breath smelling faintly of beer. “You must be new. I’m Ethan, team equipment manager. You with someone?”

Lily’s stomach twisted. Here we go. “Uh, yeah,” she said, pushing her glasses up. “I’m… Jaxon’s wife.”

Ethan’s eyes widened, and he let out a low whistle. “No way. You’re the mystery bride? The guys have been talking about Wolfe’s secret wedding all week. Didn’t think he’d settle down.”

She forced a smile, her cheeks burning. “It’s, um, a recent development.”

Before Ethan could pry further, a roar erupted from the crowd. Jaxon had the puck, weaving through opponents like they were standing still. He passed to a teammate, then slammed into an opposing player, sending him crashing into the boards. The crowd went wild, but Lily flinched, her heart racing for reasons she didn’t want to admit.

“Damn, Wolfe’s on fire tonight,” Ethan said, leaning forward. “You must be proud, Mrs. Wolfe.”

“Lily,” she corrected, her voice tight. “And, yeah, sure. Proud.”

The game flew by in a blur of goals and penalties, with Jaxon scoring twice and earning a deafening chant of “Wolfe! Wolfe! Wolfe!” from the stands. By the time the buzzer sounded—4-2, home team victory—Lily’s nerves were shot. She just wanted to slip out unnoticed, but Mia’s text from earlier burned in her mind: "Stay for the post-game meet-up. Team’s expecting Jaxon’s wife. Don’t flake!"

She trudged toward the locker room exit, where a gaggle of players’ girlfriends and fans were already gathering. Jaxon emerged, his hair damp from a shower, his navy hoodie clinging to his broad shoulders. His eyes found her instantly, and that infuriating smirk curved his lips.

“There’s my girl,” he said, loud enough for the crowd to hear. Before Lily could react, he closed the distance, slung an arm around her shoulders, and pulled her close. His warmth and the faint scent of his cedar and mint soap hit her like a slap, making her knees wobble.

“What are you doing?” she hissed, her face inches from his.

“Selling it,” he murmured, his breath warm against her ear. “Smile, Lily. We’ve got an audience.”

She glanced around, spotting Ethan and a few players watching them, curiosity etched on their faces. She forced a smile, but it felt more like a grimace. “You’re enjoying this way too much,” she muttered.

“Maybe a little,” he said, his voice low and teasing. He kept his arm around her as he turned to his teammates. “Guys, this is Lily. My wife.”

A chorus of “Whoa” and “No way” erupted. A lanky player with a buzzcut grinned and clapped Jaxon on the shoulder. “Dude, you move fast. When’s the bachelor party we missed?”

Jaxon chuckled, his arm tightening around Lily. “Didn’t need one. Got the real deal right here.”

Lily’s face burned, but she leaned into him, playing along. “Yeah, he’s… a catch,” she said, her voice dripping with sarcasm only Jaxon seemed to catch. His fingers grazed her side, a subtle warning, or maybe a challenge.

“Gotta say, Wolfe,” a player with a beard said, eyeing Lily, “didn’t think you’d go for the quiet type. She’s cute, though.”

Lily stiffened, but Jaxon’s grip steadied her. “Watch it, Carter,” he said, his tone light but edged with steel. “She’s mine.”

Her heart did a stupid flip at “mine,” and she mentally slapped herself. "It’s fake, Lily. Chill." But the way Jaxon’s thumb brushed her shoulder felt anything but fake.

Before she could spiral further, a new voice cut through the chatter—a woman’s, sharp and dripping with confidence. “Jaxon Wolfe, married? This I’ve gotta see.”

Lily turned to see a tall blonde in a tight leather jacket, her red lipstick bold against her smirk. She strutted over, her heels clicking, and stopped in front of them, sizing Lily up like she was a thrift-store knockoff.

“Vanessa,” Jaxon said, his voice neutral, but Lily caught the tension in his jaw. “Didn’t know you were back in town.”

“Got back yesterday,” Vanessa said, tossing her hair. “Heard you tied the knot. Didn’t believe it, but…” Her eyes flicked to Lily, dismissive. “Guess it’s true. Who’s this, your little bookworm bride?”

Lily’s spine stiffened. “Lily,” she said, her voice sharper than she intended. “And you are?”

Vanessa’s smirk faltered, but she recovered fast. “Vanessa Reed. Jaxon’s ex. The one who actually knows him.” She stepped closer, her perfume cloying. “No offense, sweetie, but you don’t seem his type.”

Jaxon’s arm tightened around Lily, his voice dropping to a dangerous low. “Back off, Vanessa. Things change.”

Vanessa laughed, but it was brittle. “Sure, Jaxon. We’ll see how long this lasts.” She sauntered off, leaving a trail of tension in her wake.

Lily pulled away from Jaxon, her heart pounding. “Your ex? Seriously? You didn’t think to mention her?”

He rubbed the back of his neck, looking almost sheepish. “Didn’t think it mattered. We broke up last season. She’s ancient history.”

“Ancient history doesn’t show up looking like a Victoria’s Secret model,” Lily snapped, then clamped her mouth shut. ‘Why do I care?’

Jaxon’s eyes glinted, like he’d caught her slip. “Lily, are you jealous?”

“In your dreams,” she shot back, crossing her arms. “I just don’t like being blindsided.”

“Noted.” He stepped closer, his voice softening. “Look, Vanessa’s just stirring shit. Ignore her. We’ve got enough to deal with, right?”

She nodded, but her stomach twisted. Vanessa’s arrival felt like a storm cloud on their already shaky charade. Before she could respond, Ethan jogged over, holding a clipboard. “Yo, Wolfe, coach wants you and Lily at the team dinner tonight. Says it’s a good chance to ‘integrate the new Mrs. Wolfe.’ His words, not mine.”

Jaxon groaned. “Tonight? I’ve got film review.”

“Coach’s orders,” Ethan said, shrugging. “Bring your A-game. And, uh, maybe warn your wife about the team’s… enthusiasm.”

Lily’s eyes widened. “Enthusiasm? What does that mean?”

Jaxon sighed, pinching the bridge of his nose. “It means they’re gonna grill you like a steak. You ready to play the doting wife?”

She swallowed hard, her mind flashing to Vanessa’s smirk, the team’s curious stares, and the fact that she’d barely survived one night in their apartment without melting under Jaxon’s gaze. “No,” she said honestly. “But I don’t have a choice, do I?”

He grinned, slow and dangerous. “That’s the spirit. Meet me at the apartment at six. Wear something nice. And maybe practice saying ‘I love you’ in the mirror. You’re gonna need it.”

She glared, but her traitorous heart skipped at the way his eyes lingered on her. “You’re impossible,” she muttered.

“And you’re stuck with me,” he said, his voice low enough to send a shiver down her spine. He turned to head back to the locker room, calling over his shoulder, “Don’t be late, Mrs. Wolfe.”

As Lily watched him go, the crowd’s cheers still echoing in her ears, she felt the weight of the night ahead. A team dinner, a nosy coach, and an ex-girlfriend who looked like trouble. Six months of this fake marriage was starting to feel like a penalty shot she wasn’t ready to take.

---

A few minutes later, Lily stood in front of the foggy bathroom mirror, clutching a curling iron like it was a weapon. Her reflection looked like a stranger: dark hair loosely curled, a navy dress hugging her curves; courtesy of Mia’s emergency shopping trip, and mascara that made her hazel eyes pop behind her glasses. She barely recognized herself, which was fitting, considering she was about to play Jaxon Wolfe’s wife in front of his entire hockey team.

“Five minutes, Evans!” Jaxon’s voice boomed through the apartment door, followed by the thud of his boots. “You better not be chickening out.”

“I’m not chickening out!” she shouted back, her voice shaking slightly. She set the curling iron down, her hands trembling. The team dinner at The Rusty Puck, the campus bar and grill favored by the hockey team, was a minefield waiting to explode. Between the team’s “enthusiasm,” Vanessa’s venom, and Jaxon’s infuriating knack for getting under her skin, Lily was one bad decision away from bolting.

She stepped into the living room, smoothing her dress. Jaxon was sprawled on the couch, scrolling on his phone, in a black button-down that strained against his shoulders and dark jeans that looked unfairly good. He glanced up, and his eyes widened for a split second before his usual smirk slid into place.

“Well, damn, Mrs. Wolfe,” he said, standing and pocketing his phone. “You clean up nice.”

Her cheeks flushed, and she crossed her arms. “Don’t get used to it. This is for the grant, not you.”

He stepped closer, his gaze lingering on her dress. “Sure it is. Ready to tell the team how much you love me?”

She snorted, grabbing her purse. “I’d rather tell them you snore like a chainsaw.”

He laughed, a deep, warm sound that did annoying things to her pulse. “Keep that up, and they’ll think we’re actually married.”

“God forbid,” she muttered, but her lips twitched as she followed him out the door.

The Rusty Puck was packed, the air thick with the smell of wings and beer. Hockey jerseys lined the walls, and a jukebox blared a country song Lily didn’t recognize. The team had claimed a long table in the back, already littered with empty pitchers and baskets of fries. Ryan waved them over, Mia beside him, her blonde ponytail bouncing as she grinned like this was all her idea; which, technically, it was.

“There’s the happy couple!” Ryan called, raising a glass. The team whooped, and Lily’s stomach knotted as all eyes turned to her and Jaxon.

Jaxon slid his arm around her waist, pulling her close as they approached the table. “Play nice, Lily,” he murmured, his lips brushing her ear. A shiver ran down her spine, and she elbowed him lightly, hoping no one noticed her blush.

“Sit, sit!” Mia said, patting the bench beside her. “You guys look adorable.”

“Adorable’s not the vibe I’m going for,” Jaxon said, sliding into the seat and pulling Lily down next to him. His thigh pressed against hers under the table, warm and solid, and she shifted, trying to ignore the heat creeping up her neck.

The team was a rowdy mix of beards, buzzcuts, and egos, all shouting over each other. Carter, the bearded player from the game, leaned forward, grinning. “So, Lily, how’d Wolfe trick you into marrying him? Blackmail? Hypnosis?”

Lily froze, but Jaxon’s hand found hers under the table, squeezing gently. “Charm,” he said smoothly. “Right, babe?”

She swallowed, forcing a smile. “Something like that. He’s… persistent.”

The table erupted in laughter, and Ryan clapped Jaxon on the shoulder. “That’s our captain. Never takes no for an answer.”

“Except on the ice,” another player, a wiry guy named TJ, piped up. “Coach says you’re slacking on your slapshot, Wolfe.”

Jaxon’s jaw tightened, but he smirked. “Tell Coach to worry about your faceoffs, TJ. They’re a mess.”

The banter continued, and Lily relaxed slightly, sipping a soda and letting Jaxon field most of the questions. Mia chimed in with a fake story about their “courtship,” which involved a nonexistent coffee shop meet-cute that had Lily biting her lip to keep from laughing. But the ease vanished when a familiar voice cut through the noise.

“Well, isn’t this cozy?” Vanessa sauntered up, her leather skirt and heels making her look like she’d stepped off a runway. Her red lipstick curled into a smirk as she leaned against the table, her gaze locking on Lily. “Didn’t expect to see the new Mrs. Wolfe holding court already.”

Lily’s grip tightened on her glass. “Just supporting my husband,” she said, the word feeling foreign but sharp on her tongue.

Vanessa’s eyes narrowed, but her smile didn’t waver. “Cute. Jaxon always did like the… unexpected.” She turned to him, her voice syrupy. “Remember that weekend in Chicago, Jax? We had some fun, didn’t we?”

Jaxon’s hand stilled on Lily’s, his expression unreadable. “That's history, Vanessa,” he said, his tone flat. “Move on.”

The table went quiet, the team exchanging glances. Mia coughed, clearly trying to break the tension. “So, uh, who’s ordering wings?”

But Vanessa wasn’t done. She slid into a chair across from Lily, crossing her arms. “I’m just curious, Lily. How’d you two meet? Jaxon’s not exactly the ‘settle down’ type. No offense.”

Lily’s heart raced, but Jaxon’s hand squeezed hers again, grounding her. She met Vanessa’s gaze, her voice steadier than she felt. “We met through friends. Sometimes you don’t see the right person until they’re standing in front of you.”

Jaxon’s head turned, his eyes catching hers with an intensity that made her breath hitch. “Well said,” he murmured, and for a moment, the noisy bar faded away, leaving just the two of them.

Vanessa’s laugh broke the spell. “Sweet. But marriage is a big step. Hope you’re ready for the real Jaxon. He’s not exactly… domesticated.”

“Enough,” Jaxon snapped, his voice low but cutting. “You’re not part of this, Vanessa.”

The team shifted uncomfortably, and Lily’s chest tightened. She didn’t like Vanessa, but the woman’s words stung, poking at her insecurities. Was she just a placeholder in Jaxon’s world? A fake wife who didn’t belong?

Before she could spiral, the bar’s door swung open, and Coach Larson strode in, a burly man with a graying beard and a clipboard that seemed permanently attached to his hand. “Wolfe!” he barked, heading straight for their table. “You and your wife, my office. Now.”

Jaxon’s eyebrows shot up. “Coach, we’re in the middle of—”

“Now,” Coach repeated, his tone leaving no room for argument. The team fell silent, and even Vanessa looked intrigued.

Lily’s stomach dropped. “What’s this about?” she whispered as Jaxon stood, pulling her up with him.

“No clue,” he muttered, his hand lingering on her back. “But it’s not good.”

They followed Coach Larson to a small office in the back of the bar, the walls plastered with team photos and game schedules. He shut the door, his expression grim. “Sit,” he said, pointing to two rickety chairs.

Lily sank into one, her hands clammy. Jaxon sat beside her, his knee brushing hers, and she hated how much it steadied her.

Coach leaned against his desk, crossing his arms. “I heard about your marriage. Congrats, I guess. But we’ve got a problem. The athletic department got wind of the housing grant you two are using. They’re sniffing around, saying it looks suspicious.”

Lily’s heart stopped. “Suspicious?” she squeaked.

“Yeah,” Coach said, eyeing her. “Sudden marriage, no engagement announcement, and Wolfe here isn’t exactly the marrying type. They think you’re gaming the system for the grant.”

Jaxon leaned forward, his voice calm but edged. “It’s legit, Coach. We’re married. End of story.”

Coach snorted. “Legit or not, the department’s watching. If they pull the grant, you’re out of housing, Wolfe. And I need my captain focused, not homeless. So here’s the deal: you two need to prove you’re a real couple. Public appearances, team events, the works. No slip-ups.”

Lily’s mouth went dry. “Public appearances?” she echoed. “Like… what?”

“Like the charity gala next month,” Coach said. “You’ll both be there, looking like you’re in love. And I want you at every home game, Lily, cheering for your man. If the department smells a fake, you’re done.”

Jaxon’s jaw clenched, but he nodded. “We’ll handle it.”

Coach’s eyes softened slightly. “Look, Wolfe, you’re my best player. I don’t want this blowing up in your face. Or hers.” He glanced at Lily, almost sympathetic. “Keep it together, you two.”

They left the office in silence, the bar’s noise crashing over them like a wave. Jaxon’s hand brushed hers as they walked, and she didn’t pull away, too shaken to care. Outside, the cool night air hit her face, and she stopped, wrapping her arms around herself.

“This is bad,” she said, her voice trembling. “If they find out we’re faking, we lose everything. The grant, the apartment, Ryan and Mia’s place—”

“Hey.” Jaxon turned to face her, his hands on her shoulders. His touch was firm, grounding. “We won’t let that happen. We’ll sell it. We’re good at this, right?”

She looked up at him, his blue eyes steady in the dim streetlight. “Are we? I can barely handle Vanessa, and now we’re supposed to act like we’re in love? In public?”

He stepped closer, his voice dropping to a low rumble. “You handled Vanessa fine. And the love part? Just follow my lead.” His thumb brushed her jaw, a fleeting touch that sent her pulse into overdrive. “You looked good out there tonight, by the way. Not just the dress. You.”

Her breath caught, and for a moment, she forgot how to speak. “Don’t do that,” she managed, her voice soft.

“Do what?” His smirk was back, but his eyes were serious.

“Say stuff like that. It makes this… complicated.”

He tilted his head, studying her. “Maybe I like complicated.”

Before she could respond, a flash of movement caught her eye. Vanessa, leaning against a car across the street, watching them with a cold smile. Lily’s stomach twisted, but Jaxon didn’t notice, his gaze still locked on her.

“Let’s get home,” he said, his hand sliding to the small of her back. “We’ve got a gala to prep for.”

As they walked to his truck, Lily’s mind raced. A charity gala, a suspicious athletic department, and an ex who seemed hell-bent on trouble. Six months of this fake marriage just got a lot harder; and Jaxon’s touch, his words, his everything was making it impossible to keep her heart out of the game.