Fake Out (Rivals): Scotia Storms, #10

By Cathryn Fox

I've always been the sidekick, the supporting cast.

 

Until I go on a date with Scotia Storm's hottest center—a guy I've been crazy about for months—and everything changes.

 

Even though the two of us don't seem to make sense and I have no idea what he sees in me, love somehow finds a way.

 

Every touch, every kiss makes me feel important and special, like I could be the main character in his life.

 

I begin to plan a future, until I overhear words that shatter my heart and make me question my leading role. Could everything I've ever believed in be nothing but fake?

• Language: English
• Publisher: Cathryn Fox
• Release date: Jan 16, 2024
• ISBN: 9781998943180

Cathryn Fox

A New York Times and USA Today bestselling author, Cathryn Fox has two teenagers who keep her busy and a husband who is convinced he can turn her into a mixed martial arts fan. Cathryn can never find balance in her life and is always trying to keep up with emails, Facebook, Pinterest and Twitter. She spends her days writing page-turning books filled with heat and heart, and loves to hear from her readers.

Book preview

Fake Out

FAKE OUT

CATHRYN FOX

Cathryn Fox

CONTENTS

1. Josie

2. Jesse

3. Josie

4. Jesse

5. Josie

6. Jesse

Epilogue

Also by Cathryn Fox

About Cathryn

Fake Out

Copyright 2024 by Cathryn Fox

ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. Without limiting the rights under copyright reserved above, no part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in or introduced into a retrieval system, or transmitted, in any form, or by any means (electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording, or otherwise) without the prior written permission of both the copyright owner and the above publisher of this book.

This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places, brands, media, and incidents are either the product of the author's imagination or are used fictitiously. The author acknowledges the trademarked status and trademark owners of various products referenced in this work of fiction, which have been used without permission. The publication/use of these trademarks is not authorized, associated with, or sponsored by the trademark owners.

This e-book is licensed for your personal enjoyment only. This e-book may not be re-sold or given away to other people. If you would like to share this book with another person, please purchase an additional copy for each recipient. If you’re reading this book and did not purchase it, or it was not purchased for your use only, then please return to your favorite e-book retailer and purchase your own copy. Thank you for respecting the hard work of this author.

ISBN: 978-1-998943-18-0 

Vellum flower icon Created with Vellum

1

JOSIE

Istand outside on my steps and take a couple of deep, fast breaths, but the late night, cool September air does nothing to cool the anxiety racing through my veins. Is this really happening? Is Scotia Storm’s center, Jesse Campbell, really coming to my place to hang out?

Technically, we’re not hanging out at my place. No, we’re sort of in hiding. Wait, that’s not entirely true. Jesse and I aren’t in hiding. We can be seen out together any time we want. It’s just not something he’s ever wanted—until now.

It’s my best friend and roommate Kendra who is having a secret relationship with Jesse’s best friend Dane. Those two are behind this ‘date’ between Jesse and me. Although I’m not sure I can really call it a date. I honestly don’t know what to call what we’re doing. I go to his games all the time, but he's never noticed me before and I’m definitely not the kind of girl he gravitates toward.

A hand lands on my arm and I turn to Kendra. Josie, you’re wearing a hole in the steps, and they’re cement. Relax.

Relax? I practically shriek. I’m about to hang out with Jesse Freaking Campbell.

I don’t think that’s his middle name, she teases.

Yeah, well…I’m a mess. I want to make a good first impression and… My words fall off—probably because I just swallowed my tongue—as two big male figures move along the sidewalk toward us. Ohmigod, I whisper under my breath.

Jesse smiles as he steps up to me, and I stare, a little star struck. I’ve seen him up close before, of course. I’ve just never been the sole focus of his attention, and holy hell, it’s throwing me off my game. Not that I have game—or much experience with the opposite sex—but you get it.

Pull yourself together, Josie.

As a nursing student, I’m used to working under pressure, so I call on my skills and try to sound and appear somewhat casual as I smile back. Dane does the introductions, and my gaze drops to Jesse’s lips as he says, Hi.

Dane leans in and kisses Kendra, a risky move, considering their relationship is a secret, but it’s easy to see they’re having a hard time keeping their hands off one another.

You guys ready to go? I ask, and Kendra and Dane start down the sidewalk, leaving me with Jesse.

Great game tonight, I say. That’s a girl, keeping the conversation all about him will make chatting easier, and hey, everyone likes talking about themselves, right? Everyone but me, that is.

He gifts me with a smile. Thanks for coming and supporting us.

I love the game. I glance at his perfect face and admire all the hard angles. Okay girl, stop staring before you get caught. You and Dane grew up together in Bass River?

"Yup, my family owns a cattle ranch.