Page 29 of Ice Cold Chemistry

---

The scariest guy on the team, the one who looks like he’s constantly contemplating murder, just asked me to pretend to date him. And I said yes.

My phone buzzes with a text from Tori. Probably checking in after our wine night brainstorm.

Tori:How was today? Any better?

I stare at the screen for a moment, then start typing.

Me:So. Funny story.

Tori:Why do I feel like this isn’t going to be funny?

Me:Remember your crazy idea about the fake boyfriend?

Tori:…yes?

Me:Banks just asked me. Just now. In the yoga studio.

Tori:WHAT

Tori:SHUT UP

Tori:ARE YOU SERIOUS RIGHT NOW?

Me:Dead serious. He went to Dana and everything. Said the team needs to focus and this would fix the problem.

Tori:OH MY GOD

Tori:What did you say???

Me:I said yes.

Tori:OH MY GOD OH MY GOD OH MY GOD

Tori:This is the best thing that’s ever happened.

Me:It’s FAKE, Tori.

Tori:I KNOW BUT STILL

Tori:This is going to be so good.

Me:It’s going to be a disaster.

Tori: Same thing *devil horn emoji*

I pocket my phone, shaking my head.

This is insane. But as I finish sanitizing the mats, I realize I’m smiling.

Banks Callahan. My fake boyfriend.

This is going to be interesting.

Chapter Eight

Claimed

Banks

---