Filthy Score

1. A Pickpocket's Pride Sparks Unexpected Consequences

I told you I’d get your wallet, and I told you that I’d take it on a shopping spree.

The initial bet. Tessa, a PR manager for the Seattle Hawkeyes, accepts a bet from Lake, a star hockey player, that she can't pickpocket his wallet. Driven by pride and a desire to knock Lake down a peg, Tessa succeeds, using his black card for a girls' night out. This seemingly harmless prank sets off a chain of events that neither of them could have anticipated.

Pride and competition. The bet highlights the competitive dynamic between Tessa and Lake, fueled by their contrasting roles within the Hawkeyes organization. Tessa, often tasked with cleaning up Lake's media messes, sees the bet as an opportunity to assert her dominance. Lake, confident in his charm and status, underestimates Tessa's skills.

Unforeseen repercussions. Tessa's actions, though intended as a lighthearted prank, have serious consequences. Lake, alerted to the unauthorized charge on his card, tracks her down, leading to a confrontation that exposes their underlying tensions and sets the stage for a forced collaboration.

2. Image Control Battles Lead to Forced Proximity

I’m the head of public relations. I’m telling you that this is bad for your image, and for the Hawkeyes, it needs to come down immediately before everyone sees it.

Clash of responsibilities. Tessa's role as the Hawkeyes' PR manager puts her at odds with Lake's carefree attitude towards his public image. When an indecent photo surfaces on his social media, Tessa demands its removal, citing contractual obligations and the team's family-friendly image.

Power dynamics. The conflict over the photo highlights the power dynamics between Tessa and Lake. Tessa, wielding the authority of her position, attempts to control Lake's behavior. Lake, resistant to her authority, refuses to comply unless she asks nicely, turning the situation into a personal battle of wills.

Forced collaboration. The escalating conflict reaches the general manager, Sam, who orders Tessa to accompany Lake on a charity trip to Aspen. This forced proximity, intended to resolve the image control issue, sets the stage for unexpected connections and romantic entanglements.

3. Ruinous Intentions Pave the Way for Unexpected Connections

I’m basically forcing his little sister to come home with me to Aspen in order to ruin her vacation to Cabo and cockblock her from a week with some dick having hot, bikini vacation sex with her?

Conflicting desires. Lake initially intends to make Tessa's trip to Aspen miserable, seeking revenge for her constant interference in his life. He revels in the idea of ruining her vacation and preventing her from enjoying a romantic getaway with another man.

Unforeseen consequences. Lake's plan backfires as he begins to see a different side of Tessa. Her resilience, wit, and genuine care for others challenge his preconceived notions and spark an unexpected attraction.

Shifting dynamics. The forced proximity and shared experiences in Aspen create opportunities for Lake and Tessa to connect on a deeper level. Their initial animosity gradually gives way to a grudging respect and a growing awareness of their mutual attraction.

4. Past Trauma Casts a Shadow on Present Relationships

A heart isn’t safe outside of your body, and I know that better than anyone.

Lake's emotional barriers. Lake's past trauma, hinted at but not fully revealed, has left him emotionally guarded and unwilling to commit to serious relationships. He adheres to a strict "one-night-stand" rule, fearing the vulnerability and potential for heartbreak that comes with deeper connections.

Tessa's protective walls. Tessa, scarred by past experiences with lying, cheating hockey players, has erected her own emotional barriers. She refuses to date athletes, determined to avoid the infidelity and manipulation that have plagued her previous relationships.

Shared vulnerabilities. Despite their initial animosity, Lake and Tessa share a common vulnerability: a fear of emotional intimacy. Their past traumas and protective walls create a complex dynamic, making it difficult for them to trust and connect on a deeper level.

5. Jealousy Unveils Hidden Desires and Complicated Feelings

I didn’t want her to go to Cabo anyway. Elliot’s nice enough, but he’s a safe choice.

Underlying possessiveness. Lake's sabotage of Tessa's Cabo trip reveals a possessive streak he didn't realize he possessed. He's bothered by the idea of her spending time with another man, particularly one he deems "safe" and unthreatening.

Conflicting emotions. Tessa's jealousy flares when she sees other women texting Lake, realizing that she doesn't want him to be with anyone else. This possessiveness clashes with her determination to avoid romantic entanglements with hockey players.

Unacknowledged attraction. The jealousy experienced by both Lake and Tessa highlights their underlying attraction, which they have been actively suppressing due to their conflicting roles and past experiences. These feelings create a tension that simmers beneath the surface, threatening to erupt at any moment.

6. A Betrayal Shatters Trust and Ignites a Path to Redemption

You’re going to be a child about this?” My eyes drill into him.

Deception revealed. Tessa discovers that Lake's "charity event" is actually a raunchy music festival, and that he intends to emcee a wet T-shirt contest. This betrayal shatters her trust and confirms her negative perceptions of him.

Conflicting emotions. Tessa is torn between her anger at Lake's deception and her undeniable attraction to him. She wants to punish him for his actions, but she also finds herself drawn to his charm and charisma.

A path to redemption. Lake, realizing the depth of his betrayal, attempts to make amends by offering Tessa a shopping spree and a truce. However, his efforts are met with skepticism and resistance, forcing him to confront the consequences of his actions.

7. Confronting the Past Opens Doors to an Uncertain Future

I’m not sure if I’ll be able to wait until tonight in my room to google stalk Lake, but I have to. I’m not sure what I’m about to find, but it doesn’t feel like something I should read about at a pizza parlor with a bunch of his friends nearby.

Unveiling the truth. Tessa's discovery of Lake's past accident and the guilt he carries sheds light on his emotional barriers and his reluctance to commit to serious relationships. This knowledge humanizes him in her eyes, challenging her preconceived notions and sparking a sense of empathy.

Confronting the past. Lake's past trauma and the guilt he carries prevent him from fully embracing happiness and love. He uses his "one-night-stand" rule as a shield, protecting himself from the vulnerability and potential for heartbreak that comes with deeper connections.

An uncertain future. The revelation of Lake's past creates a turning point in their relationship. Tessa, now aware of the pain he carries, must decide whether she's willing to navigate his emotional complexities and risk her own heart.

8. Sacrifice and Vulnerability Forge a Path to Unforeseen Love

I’m not letting anyone see what should belong to me…

A protective instinct. Lake's possessiveness over Tessa, initially driven by a desire to control her, evolves into a genuine protective instinct. He can't bear the thought of other men objectifying her, recognizing her worth and value.

Vulnerability and honesty. Lake's willingness to be vulnerable and honest with Tessa, revealing his past and his true feelings, marks a significant shift in his character. He's no longer hiding behind his charm and reputation, but instead, offering her a glimpse into his authentic self.

A leap of faith. Tessa, despite her reservations and past experiences, decides to take a leap of faith and trust Lake. She recognizes the genuine connection between them and is willing to risk her heart for the possibility of a lasting love.

Last updated: April 4, 2025