Jules’s fingers twitch, so I lean back against the couch cushions and pull our clasped hands into my lap, using my thumb to stroke circles on the back of her hand. I don’t miss the way AJ’s eyes track that movement before she glances up at me, eyebrows raised.
“You’re not terrible at your job, and you know it.” I’m so glad we decided not to lie to her, because that wouldn’t have gone over well. As I explain what happened, and what we’ve decided to do, I watch her observe both of us closely and wonder what she sees.
When I’m done explaining the last eighteen hours, she gives a quick nod and says, “Okay, here are my initial thoughts.” She looks at Jules. “First, at some point, I want to hear more details about this mentoring program because it sounds amazing and necessary. Second,” she says, looking back at me, “there’s obviously a reason you said you two were engaged, and I look forward to you figuring out what that was. Third, I agree with Jameson that the idea of continuing to fake this engagement is completely asinine, but also with both of you that there isn’t a better alternative given the situation. And fourth, in order for this to work, you are going to have to convincea lotof people that you’re in love.There are probably already too many people who know the truth, and I appreciate being one of them. But I assume you’re planning on telling the rest of the team, and Wilcott,” she says, referring to our coach, “that you’re really engaged?”
“Yeah,” I say decisively, “I don’t think anyone except you and Jules’s family can know the truth. The more people who know, the more likely it is to get out.”
“And the only thing that can make us look worse than we already do in this situation,” Jules says with a sigh, “is if theactualtruth was out there.”
“I’m sorry you’re in this position,” AJ says, her voice uncharacteristically sympathetic. “But I agree with you on both accounts.” Her eyes narrow in on us, sitting together, still holding hands. “Do you really think you can fake this, though?”
Jules and I glance at each other, and the memories of us in that alley come flooding back—the way she felt with her legs wrapped around my hips, pressed up against my body as she fucking devoured my mouth. Not a single thing about that moment felt like faking it. But unfortunately, I also can’t shake the memory of Jameson making it clear that I’m not the kind of person he wants to be with his sister.
“Yeah, I think we can convince people,” I say.
“Me too,” Jules tells AJ.
“Well, good. Because that charity event for the pediatric hospital is this coming Saturday, and I expect you’re now attending together,” AJ says. “Which will give you the perfect opportunity to be seen out as a couple, at a team event. Plus, I assume Jules will be at the first playoff home game on Friday night?”
We leave tonight for our first two games in Florida, andthen we’re back at the end of the week for a home game on Friday. I’d forgotten about that charity event on Saturday until right now. I’m about to tell AJ that Jules and I haven’t discussed this yet, when she says, “Of course I’ll be at both. Just like a good little fiancée would be.”
I glance over at her. “You’re going to have to tone down the sarcasm if you want people to believe you’re marrying me.”
“Well, luckily, I’m not,” she says, her voice teasing. “But I can pretend in public.”
“Beverycareful,” AJ warns, “because, given his reputation, people will be looking for any excuse to prove that Colt can’t settle down. And if Colt looks like an idiot, this organization will too.”
Jules nods as she pulls the side of her cheek into her mouth, creating a line beneath her strong cheekbones to stop herself from replying. As I try to imagine all the things she’snotsaying, it really sinks in what Jameson was trying to tell me last night ... My reputation is incredibly tainted.
There’s no way that’s not going to come back to bite me in the ass the minute we officially announce this engagement—and Jules is the one who’s going to be made to look stupid for falling for me.
But I can do things differently moving forward. I can be the man she deserves, even if it’s only for appearance’s sake.
Chapter Fifteen
JULES
Iglance at my phone again as I wait for Graham to finish drying off after his shower. He managed to be in and out in ten minutes, which must be some sort of record. When he lived with me, it was a miracle if we could get him out in under half an hour. I guess the fact that I took him out to eat, and we got back later than planned, combined with him not wanting to miss any of his dad’s first playoff game, lit a fire under his ass. I’ll have to share this new strategy with Audrey when she gets home.
Colt
Tell me you don’t have any plans tomorrow night.
He sent me the text an hour ago, but I didn’t see it until we got home. In the living room, the TV’s on and the players are already on the ice, so I haven’t respondedyet. He won’t see my message until after the game anyway, so I have some time to figure out what I want to say.
I don’t have any plans tomorrow night, but spending any more time with him than absolutely necessary feels like I’m inviting disaster. If I’ve learned anything in the last week, it’s that I still make terrible decisions when he’s around. Last weekend could have cost him his career, if AJ was mad enough, or cost me my professional reputation.
So no, I don’t think it’s a particularly good idea to doanythingwith him beyond what’s required for our engagement to appear real.
I stand in the kitchen, close enough to hear Graham singing to himself in the bathroom, while I keep half an eye on the TV so I can give him a warning when it’s about to start.
The camera zooms in on Colt as he does his warm up stretches. With his knees spread and ass out, Colt bounces lightly from side to side, stretching his inner thighs.
Why is that so hot?
“What are you looking at?” Graham’s voice comes from right beside me, and it’s so unexpected that I jump, sending my phone clattering to the countertop.
“Just checking how much longer until the game starts.” Glancing down at the towel wrapped around his waist, I ask, “Are you going to get your pajamas on?”
