And since we recently had a spectacular turnout during the charity game we hosted for the same cause, it was a no-brainer to offer to host.
And this truly couldn’t come at a better time, because not only do I need time away from my infuriatingly hot fake husband, but I also get the opportunity to meet the players that are currently on my radar for the next season and see up close how well they are playing.
The teams are split into players who are born in or descendants of the Dominican Republic, Puerto Rico, Cuba, Mexico, and Japan.
I have my eye on at least one player from each team and am looking forward to seeing how our own Monarch players perform now that the season is over.
I’m sure Mateo Martinez will be putting on quite the family-friendly show, given that the last time he was on the field, he was pummeling Isabella’s douchey ex into the ground.
Not our proudest moment as a team, but what can I say? We’re a protective bunch.
As if my thoughts have summoned him, number thirty-five knocks on my open door, wearing a wide smile. “Hey, you got a minute?”
I wave for him to enter, and he closes the door behind him. “And to what do I owe the pleasure, Martinez? Have my friend and your daughter finally kicked you out of the house so they can make their sprinkle cakes in peace? Or is it pancakes for dinner night?”
His eyes soften at the mention of Isabella and his daughter Anna. “Actually, that’s kinda why I’m here.” He leans forward and rubs his hands together. “I’m proposing to Isa, and I need your help.”
I shoot out of my seat and let out a happy shriek. “Yes! I’m so excited. Anything you need. Do you have a plan? Want me to take her out to get a manicure? What about the ring? Do you need—”
“Okay, boss. Slow down.” He chuckles as he stands.
I round my desk and give him a big hug. I don’t make it a habit of being this close to my players, but I’ve gotten to know Mateo better since he started dating Isabella, and he now feels more like family.
“I need you to rally the troops and have them waiting at my place.Ifshe says yes, I want to have a small party with our friends and family.” He smiles to himself. “I know she would spend the rest of the night FaceTiming you guys anyway, so I figured she’d like for all of us to celebrate together.”
I nod repeatedly, laughing hysterically when I realize a tear is running down my cheek. “Oh God. Now I’m crying at work. I should fine you for this, Martinez.” Our combined laughter only causes more tears to form, and before I know it, I’m a weepy mess.
A soft knock sounds on my door before Nick strides in with a reusable bag in hand. Most likely another home-cooked meal for me, since he’s been supplying me with lunch since we got married. I know he passes it off as if it’s nothing, leftovers of his meals, but I’m no dummy. Because every meal he’s delivered consists of protein, healthy fats, and complex carbs. A PCOS friendly diet.
He usually strolls in and tries to keep the focus off the nice gesture, but one look at my tear-stricken face, and his relaxed stance turns lethal.
“What happened?” He drops the bag and is already pulling me away from Mateo before I’m able to speak.
“Calm down, I’m fine.” I hiccup as I wipe away my tears. The sight seems to anger Nick further and he makes to move toward Mateo. I hold him back by his arm and give him a strong tug back toward me. “Husband,” I singsong, but Nick isn’t having it.
He points at Mateo without breaking eye contact with me. “He made you cry.”
I realize that we have an audience, and Mateo’s amused chuckle is only making matters worse.
Before Nick lunges at my star player, I slip my arms around his neck and lift to give him a kiss on his cheek in hopes of defusing the situation.
We haven’t really shown any PDA in front of our friends, and I use the weak excuse to place another kiss on his opposite cheek.
Nick blinks a few times, most likely taken aback by my sudden show of affection, then dives down to place a kiss worthy of alerting HR on my lips. I allow myself to indulge for a few moments—I’m only human after all—then slowly push back from Nick’s intoxicating touch. “Mateo’s asking Isabella to marry him. He’s asked me to help out. That’s why I was crying.”
He lifts a large hand and cradles my face, swiping away a fresh tear. His voice drops to a whisper. “These are your happy tears?”I bite my lip and nod. “Good.” A soft kiss lands on my cheek, where the tear was wiped seconds ago.
“Wait till I tell Isabella about this. She’s going to ask me to replay this scenario a million times over.” He chuckles. “She’s going to be so pissed she missed out on your little make-out session. My woman has been trying to find a way to casually invite you guys to a double date. But if I’m being honest, I’m pretty sure she was going to use the opportunity to interrogate you, Nick. Glad I have enough material to hold her over for a week or so.”
Nick finally makes eye contact with Mateo, but not before tucking me into his side. “We’d love to double date, and I welcome a good ole interrogation.” Nick looks between the two of us, gauging the room before he offers, “Actually, how about I do you one better? In honor of your upcoming nuptials, I’ll host a joint bachelor and bachelorette party.” He stares down at me, as if I should know the next words that are coming out of his mouth. Unfortunately, my telepathy skills have yet to kick in, so I’m in the dark and he continues. “Actually, if you don’t mind, maybe Luisa and I will join in the festivities, since we eloped and never had the opportunity to celebrate beforehand.” He quirks a brow at me. “What do you say?”
“Of course,” I answer, catching on that this is part of our arrangement, where we need to convince our friends that we’re madly in love. The kiss we shared earlier should set off the group chat once Mateo talks to Isabella, and the rest we can take care of once we’re out celebrating as a group. “Sounds like a fun night out. Maybe we should also celebrate Daisy and her fiancé that night as well. A triple bachelor and bachelorette party?”
Nick and Mateo share the same unimpressed look. “I’m pretty easy-going. I’m fine with whatever you all decide.” He looks at Nick. “But with all due respect, that guy is a tool.”
“What did he do now?” Nick all but growls, his brotherly instincts flaring to life.
I feel myself tense up as well. I’ve come to see Daisy more like a little sister, and even though I’ve only met Daisy’s fiancé in passing, it was more than enough to firmly place him at the top of my shit list. He even had Nick beat.
