Not Falling for the Forward

Jack Cartwright used to have it all: a glittering Premiership League career, enough scandalous headlines to break the internet, and abs that got more airtime than his footwork.

After a decade of fame, flings and front-page scandals, he’s decided it’s time to grow up. Settle down. Maybe even find the one?
Emily Ryan, meanwhile, is one life-altering disaster away from a full-blown meltdown. So when Jack Cartwright accidentally breaks her nose on what was already the worst day of her life?
Yeah, she’s not exactly charmed.
Now the annoyingly tall, grinning striker is offering her dinner by way of apology, as if that’s a normal response to a concussion. But honestly? Distraction sounds kind of nice.
He’s offering dinner.
She’s thinking dessert and zero emotional consequences.
He wants something real.
She wants something that won’t require therapy.

The more Emily tries to keep things fun and temporary, the more Jack shows up with suspiciously excellent hugs and a dangerous amount of boyfriend energy. And the more Jack tries to play it cool, the more he realises Emily might be the one woman completely immune to his charm.

The timing is a disaster. The chemistry is undeniable. And neither of them is sticking to the plan.