Page 19 of The Publicity Stunt

Sasha's mouth drops open, and Rudy freezes in place. Kace sees a similar look of shock on Brett's face, and Kace wants nothing more than to kiss Bri. Not just because he wants to know what her lips feel like but because of the pure devastation on Sasha's face.

"Ready, babe?" Kace asks. "You remember Brett, right? Do you mind if he joins us?"

"Not at all. He owes you two meals now, right? Or did you get your raincheck for the game in Moose Jaw already?"

Brett laughs. "Girl has a good memory. I don't like that, by the way," he jokes.

Kace wraps his arm around her shoulders and pulls her against his side, taking note of how tall she is when she wears heels. "I could kiss you for that."

"I was a fan of yours before, but I now worship the ground you walk on. And I think I might love you. Never in my life have I seen Sasha stunned silent."

"Was I too harsh?" Bri asks as they walk outside. "I wanted to be clear that she and I will not be friends. I don't like people I know right off the bat can't be trusted, but I don't want to be mean about it."

They climb into the back of the SUV, and there's not much room for her with the two men. Kace made sure to get a larger vehicle this time around, just in case, but he hadn't had the forethought to consider Brett coming with them. She looks unsure where to sit, and Kace pats his lap. He loves the way she climbs up without any hesitation. Brett gives him a look, but he just wraps his arms around the beautiful woman who just made his entire week.

"You were perfect," he says and kisses her cheek, hoping this isn't too much affection for her. He had to do something with his lips and this woman.

"Okay, good," she says and leans into his chest. If she's bothered, she's putting on a damn good show.

They pull up outside the steakhouse they always go to after a Texas game, and both men shield Bri from the onslaught of cameras by keeping her sandwiched between them until they find the secluded table at the back. Another round booth.

"Is this okay?" Kace asks her. "I never asked where you wanted to eat. You seem borderline vegetarian, and this is the second steakhouse I've brought you to."

She slides into the booth, letting both men sit on the outsides, and she laughs. "I grew up in Texas. My grandpa was a rancher. He'd roll over in his grave if I became a vegetarian. I just limit my red meat intake, but we're in Texas. It's one of the only places I allow myself to really indulge. I'm totally getting a steak tonight."

Confidence. She only seemed to have it on the stage before, but he likes this side of her. He hopes he has something to do with the sudden comfortability she feels. But he's quickly taken off-guard when Brett starts with his usual flirtatious nature.

Bri takes it in stride, laughing when appropriate, but she keeps sliding closer to Kace until their legs touch. His anger at his friend tampers with the physical touch of the beauty next to him. They eat their meals with her damn near in his lap, and he's not upset about it in the least.

Brett and Kace scarfed down their T-bones with multiple sides of carbs while Bri ordered a filet with steamed vegetables and a salad. She'd ordered just water this time around while Brett drank a tall beer. For a non-athlete, she's one of the healthiest eaters he's ever met.

"Can I bother one of you two to hop out? I need to use the restroom," Bri says once they've finished their meals.

Kace scoots out of the booth to let her out, and he glares at Brett when he sits back down. "Knock it off!"

"What?"

"You're flirting with her."

"I thought you said this wasn't..." he looks around and lowers his voice, "real."

So that gives him a right to flirt with her? What does he think will happen? He'll bed her while Kace is the face of her new relationship? "That doesn't mean she's fair game for you to try and hook up with. Besides, she's not that type of girl."

"Do you like her?"

"Who wouldn't like her? Besides, you weren't the only one who thinks he fell in love when she put Sasha in her place."

Brett leans back, a large smile on his face. "You do like her! Fake my ass. It's also not hard to see she's the complete opposite of Sasha. It's actually the best thing you've ever done."

"I don't know, okay? I just got out of the relationship with Sasha, so I'm not really sure where my feelings are. Or hers, but you don't get to swoop in and charm her like you always do. She's off-limits just like any other girl would be."

"I didn't mean anything by it, I swear."

Kace nods. "Yeah."

"I'm sorry, Kace. I can't help that I ooze charm and charisma, but I'll try and dial it back around her. The last thing we need is her falling in love with me, and then it blows this whole plan out of the water. Because then you'd have to kick my ass, and we'd both put our teams at a disadvantage to face off for the Cup because we're injured. It'll become too big of a problem."

Ooze charm and charisma his ass. "Bri's just being nice and entertaining you. In case you hadn't noticed, she all but climbed in my lap to get away from you."

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