Page 41 of The Purest Fake

“And now you’re living out your dream,” she says, her lips curving in a soft smile.

I nod slowly. “I am, and it’s even better than I imagined.”

She rises to her feet with a groan. “I think I ate too much.”

Laughing, I collect our plates and stand. “I have no regrets about the eight tacos I devoured.”

“Maybe we should take a walk and work off some of this food,” she suggests with a hopeful expression. “Or are you too tired after the game?”

“I’d love to take a walk. Let me put these in the sink.”

“I’m gonna get my sneakers on,” she tells me as I carry the plates to the kitchen and deposit them in the sink.

CHAPTER 11

SCARLETT

As we step outside into the cool evening air, I take a deep breath, inhaling the salty scent of the nearby ocean. Sunset is upon us, leaving the sky awash with a stunning mix of pink, purple, and orange. Cooper is beside me, our steps falling into an easy rhythm as we head in the direction of the beach.

“I love how peaceful it is at dusk,” I say, breaking the comfortable silence between us.

Cooper nods, his hands stuffed in his pockets. “It’s nice. Helps clear your head.”

We walk along the sidewalk for a few minutes before reaching the path that leads down to the beach. Without discussing it, we both veer onto the sandy trail.

“Watch your step,” Cooper warns, his hand gently gripping my elbow to steady me as we navigate the uneven ground. His touch sends a small shiver through me, but I attribute it to the cool breeze coming off the water.

As we reach the sand, I slip off my shoes, enjoying the feel of the tiny grains between my toes. Cooper follows suit, and we continue along toward the water’s edge.

“So aside from football and your faith, what else makes Cooper Grind tick?”

He chuckles so softly I barely hear it. “I’m a simple guy. I love my family, especially my sister. I enjoy reading when I have time—mostly nonfiction, biographies, that sort of thing. And I have a secret obsession with shows about aliens.”

I laugh at this unexpected revelation. “Are you talking about movies likeE.T.or do you meanAncient Alienstype of shows?”

“The latter.”

“Are you a believer or hoping something will convince you to become one?”

“I think I’m a believer. I’m not sure that life exists on other planets or galaxies, but I like to think it does.”

“You seem so pragmatic. I never would’ve guessed this about you.”

A faint blush colors his cheeks. “Yeah, those shows are easy to get lost in. They take my mind off everything else.”

I smile, enjoying this glimpse into another side of him. “Sometimes it’s nice to get lost in something different from your everyday life.”

He nods, looking at the waves rolling in, and then his blue eyes focus on me. “Or someone.”

My chest fills with a fluttery warmth at his words and the intensity of his gaze.

“So what about you?” he asks, ending the moment. “What are your passions outside of wrestling and podcasting?”

I consider his question as we continue walking along the shore. “Well, I love to cook, as you’ve seen. And since Autumn and I purchased our house, I discovered I enjoy beach photography.”

“Beach photography, huh? Is that the professional title?” His tone is teasing.

“Yep, that’s what I call it. How can this”—I stretch my arms wide and turn in a circle without missing a step as we continue to walk—“not inspire someone?”

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