Page 1 of The Riskiest Move

CHAPTER 1

SCARLETT

“Ithink football pants are God’s gift to women.”

Autumn gives me a questioning glance. “Why?”

“I mean, look at them.” I wave my hand toward the Silverbacks players on the sidelines. “I’m in tight ass and thick thigh heaven.”

She smiles. “I can think of worse ways to spend a Sunday afternoon.”

“I bet men feel the same when women wear yoga pants,” I add.

“Poor Rogan. I don’t even own a pair,” Autumn says, mentioning her boyfriend who happens to be the team’s quarterback.

“I don’t think he cares what you wear. He’s so ridiculously crazy about you.”

She beams. “He is, isn’t he?”

“Yep. But you deserve it.”

“Aww, you’re sweet to say that. What about you?” She nudges the side of her sneaker against mine.

“What about me?”

“Don’t you deserve a nice guy?”

“I like to think I’ve already kissed enough toads, but just in case I haven’t, I’m gonna stick with my self-imposed dating sabbatical. Life has been much simpler since I began boycotting men six months ago.”

Autumn nods. “I understand that feeling. The two years I spent single changed my life. And then I landed my dream job and met Rogan.”

“Maybe it’ll work out for me too.”

“Investing time in yourself is never a bad thing. Look how well you’re doing, and your podcast has really taken off.”

I flick my hair from my shoulder and grin. “Yeah, it has, hasn’t it.”

She hooks her arm through mine, briefly hugging it close. “I’m not surprised at all.”

“You know you’re the only one besides my grandmother who didn’t think I was crazy when I wanted to do a podcast about professional wrestling.”

Her shoulders twitch with a brief shrug. “Everyone should do what makes them happy. I don’t know why people feel the need to give their opposing opinions on every little thing.”

“Yeah, ‘people’ being my family.” I let out an ironic laugh.

“I bet they see the error of their ways now, though.”

“Don’t be too sure. Even though I’m making more money than I’d hoped, it’s nothing compared to the money my family’s business generates.”

“None of that matters. You’re a grown woman who supports herself.”

I give a sharp nod. “Damn right I am.”

Staring down at the field, Autumn wraps an arm across her stomach. “Oh God. Here we go.” The head referee blows his whistle, and the opposing team kicks off, starting the game. The kick returner runs the ball back and is brought down just shy of the thirty yard line.

I pat her jiggling leg. “Relax. It’s only the second game of the season.”

“I know, but I want them to win.”

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