Page 15 of The Riskiest Move

Griffin smirks. “Which is why I avoid them.”

“Me too. We work hard on and off the field to play our best. We don’t need anything else demanding our attention or effort,” Thor explains.

“You don’t need to defend your anti-relationship stance. I get it. In fact, you know I felt the same way until I met Autumn,” Rogan says.

“Awwwwww,” Griffin sings in an annoying tone.

Thor stands. “And on that note, I think I need a drink.”

“I’ll go with you.” Griffin jumps to his feet.

“Are you gonna sing anymore?” Thor asks.

Griffin shakes his head. “Not unless you want me to.”

“Dude, I don’t think anyone wants that,” Thor tells him as they’re walking away.

“We might as well go now,” Rogan tells Autumn, and they both rise. He points to Cooper and me. “What do you two want?”

“I’ll take an espresso martini, please,” I say.

“And I’ll have a whiskey,” Cooper adds.

Once they’ve left, I struggle to find something to say, and I have no idea why.

“This is a little weird, huh?” he asks.

“It wasn’t at all until now,” I confess.

“Right? Why does it suddenly feel different? We’re the same people we were when everyone was sitting with us.”

I smile at him. “I’m glad I’m not the only one who noticed.”

CHAPTER 4

COOPER

Scarlett’s smile lights up her whole face.

God, she’s beautiful.

As far as fake girlfriends go, I couldn’t do better. She’s outgoing and natural in social situations. Aside from the momentary blip of awkwardness we experienced when our friends left, pretending to be a couple has felt so easy. I even like how she’s not afraid to push back at Griffin and Thor. The two of them can be fairly opinionated, and they often dominate conversations without challenge. I should’ve known that wouldn’t be the case with Scarlett.

“What do you think of your first charity event?” I ask her. The myriad of crystal chandeliers lighting up the reception hall illuminate the striking blue shade of her eyes.

“Well, it’s certainly beautiful in here, but I’m not sure I’ve experienced enough to form an opinion yet.”

“I’ll have to ask you again later,” I say.

She nods. “And don’t worry, I’ll tell you exactly what I think.”

“I’m counting on it.” I notice a flicker of uncertainty cross her face. “What’s wrong?”

“If you find me being too outspoken, please let me know so I can tone my personality down a notch or two.”

I lay my hand over hers on top of the table. “I don’t want you to change anything. Always be yourself, that’s why you’re here with me. I can’t imagine doing this with anyone else. Okay?”

Her lips softly curve. “Okay.”

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