Page 29 of The Riskiest Move

I shake my head, trying to clear my thoughts. I need to focus on finishing this podcast episode instead of letting myself get distracted thinking about a relationship that isn’t even real.

Just as I’m about to dive back into my work, my phone buzzes again. This time it’s a text from Autumn.

Hey, girl! I’m on my way home. Want me to grab dinner for tonight?

I smile, grateful for the interruption.

That sounds wonderful. I don’t feel like cooking anyway.

You got it. Any requests?

Surprise me.

Okay. See you soon!

Drive safe.

I set my phone down, feeling relieved I don’t need to cook. This will give me more time to knock out the podcast editing.

“You’re the best friend ever,”I say, wiping my face on a napkin. “This is so damn good, and even better, I didn’t have to cook.”

“We haven’t had pizza in ages, so I figured no time like the present,” Autumn says.

“Mmm, good call.” I take another bite of the cheesy goodness. “How was your day?”

Autumn shrugs. “Pretty uneventful. Just the usual stuff at work. How about you? Did you get a lot done on the podcast?”

“Yeah, I’m almost finished with the edits. Should be ready to post tomorrow.”

“That’s great,” she says, smiling. Then her expression turns sly. “So… heard from your boyfriend lately?”

I roll my eyes but can’t keep my lips from curving. “He’s not my boyfriend, remember?”

“Details, details.” She waves her hand dismissively. “Have you talked to him since the other night?”

“We texted a bit earlier,” I admit. “He warned me that reporters might try to approach me for info about our ‘relationship.’”

Autumn’s eyes widen. “Wow, things are getting serious. Are you ready for that level of attention?”

I shrug, trying to appear nonchalant. “I guess we’ll find out. It’s not like I’m actually dating him, so there’s not much for them to dig up.”

“True, but you still might get recognized in public now. Are you okay with that?”

I pause, thinking that over. The idea of strangers approaching me is a bit unsettling, but it’s part of the deal I made with Cooper. I don’t get recognized for the podcast yet, but maybe someday I will. This can be training for when I reach that level of success.

“I think I can handle it. Besides, it’s only temporary.”

Autumn gives me a knowing look. “Right. Temporary.”

I narrow my eyes at her. “What’s that supposed to mean?”

She holds up her hands in surrender. “Nothing! I’m just saying, you two seemed pretty cozy.”

I laugh, shaking my head. “We were just playing our parts. That’s all it was.”

“Uh huh,” Autumn says, clearly unconvinced. “And the fact that he’s gorgeous and charming has nothing to do with how comfortable you looked together?”

I feel a flush creeping up my neck. “Okay, fine. He’s attractive. I’m not blind. But that doesn’t mean anything isgoing to happen between us. This is strictly business. I’m merely helping out a friend.”

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