Page 52 of The Riskiest Move

“I can do that.”

“I guess the grumpy part of you still exists,” Scarlett points out, laughing.

Autumn gives her a playful shove. “Shut it.”

“How about we get a picture with the four of you,” Lisa suggests.

Autumn smiles at her. “Great idea.”

Lisa arranges us until Rogan and I stand like bookends on either side of the girls. When Frankie’s finished snapping pictures, Lisa points back and forth between Scarlett and me.

“So, how long have you been together?”

I glance at Scarlett, silently communicating that I’ll handle this. She gives a slight nod.

“We’ve been dating for a couple of months now. We met through Rogan and Autumn and really hit it off.” I keep my tone casual.

“That’s adorable. I guess I need a friend to set me up with someone,” Lisa says.

“I can find someone for you,” Autumn offers.

“I’m not into athletes. But if you know a sexy, nerdy guy, send him my way.”

“What about Frankie?” Autumn asks, and all our eyeballs swing his way. The poor dude looks like his mom just walked in on him watching porn.

“But we work together,” Lisa says, chewing on her bottom lip as she studies Frankie.

“So?” Autumn throws her hands up. “Plenty of people meet their significant others at work. Rogan and I did.”

“That’s true,” Lisa agrees. “Well, we won’t keep you any longer. Thanks for the chat and the photos. Have a great rest of your evening.”

“You too.” As she walks away, Autumn touches Scarlett’s arm. “I’m staying at Rogan’s tonight.”

Scarlett nods. “I figured as much.”

“Don’t worry. I’ll get her home safe and sound,” I say.

Autumn smiles. “I know you will.”

Just then, the valet pulls up with my car. I open the passenger door for Scarlett, helping her in before going around to the driver’s side.

As we pull away from the hotel, a comfortable silence settles between us. I can’t help but replay the kiss in my mind. It was meant to be for show, but it felt... real. Too real. The softness of Scarlett’s lips, the way she melted against me for just a moment—it’s all etched into my memory.

I glance over at Scarlett, who’s looking out the window, her profile illuminated by the passing streetlights. She seems lost in thought.

“Hey,” I say softly, breaking the silence. “You okay?”

She turns to me with a small smile. “Yeah, I’m fine. Just processing everything, I guess. Lisa and Frankie caught us off guard.”

I nod, keeping my eyes on the road. “We handled it well, though. You were great.”

“Thanks,” she says. “So were you. I was impressed with how smoothly you answered her questions.”

“What about the kiss? Were you impressed by that?” I’m curious if she was as affected by it as I was.

She sends a side-eyed glance my way. “Maybe.”

I grin and adjust my grip on the steering wheel.

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