Page 37 of Fake Shot

“But I’m still not convinced that people are going to believe it, what with you sleeping with a new woman in every city,” Jameson says. “Won’t that just make my sister look like a fool?”

I hate that I have to defend myself to my best friend. I earned my reputation fair and square, but it’s been a long time since I’ve acted like that. Everyone just assumes that nothing’s changed because I continue to let them believe it. I play into it even, because it’s always been my armor—the way I keep women from getting too close while showing everyone back home that I’ve moved on.

I tell him the same thing I told Jules earlier, and he folds his arms across his chest. “And you think your teammates are going to believe this?”

“There hasn’t been another woman all season, and no one on the team could claim otherwise. So yeah, I think it’ll be pretty easy to explain that the reason no one’s seen me take a woman back to my hotel room, or leave a bar or a club with someone, is because I’ve secretly been dating Jules this whole time.”

His jaw ticks as he grinds his teeth together. “But just to be clear, you haven’t been? Right?”

“You already know the answer to that,” I say, folding my arms across my chest.

“AJ wants to meet with you first thing tomorrow morning,” he tells me. It’s never a good thing when your general manager calls you into a meeting on a Sunday.

“Shit. Do you think I need to tell her the truth?” I ask.

His lips press together—it’s his classic thinking face, the one I’ve seen countless times over the years as he’s negotiated contracts and endorsement deals on my behalf. “Yeah. I don’t know if she’ll agree with what you’re doing, but I think you should tell her. Because if somehow it comes out that you two lied about this, she will never,evertrust you again and your career with the Rebels will be over. Maybe even before the end of this contract.”

I’m not sure how many more years I’ve got left in me anyway, but I don’t want to piss off my GM or risk ending my career prematurely. I want to go out on my own terms.

“Alright. Should Jules come with me for this meeting?”

“What?” Jules squeaks out. “No way. She’s low-key terrifying.”

Jameson’s laugh is a low rumble. “AJ doesn’t take shit from anyone, but she’s not terrifying. She’s one of Lauren’s best friends, plus, she’d probably really like you. You two are a lot alike, actually.” He pauses, his eyebrows dipping, before he says, “Yeah, I think you should take Jules with you.”

“Nope.” Jules shakes her head adamantly, like a child who’s trying to get out of taking medicine. “Sorry, I can’t. I have plans.”

“Oh yeah?” I ask, thinking about how freaking adorable she is when she’s not getting her way, and how much I love to see her squirm. “What will you be doing?”

“Sleeping. I’m not a morning person.”

Ironic, given her line of work. If the last two days are anyindication, she leaves the house before I even wake up. “Come on, Jules. I need you to help me save my career.”

“Just play better and AJ wouldn’t dare get rid of you,” Jules says.

Jameson and I lock eyes and we both laugh. I’m arguably still the best goalie in the league, despite my age. “That’s not how AJ operates,” Jameson says.

Then I add, “She’s all about building a team of responsible, respectful men?—”

“And she letsyouplay for the Rebels?” Jules asks, covering her mouth in mock horror.

“Exactly, so I need you to help me show her how responsible and respectful I am. Come on, Jules. Don’t make me get on my knees and beg in front of your brother.”

She knows I’m teasing, but Jameson practically growls and says, “Don’t make me throat punch you in front of my sister.”

I roll my eyes in his direction and turn back to Jules. “Please, Jules?”

“Alright, fine,” she sighs, like she’s being deeply inconvenienced. “But only because we need this to work. Though, sometime, Iwouldlike to see you beg.”

“Fucking enough!” Jameson grinds out the words like he’s in pain. “Save your flirting and innuendos for when you’re trying to sell this fake engagement. And preferably not in front of me.”

I try not to take offense to the way he visibly shudders, like the thought of me tainting his sister is enough to make him want to vomit.

“This is how we’ve always talked to each other,” Jules says.

“Yeah, well, it has a whole new layer now that I’ve had to watch you two make out.” He turns his head toward me. “You’re my best friend, so I’ll tell you this once and once only. When you’re not out in public trying to convince people you’re actually engaged, keep your fucking hands off my sister.”

“Woah,” Jules says before I can even respond. “There’s nothing going on here, but even if there was, that would be none of your business. You don’t get to decide who I date.”

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