My phone goes off, and we both look at it.
I open my recent text thread from Kane.
Kane
Take your pick. You’re wearing it as my date to the charity function.
“Hisdate?” I say aloud.
And how the hell did he know to text me that right this second? Also, I recall him being there when my brother very clearly stated he would not be okay with Kane fuckinghis sister.
“Yep,” Reese sighs. “And I’m Malaki’s.”
I gape at Reese. “What?”
She bites her lip. “Yeah, and that’s not all.”
My phone goes off again and I glance down to see another text from Kane.
Kane
And your brother may not have some type of pact with anyone else on the team, but I sure do.
Me
Pact or threat?
Kane
Is there a difference?
I roll my eyes.
Kane
Anyway, it doesn’t matter. I’ll make sure to remind them at the function when you show up by my side.
“I am not going as his date,” I announce to Reese, who is reading the texts over my shoulder. “Everyone is going to think we’re together.”
Never mind River. Surely this goes against workplace ethics.
Reese laughs. “I think that’s the point he’s trying to make.”
The opposite team scores, the buzzer pulling our attention to the TV. Charleigh claps and bounces on the floor.
Kane
Pick a dress that's easily removable. I’ll pick you up tomorrow when I get back to town.
My fingers race against the screen.
Me
I am not going as your date!
The cameras. The media. Ethics and morals. River!
Reese and I share a look and glance back to the dresses. “Might as well try them on,” she says. “I’m learning that those Blue Devils are pretty persistent.”