Page 14 of Her Athlete's Wedding Secret

“Well, at least you recognize that.”

“I didn’t want to at first,” Benson admitted.

“It’s a good thing you do, or you could be in worse trouble than you are.”

“That’s probably true.”

“Why did you pick me of all people?”

“I knew you wanted to move to the city. And you’re levelheaded. You’re just the kind of girl my coach would want to see me with.”

“I’ll take that as a compliment.” Tessa sipped on her coffee.

“At least you’re not offended by it.”

“Hey, I’m not going to kid myself into thinking that you mean anything romantic by this arrangement. Potential arrangement. I’m just looking at it in a practical light.”

“Good. Because it’s strictly about saving my job.”

“You don’t think it could turn into something more later?” Tessa asked.

“I’m not emotionally available.”

Tessa scoffed. “What’s that supposed to mean?”

“It’s complicated.”

“Is that why you’ve been chasing after so many girls? Because you’re afraid of commitment?”

“I prefer not to discuss my personal life.”

“This isn’t a sports interview. If you’re planning on potentially marrying me, don’t you think I deserve to know that information?”

“No, I don’t. Because this wouldn’t be a traditional marriage. You’d be allowed to have your secrets, and I’d have mine. But you have my word that I would stay faithful to you if we were to get married. I take that very seriously.”

A look of frustration crossed Tessa’s features. “How are we supposed to get to know each other if you just shut me down like this?”

“I’ll tell you anything else you want to know. But my personal life stays personal.”

“You mean your dating history.”

“Yes. That’s what I mean.”

“You’re not talking about what kind of toothpaste you use?”

“What?”

“That’s a very personal thing.”

“I don’t even know what kind of toothpaste I use. I grab whatever’s on sale.”

“On sale? You’re a pro football player. You don’t have to worry about that stuff anymore.”

“Old habits die hard. I’m still just a regular guy.”

“Yeah. I know. I like that about you.”

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