Page 34 of Her Athlete's Wedding Secret

“Pretty much,” Tessa said. “Benson needs us to be able to appear as a happy, stable couple if he wants to keep his job.”

Benson helped himself to some chicken and potatoes and then took a bite. “This is good.”

“Thank you,” Lauren said.

“Lauren and I cook together a lot. We enjoy it,” Chase said.

“What were you thinking when Benson asked you to marry him?” Lauren asked Tessa.

“Well, at first I was surprised, but then I told him no.” Tessa laughed.

“How did he convince you to change your mind?” Lauren asked.

“He told me the marriage could open doors for my career.”

“That’s an interesting point,” Lauren said. “You mean you could get a new job as a reporter with some big sports magazine?”

“Or the New York Times.”

“That would be a huge deal,” Lauren said.

“That might be a bit of a stretch, but there will be more opportunities being married to Benson than I would have otherwise.”

“You’re looking at this marriage as a way to build your career then,” Chase said.

“We both are,” Benson said.

“I see,” Chase said. “It’s an interesting situation.”

“Well, I’m sure it will only be a matter of time, and you two will fall in love with each other,” Lauren said. “This is like one of those arranged marriages that people used to do all the time.”

“It won’t happen that way for us,” Benson said.

“That seems strange,” Chase said. “Why do you say that?”

“Because it’s a decision I’m making,” Benson said. He didn’t want Chase digging around in this part of his life. He preferred to keep it under wraps. It was too painful to face.

“You’re going to keep yourself from being happy?” Chase said. “Look at what Lauren and I have here. I never would have imagined this level of joy for myself.”

“You both got lucky. That’s not how it works for everyone.” Benson gave up on that level of happiness long ago.

“That makes me sad,” Lauren said. “I want to see you two in love. You both deserve to have that.”

Tessa deserved it. Benson could agree with that wholeheartedly. But he couldn’t give it to her. His heart still belonged to another woman, and he didn’t know how to open it for a new person.

“What have you done for the wedding so far?” Lauren asked.

“I have my dress picked out. It’s getting the alterations done now.”

“That’s exciting. You’ll have to show me a picture when Benson isn’t around. It’s bad luck for the groom to see the dress before the big day.”

“I can do that. Onyx helped me snap a few pictures while I was trying the dress on.”

“How is your mom taking the news?” Lauren asked.

“She’s happy for me.”

“Is she upset that you’re going to be moving away?” Lauren asked.

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