Page 116 of Faking Ties

“Well, for the first time, I don’t have someone harassing me when I step outside. I’ll never take for granted being able to get coffee without someone following me.”

“I’m so relieved.”

“Me, too,” he says, but he doesn’t sound as happy as I thought he would.

“What’s wrong?”

“I had an argument with my dad, and it ended with me asking him not to contact me anymore.”

“Oh my God,” I say. “Are you okay?” Hunter’s already going through so much, and this on top? It might be for the best, but I still hurt for Hunter. They were close, or at least I thought they were.

“I will be, but I don’t want to even think about him until the season ends. Then, I’ll process everything.”

“And I’ll be here to help you, whenever you’re ready.”

“I love you,” he says. “And I have some news for you.”

“More? You’ve had an eventful past day.”

“You have no idea.” He chuckles. “But I do have to tell you that Evren, Jake, and Quincy all suspected the truth about there being two of you. I tried to redirectthem, but they weren’t deterred. But don’t worry, I made them all sign an NDA to protect you.”

“I bet Evren resisted that.” I grin, just imagining how that conversation went.

“You have no idea,” he grumbles. “Today, I had to threaten to quit the team before he would.”

“Why would you do that?” I ask, incredulous. “Football is your life.”

“Don’t you get it?You’remy life, my future. Not a game. It’s you, Elodie. It’s always been you.”

“But—”

“Don’t you dare argue with me about this,” he says sternly.

“But arguing with you is so fun,” I tease.

“Then by all means, argue away, especially once I tell you that yesterday I asked Evren if you could have a pop-up bakery in his stadium.”

My jaw drops. “You did what now?”

“To ensure your future.”

“I… Thank you. You’ve always looked out for me, and I can’t tell you how much that means to me. I also have a surprise for you. To ensureourfuture, I’m planning to move to Skyrise.”

“Are you now?” His smile is blinding.

“Yes, and into your house whether you want me or not.”

He laughs. “Have I ever given you any reason to doubt how much I want you?”

“Nope. Never.” I grin.

“When can you come?”

“As soon as it’s safe and after you win the Super Bowl.”

“Love your confidence in us to win,” he says, “but why after?”

“Because I want you to be able to focus on the game and not worry if I’m safe or not.”

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