Page 20 of Accidentally Falling for My Fake Wife

Steve:You did good, little brother.

Steve:Off to prep for my game.

I shake my head and chuckle at Olivia’s comment. It’s always been about the team colors for her. Don’t get me wrong, she loves football—now—but for her, she’s always judged a team by their colors.

Me:Bring home a W for the Jags, Big Bro!

Steve is three minutes older than me and he never lets me forget it. Mom would do two separate cakes three minutes apart, at my dad’s suggestion. He made it very clear that although we were brothers, we were still individuals.

I’ve never felt the truth of those words more than at this moment.

Nicole:I'm so glad Steve’s game is at 5 p.m. PST so I can watch it. You single-handedly made the Mavericks' O-line look ridiculous.

Nicole:There were a lot of quiet Jags fans watching you dominate. They’re not happy that you’ll be playing against them.

Nicole:That fan was Steve.

A chuckle escapes at the same time tears prick the back of my eyes, a tightness grips my heart, and warmth simultaneously fills me. I am so very lucky to have the love and support of my family. Even when we aren’t together, we find ways to be there for each other.

Me:Thanks, everyone! I love you.

Me:I need to shower and then talk to the press.

Me:Talk to you later.

I slip my phone back into my locker and make my way to the showers.

“Daniels,” Coach McGee calls from his office.

I move in the direction of his office and lean against the doorframe. “Yeah, Coach?”

“You didn’t disappoint.” He lifts his head up from whatever he’s reading and grins. “Glad to have you as part of the team.”

I take a deep breath and feel my shoulders get straighter. A lopsided grin lifts the corner of my lips.

“Thanks, Coach. It’s been a better adjustment than I thought it would be.” He nods at me and goes back to whatever he was doing before he called me in.

I push off the doorframe and make my way to the shower. With a silly grin lingering, and whistling as I go.

I push the lockerroom door open, and my heart races as I see Susie leaning against the wall with a smile on her face. My eyes take in her loose curly hair, bright eyes, and Darius’s jersey. I feel my fist clench before blowing out a big, calming breath. She laughs at something Brie says, and a tingle runs down my spine at the sound.

A man in Michaels's jersey stands in front of her, talking quickly. A burning sensation fills my chest, and I clench my jaw. Jealousy grips me for the second time in less than a minute.

Brie turns her grinning face away, and Susie presses her lips together. My chest loosens, and the corners of my lips lift.

Whoever this guy is, Susie isnotinto him.

I run a hand through my damp hair and feel my feet being pulled in the direction of the woman I’ve been doing my best to keep my distance from.

“Hey, Susie. How are you?” I watch her lips curve up, and a sparkle fills her green eyes. I nod in Brie’s direction without taking my gaze off of Susie. “Brie.”

“Hey, Adam. Great game today!” I feel a flush creep up my neck at Susie’s praise.

What is happening? I’ve had people compliment me on how I've played my entire life, and yet here I am blushing.

“Can I get your autograph?” Susie’s ‘date’ asks. Over his head, I catch Susie rolling her eyes and can’t stop the grin creeping up my face at Brie’s laugh.

“Sure thing. Do you have a pen and paper?” As he pats himself down, I have to press my lips together to keep from laughing.

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