Page 9 of Accidentally Falling for My Fake Wife

“You’re not worried, are you Finn?” I can’t keep the teasing out of my voice.

“Of course I’m worried!” He all but yells through the phone, and a smile creeps across my face. “I’ve been worried since the trade. I just want to make sure you put your best foot forward and that this transition goes smoothly for everyone. But especially you and Steve.”

“Thanks, Finn. It’s been difficult the last few days.” I run a hand through my hair and blow out a big breath. “I’m still not happy about the whole situation–”

“Adam–”

“But,” I cut him off. “I’m doing better. I had a nice long talk with Steve and took him on a virtual tour of the farmhouse. Both he and Nicole love it.”

Finn’s sigh of relief is audible through the phone. “Seee…I told you the house would be perfect for you.”

“You did,” I shrug, admitting defeat. Finn was right about what I needed. “Oh, I met Susie Owens at Thanks-A-Latte. She’s–”

“Off-limits,” He says firmly, and I can’t help but chuckle.

“I figured,” hoping the disappointment doesn’t come through. “If Josh is anything like me with my sister, forget about dating; you better not even look at her the wrong way.”

“You and Josh are going to get along just fine,” Finn chuckles. “As long as you don’t try to marry his sister, that is.”

“Seriously?” I scoff. “Marry her? Ha! I won’t even be trying to date her.”

Finn’s laughter rings through the phone. “I’ll see you in ten.”

I blow out awhistle as I park in front of the Mavs training facility.

“That is an impressive building,” I say, picking up my phone to snap a photo. Just as I’m texting Steve, a car pulls up next to me, and Finn gets out. I push open the door and slide out of the Jeep. I reach over to grab my duffel.

“Did you send Steve a picture of the training facility?” Finn teases. I stop reaching for my duffel bag, a small grin on my face and look over my shoulder at Finn. He’s beaming at me, and I can’t help but chuckle.

“How could I not? This building is amazing from the outside; he’s going to be ridiculously jealous.” I pull the duffel bag out and throw it over my shoulder.

“Wait until you see the inside; it’s even better.” Finn holds the door open for me, and my footsteps falter when I step over the threshold. The room is gigantic, with high ceilings and a minimalist style that uses team colors. On the far wall is the Mavericks logo. Finn laughs behind me and slaps me on the shoulder. “We’re going left.”

Finn walks past me as I stand with my mouth hanging open, slowly perusing the room.

What will the rest of the facility look like?

“Hi. Finn Mitchell and Adam Daniels are here to meet Mitch.” Finn turns to me, a smirk on his face. I keep my face blank as I walk toward him.

“Hi, Finn, Adam.” The receptionist looks over at me with a smile. “Mitch is expecting you. Have a seat while I call him down.”

“Thank you. Adam, come and sit over here.” Just as I’m about to sit, I see Mitch McDermott walking toward us. His smile is friendly and excited. There’s a gleam in his eyes, and I find myself smiling back.

“Hi, Finn,” he turns to me with his hand out. “Adam. I am so glad to have you here. Coach McGee can’t wait to talk to you and get you on the practice field with the team.”

I stand and take his hand in mine. He pumps it enthusiastically, and again, a smile forms on my face. “Thanks, Mitch. I’m excited to play for the Mavericks.”

I feel Finn’s eyes on my back, and I know he has a grin.

“Follow me,” Mitch says as he leads us down the hall to the locker room and Coach McGee’s office.

As we walk, Mitch talks about the training facility and everything on-site. The press hasn’t exaggerated about this; the Mavericks’ facility is state-of-the-art, and then some.

Voices from the locker room carry down the hallway. A heaviness hits my chest as a sense of sadness weighs me down. Knowing my brother or former Jags teammates won’t be with me hits me in the gut. My talk with Steve last night comes back, and I know I’ll be fine, but right now, it’s an adjustment.

“Daniels!” A voice calls out as soon as I walk into the locker room. I immediately recognize Darius Brown’s voice. Finn and Mitch wave me off, so I head over to the Maverick’s starting safety and my old college teammate.

“Darius.” I reach out my hand, but he slaps it away and pulls me in for a hug. “It’s great to see you, man. How are you?”

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