Page 1 of Blindsided By Fake Love

Chapter One

Beau

Tiegame.Fivesecondsleft, and we just scored a try. The two point conversion would put us over the top for the win against the Vegas Scrum Renegades.

They played a great game but it appears like the Ironclad Marauders’ will go home with the win.

As long as our fly-half makes the kick.

Who says rugby isn’t exciting?

Swiping the towel across my face, I wet my mouth with a last drink before handing it and the water bottle back to the Marauders’ water carrier. The sun is high and the dry heat is working to rip every ounce of fluid from my body.

“BD is coming out with us tonight when I get these points,” Ralph ‘Karate Kid’ Marone taunts, taking a swig of water—his mom and dad are huge ’80s movie and series fans. I side-eye him and stiffly shake my head. My team knows I’m not a big party guy, especially after a game. “Come on, Beau Duke! We’re in Vegas. You have to come out with us for a tiny bit. Then you can go back to your boring,oldexistence.”

“Get it through the uprights, and we’ll see,” I grumble. The rest of the ‘younger’ guys snicker at what is a regular occurrence for most of our away games. Ralph is continually working to get me to ‘whoop it up’—party—with the team. I love playing with my teammates, but most of them are young. I remember being there…eight years ago.

It was fun while it lasted, but it's just not my thing anymore. Me? I’m ready for the hot tub that has my name written all over it.

We jog back onto the pitch to the sound of fans cheering and get into position at the 22-meter line for the conversion that could win the Marauders the game.

Lining up into position, Karate Kid gets ready. He points to me, a cocky grin on his face. Running a hand through my wet hair, my lips quirk slightly. A rumble moves through my body and I shake my head. The arrogance of this kid never fails to amaze me.

Even though I didn’t say yes, Ralph has no intention of letting me stay in tonight because he won’t miss.

He never does.

NursingaDr.Pepper,I watch the guys shamelessly tease each other. My lips twitch. The murmur of the people at the bar is mixed with bells, clinking coins, and the occasional cheer from someone’s successful wager.

Drinks flow freely, and the boys get more boisterous, which makes me grin. They’re a good group; they just enjoy celebrating after a win.

A small glass is shoved in front of my face. I push a hand out and shake my head.

“Just one?” Jackson ‘Worm’ Martin, the Marauders' scrum half, pleads. I peek at the drink he’s holding and glance back up at Jackson. This won’t be their last attempt tonight, but I’ll have the same answer.

“Sorry, boys.” I shrug, lips quirking. Raising my glass toward them, I continue. “Consider me the designated driver.”

“We can get an Uber,” someone shouts.

My lips curl up, and I laugh softly. Looking up, I find fourteen sets of eyes directed my way and watch the hopeful expressions in their eyes fade. Some of them pretend to act like they’re wounded. I roll my eyes and take another sip of Dr. Pepper.

“Worth a shot.” Jackson winks at me and shrugs.

Bouncing back as if nothing happened, Karate Kid raises his glass to the sky and shouts. “To a hard-fought win against a tough opponent. May the rest of our season be this victorious!”

I raise my glass to support that toast.

“Beau!” A feminine voice calls out. Glancing over my left shoulder, I see a woman in a wedding dress waving what seems to be a bouquet, walking in my direction.

Rubbing my eyes, I freeze. “Kit?” I barely breathe out. My skin tingles as a thrill surges through me.

“Did you forget to tell us you’re getting married tonight, big guy?” Oliver Benjamin, the Marauders’ hooker, slaps me on the back laughing. The other guys start hooting and hollering just as Christy ‘Kit’ Garrett calls my name again.

Her auburn hair is up, well, partially; the rest of it gives the appearance that she’s been in a scuffle and lost. Her hazel brown eyes are sparkling, and she seems slightly off balance as she makes her way toward me.

My breath catches, and my heart stops before beating like a jackhammer.

An elated grin spreads across her face, but as she gets closer, I can see her mascara is smudged. Her hands are raised up, and I’m not sure if she’s going to hug me or slap me. Considering the last time I saw her, it could be either.

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