Page 26 of Offside Secrets
Then his eyes flick back to me, and that tiny spark of warmth there nearly undoes me. My knees wobble, my pulsestutters, and for a ridiculous half-second I consider faking a faint just to get out of standing in that look.
Before I can combust entirely, a short honk cuts through the air outside. All three of us glance toward the window, where headlights sweep across the drive. The driver’s pulled up, right on cue—because of course the universe likes to remind me that there’s still an evening to get through, even while I’m seconds away from drowning in my captain’s tuxedoed perfection.
Anna, of course, is practically vibrating with glee. “I’ll just be going, then. Contract’s delivered, bracelet’s fastened: mission complete.” She shoots me a look that promises a full inquisition later, then adds with a mischievous little trill, “You two have fun tonight.”
I glare at her, but she just laughs, sweeping out the door like the queen she is.
The silence she leaves behind is thick. Campbell adjusts his cufflinks, then offers me his arm, pure gentleman. “Ready, Sutton?”
I swallow hard, sliding my hand through the crook of his elbow. His suit is warm beneath my palm, solid in a way that steadies me and unravels me all at once.
“Ready,” I say, forcing my voice steady.Tonight’s about the team. The Renegades. The board. The Sponsors.
But as we step out into the night together, I can’t ignore the tiny hitch in my chest—the one whispering that, deep down, I’m also ready for something else entirely.
The driver opens the back door of the sleek black sedan, and Campbell waits for me to slide in first. Of course he does. Gentleman to the core. I mutter a quiet “thanks” and gather my dress, trying not to trip over my own hem as I settle into the leather seat.
Campbell follows, smooth as silk, his broad shoulders brushing mine before he straightens. The door shuts with asolidthunk, sealing us inside. The city lights blur past the windows as the car pulls away from my house.
I let out a long breath. “Okay. One night. We walk in, shake hands, smile for the cameras, and we’re done. Easy.”
Campbell turns his head, one brow arched. “You giving yourself a pep talk, or me?”
“Both,” I admit, adjusting my bracelet like it suddenly needs my full attention. “This gala is important. And I don’t want the media spinning some story about us when this is strictly business.”
“Strictly business,” he repeats, lips curving into that infuriating half-grin. “Got it. I’ll just stand there and look intimidating. Like a human shield in a suit.”
“That actually doesn’t sound terrible,” I mutter, then realize I said it out loud.
He chuckles, low and amused. “Glad to be useful.”
I glance at him from the corner of my eye. He looks maddeningly relaxed, stretched out like this is just another car ride to the rink, not the beginning of a very formal evening. His tie is perfectly knotted, his hair slicked back just enough to look intentional but not fussy. And then there’s the way the suit fits him—tailored, sharp, dangerous in its simplicity. He’s all calm confidence, which is quite sexy if I’m honest.
“Okay,” I say, leaning forward slightly, “we just need a few rules for tonight.”
He grins. “Rules, huh? Sounds serious.”
“Serious, but simple,” I say with a nod. “One: we’re here to help each other. You’re here to make sure I get through the night with ease, and I want to make sure you’re in front of the cameras, looking good.”
He raises an eyebrow. “I’m listening.”
I give him a pointed look. “Two: if either of us gets cornered into a conversation—or dealing with someone we don’t want to deal with—we have a sign. A rescue-me signal.You get it? So the other one swoops in as soon as they notice it.”
He nods slowly. “Alright. What do you want me to do?”
“Maybe adjust a cufflink,” I suggest, keeping it casual.
He looks down and gives one a half-hearted twist. “There. Adjusted.”
I roll my eyes. It’s clear that’s not an option. “Okay, fine. Then glance over your shoulder and stare at the chandelier. I’ll do the same if I need help.”
“Might end up looking like we’re bored,” he says, smirking.
“Okay, okay,” I relent. “Here’s the fix: whatever drink you have, tap it twice while making eye contact. Casual, but it’s our agreed signal.”
“Perfect,” he says after a pause for thought. “Fits and doesn’t stand out if someone happens to notice.”
I nod, a small smile tugging at my lips. “Okay, good. Looks like we’re on the same page.”
