Page 41 of Worth the Scandal
“Whatever it was, it did things to me.”
“You’re unwell.”
Shell grins. “And you love me.”
I do. I really do. She’s become my best friend in this once sleepy little town; Shell is top shelf red label in the friend category.
Especially now, as she pulls up the final version of my seminar presentation on her iPad and slides it across to me.
“Okay, let’s make sure we’ve got your speech locked,” she says. “Ten-minute keynote, then a short Q&A, and then we’re opening up the floor for potential player branding. Coach says the media will be there in full swing.”
“Of course they will,” I mutter. “Dawson’s loves a comeback story.”
Ted walks in just in time to hear me and raises a brow. “You calling yourself a comeback?”
I grin. “If the boot fits.”
“More like the boot kicked you back here,” he says, setting down his phone. “But I’m glad you’re here. You’ve been good for the team. You’ve got the staff motivated. Shell’s been a different woman since you showed up.”
Shell beams.
I smirk. “Don’t get too attached, old man. I’m stealing her. She’s coming to Sydney with me next week for the NBL season launch and player meetings.”
Shell’s eyes widen. “Wait, seriously?!”
“If Dad doesn’t lock you down, I’m poaching you, babe. Free lattes and hotel rooftop bars.”
Ted grunts. “Over my dead body.” But I know that’s a yes. I don’t think this man’s ever said no to me in my whole life.
Shell blushes. “I mean… I wouldn’t say no to a rooftop bar.”
“Exactly.” I nudge her playfully.
Ted shakes his head, like we’re both completely unmanageable—which we are.
“So,” Shell says casually, sliding the tablet back to me, “how’d the after party go yesterday, Scar?”
Ted glances up, curious. “Yeah? You meet anyone I know? None of my boys better have been partying.”
I keep my face neutral. Which is hard because I swear Shell is trying to bite back a grin. She knew exactly where I went after yesterday’s game. Straight back to Asher’s house. The weird thing is we didn’t have sex again; he showered I stalked everything in his house from the fridge to what snacks he keeps in his bed side drawer. We ordered dinner in and sat and watched a screening of Law Abiding Citizen on channel 7. It was nice, it was no pressure. It almost felt real, like real relationship stuff—but he said what he said—fun for now, it doesn’t prove anything to me yet, just that he’s got some self control.
“Go hard or go home, right?” I say, sipping my iced latte. “I’m trying to nab the fullback for Maroon.” I slip in, completely nonchalant.
Ted raises a single brow.
“Kingston?”
I give a tight smile.
“Hmm.”
He strokes his chin thoughtfully like he’s imagining the headlines already.
“Well, damn. That would really put Maroon on the map for Rugby League. He’s going to be the biggest in the league this year if he stays healthy. Be careful with that one though sweetheart.”
I pause, never thought Ted would have tea. “Be careful… how?”
Play it cool Scarlett.
