Page 24 of Bleacher Report
“Ugh, looks like my reign of terror on your fantasy world of disassociation has to end early. I’m needed back on the floor,” Abby sighs. “Sorry to cut this short. I do want to unpack all these wild little delusions you’re clinging to about not falling for the smoke show about to move in under your roof.”
I hear the faint clatter of her locker and the thump of her shoes hitting the floor.
“But duty calls. My boss probably wants me to pick up a shift this weekend with the half-marathon madness. Time and a half, though, so—silver lining. Just remember, this conversation isn’t over. Not even close. If I take the Saturday shift, can you take Jesse to his Little League game?”
“Of course. I’d love to. It’ll be a good time to tell him about Hunter coming to career day,” I add.
Though Jesse can’t play any of the field positions, he’s the designated hitter for the pitcher, and he’s good. He hit a home run last year and his entire team rushed the field, his coach lifting him up onto his shoulders as they all ran the bases as a team.
There wasn’t a dry eye in the stands from the home and away teams. That was a great day.
Abby lets out a breath of relief. “Thanks. He’s going to be so excited. Best Aunt of the Year award.”
“It’s just an honor to be nominated,” I tease.
“Now go save lives,” I mumble.
“Go get laid,” she fires back, then disconnects before I can tell her she’s completely insane.
I smile and say to the dead line, “Good, I didn’t want to talk to you about this anymore anyway.”
I should go back to editing.
I really should.
Instead, I reach for my phone, opening Instagram like I’m flipping over a rock I know has something slimy underneath it.
Sure enough, there it is—right at the top of my feed. The charity auction. Me. Hunter. That kiss.
The first video is on SportsNation’s official page with the caption:
“Hawkeyes’ Hunter Reed Auctioned Off for Charity… But Is That His Girlfriend?! #ReedAndBleacherBabe”
I click play, even though I know I shouldn’t. My stomach tightens as I watch the scene unfold from an outsider’s perspective—the crowd, the cheers, Hunter’s name being called. And then me, paddle in hand, face flushed, caught in a bidding war I never expected to win.
But it’s the kiss that makes my throat go dry.
It looks…different on screen.
Softer—sweeter—less like a PR stunt and more like the moment before something big and dangerous happens.
Now I get Abby’s reaction and why she couldn’t imagine that we were faking it at first.
My thumb scrolls, and it only gets worse.
Another video.
This one zoomed in on Bethany’s icy glare in the background as Hunter’s lips crashed onto mine. The comments are a disaster:
@HockeyChick85: I’m living for this drama.
@PuckPrincess: OMG Hunter has a girlfriend?!
@BleacherFanGirl: Who is she and how do I become her?!
@GoalieWife77: Is that Bethany Richards in the background?! Someone grab the popcorn.
@SeattleSportsBuzz: Look at the way he looks at her after the kiss. That man is in love.
