Just dead.
I’m breathing hard, my thighs are screaming, and my ego is bruised. But it has nothing on Corbin’s ego. He seems dazed, like he can’t believe the carnage on the court.
“Yay! We won,” Brittany shouts, and she and her pickleball friend hug fiercely. But they don’t gloat. They bounce over to the net and we join them.
“You two did so great,” Tiffany says with a bright smile.
“You kept us on our toes,” Brittany adds, sounding earnest.
“And you’re the cutest,” Tiffany says then turns to Corbin. “I just love the way you saidGood jobto Mabel every time.”
Brittany smiles my way. “And you were likeWe can do thisto him.”
Huh. We said that? I barely realized. But that is pretty nice. I steal a glance at Corbin, and the shock in his eyes disappears, replaced with…affection when he looks at me. He steps closer, drapes an arm around me, and drops a quick kiss to my cheek. “Because I love doing things with you,” he says, and it’s for them.
I know it is.
But it feels like it’s for me.
I lean into his side embrace, enjoying this part of the fake date so much. He drops his nose into my hair again. I swear he can’t stop doing that. After a quick hit, he pulls back and breathes out, like he’s inhaled relaxation and sunshine.
Brittany and Tiffany coo. “Aww, I just love this. Are you going to his game tonight? You two are so encouraging,” Brittany says.
“You’re couple goals,” Tiffany adds.
I wasn’t planning to, but I kind of like the sound of it.
“I love it when she comes to my games,” Corbin jumps in, giving a squeeze of my shoulder and leaving the invitation in my…court.
It feels like a real invitation, so I RSVP. “The bakery closes at six, so I’ll be there.”
“Wearing my jersey,” he adds, in that possessive tone that sends sparks down my spine.
Tiffany waves to Ronnie. “Picture time.”
We smile for the camera, and all of the smiles, from all four of us, feel strangely real.
It’s weird. But weird good.
“I’ll tag you and mention your smash cakes. You were such good sports,” Brittany says after Ronnie tucks the phone away.
“That would be amazing,” I say, since publicity is publicity.
“And we’re so glad you aren’t sad,” Brittany adds, patting my arm.
“Ronnie, we can’t stand Dax,” Tiffany says. “Can you please tellRomance Beachhe’s such a tool?”
Ronnie laughs. “I have no say over that show, and you know it.”
“But tell them we don’t like him. We do love Mabel though,” she adds.
“I’ll pass it on.” Ronnie offers me a hand and I shake. “You really are a good sport. And your smash cake is shockingly brilliant. I underestimated you.”
That makes losing worthwhile. “Thank you. I appreciate that.”
They leave, and once they’re gone, I turn to Corbin, whispering in awe, “He just apologized.”
“As he should,” Corbin says, but I’m not sure I agree.
