Her eyes sparkle. “Maybe. When’s your next away game?”
I laugh, shaking my head. “Wednesday.”
“Great. Then it’s a date.” She winks, slipping into her doll-sized car.
My stupid stomach flips at that word—or maybe it’s the fact that I suddenly wish I could be the one staying home on Wednesday night.
Chapter 17
Callum
When I arrive at the training centre on Tuesday, I’m instantly summoned to Philip’s office. Which can only mean one thing—I’ve done something wrong.
I didn’t check the headlines this morning, but I’d say there’s a one-hundred-percent chance it’s got something to do with the daily gossip. Always does.
I knock once and hear a clipped, “Come in.”
Philip is standing behind his massive mahogany desk, hands clasped, his stony expression unreadable. “Hi, Callum. Sit down.”
Hegestures to one of the two chairs in front of him, the other occupied… by Millie. She gives me a look that says “I have no idea why we’re here” as I sit down next to her.
“So,” Philip begins, sitting back down and studying us in turn. “You know I’m not a fan of relationships between staff and team members.”
“It’s not—” I start, but he lifts a hand to silence me.
“But,” he continues smoothly, “I must admit it’s had a positive impact on the team. And your reputation.”
Wait. What?
“I told you to get back in the media’s good graces.” He drills me with his gaze, then glances at Millie. “Andyourjob was to help make that happen. I didn’t expect this particular strategy, but…” he shrugs, “the results speak for themselves.”
Millie sits up straighter. “I’m sorry, sir. That wasn’t—”
“Don’t apologise.” He smiles brightly, which is honestly terrifying. I don’t think I’ve ever seen him smile like that. “The heart wants what it wants, right? I know the feeling. Anyway, it’s good to see your name in the press with a positive spin for once, Callum. I hope it lasts.”
I just clench my jaw, not sure where to start.
“Well,” he goes on, checking his watch. “I’ve got a call in five minutes. Thanks for stopping by.”
We both stand wordlessly and step out of the office. Once I close the door behind me, Millie and I share a look of confusion.
She swallows hard. “Well, that was…”
“Weird.” I nod. “I never would have thought I’d hear those words from Philip’s mouth. Definitely a first.”
She breathes a chuckle.
“And a last. I’ll probably be the media’s favourite troublemaker again in no time.” I cough out a laugh. “It was fun while it lasted, though.”
A frown pulls at Millie’s lips as her eyes meet mine. “Or maybe it doesn’t have to end? We could keep this going, for the press. Anchor this new side of you in the media.”
My eyes widen. “What?”
“It’s not a big deal. We just have to be seen together once in a while, and well, we both work here, so that’s easy enough. We don’t need to kiss or anything. Since we ‘made it official’ at the gala, no one will second-guess it.”
I stare back at her in shock. She can’t be serious. Fake dating? The thought of dragging Millie into the media circus makes my stomach twist. She deserves better than having her name splashed across the headlines, especially for my sake.
“You don’t have to do that. The media can be awful, and I’d never want to subject you to that.”
