“Yeah, I just… I dunno, it kind of just happened. She showed up at the apartment, saying she was looking for something she left there when you two were together, and… things snowballed. It’s casual, don’t worry.”
Of course it is. Penn’s never had a serious girlfriend in his life. And even if it was serious, I wouldn’t give a shit. If he wants to dive in with her, that’s his call. He’s a grown man, and I’m not about to play the role of relationship referee over someone that doesn’t concern me anymore.
I sling my bag over my shoulder and head toward the showers. “Look, man, I promise you, I don’t care, and I definitely don’t need the details.”
“Hey,” he calls after me, his voice carrying across the room. “You’re really happy with Rosie, huh?”
The grin that spreads across my face feels damn near permanent. “Yeah, man. She’s the love of my life.”
He nods, smiling like he gets it when I know he doesn’t, and I turn away, ready to see my girl.
???
Thirty minutes later, I’m clean, changed, and finally stepping out of the locker room.
The stadium’s quiet now. It’s the kind of stillness that settles after the chaos of screaming fans with inappropriate signs waving in the sky about how they want topuck me. It’s late, but just as I’m about to hail a cab, my phone buzzes in my hand with Rosie’s name across the screen.
“Hey, babe,” I answer without thinking.
“Boone, I’m so sorry,” Rosie says, her voice a little breathless, like she’s been running around her office all night.
There’s a small part of me that wants to drive there and bring her home with me so that she has to stop working, and another stronger, prouder part of her that knows she loves what she does and is the best entertainment lawyer in the whole city.
“Don’t worry about it,” I say, cutting her off gently. “I get it.”
There’s a pause on the other end, her hesitation crackling through the line.
“Look, my dad blew up at me for not being at the game tonight. Something about it being our last chance to make a public appearance as a couple before your court date. Any chance you can meet me at Keating’s Bar right now? I know it isn't high class, but it's all I could get a reservation for so last minute. I’m leaving the office, and the PR team already tipped off the cameras that we’d be dining there tonight.”
I adjust my bag and chuckle under my breath. “Who’d have thought your dad would ever be pissed that we’re not spending enough time together?”
I can hear the smile in her voice. “I know. Ridiculous, right?” she lowers her voice softly. “If only he knew.”
That makes me smile. I wish he knew the things we’ve done and the way I care for his daughter. I hate lying and this feels like a lie of omission.
“But look, it’s our last shot to make you look great before your court appearance. After tomorrow, you and Cain can finally put all this to rest.”
And our marriage ends too…
I shake that thought off. “Alright, babe. I’ll meet you there in ten.”
The drive to the restaurant is a blur, the city lights streaking by as my thoughts swirl. By the time we pull up, I barely register the valet opening my door. Stepping out, I hear another car door behind me and turn just as Rosie appears.
She rushes into my arms, wrapping herself around my neck as the photographers snap away. I hug her close, grounding myself in the feel of her, like a missing piece finally locking into place.
This isn't for show. This is how we really feel about each other now. We miss each other when we’re apart, and when we reunite, it’s like coming back to ourselves.
I start to pull back, ready to sling an arm around her shoulder like we always do for the cameras, but she surprises me. Instead of letting go, she holds me tighter. Her hands thread into my hair, tugging just enough to send a shiver down my spine. Her eyes are soft and she’s smiling.
Full faced, perfectly straight teeth, adoring eyes.
Then, she kisses me.
We’ve never kissed in public before. Her father’s rules were clear: this marriage was for show, and the real world is our stage when the cameras are watching. There is no room for off-scriptmoments. There’s no room for touching more than the required minimum.
Trust me, I’ve wanted to publicly kiss her, but I knew that was a line I shouldn’t cross if I didn’t want to betray her trust.
But here we are. Her lips on mine. Her tongue sweeping into my mouth.
