Event Planner's Secret Romance with Hockey Captain Raises Questions About Contract Award.
The headline that makes my stomach churn.
“Harper.” Cole's voice cuts through my spiraling thoughts. He's standing by the coffee maker, watching me with concern. “You need to eat something.”
“I can't.” I scroll through another article, this one speculating about my past company’s success. “Look at this. They're saying I slept with you for the job.”
Cole moves to sit beside me at the kitchen island, gently taking my phone and setting it face down. “We talked about thisyesterday. These people don't know you. They don't know what you're capable of.”
“But they're writing about me like they do.” My voice comes out laced with panic. “What if potential clients believe this? What if my current clients start questioning my work?”
“Then they were never worth having as clients in the first place.” He reaches for my hand, but I pull away, needing space to process everything.
“That's easy for you to say. Your career isn't in jeopardy here.”
Cole's expression tightens. “Harper, we'll get through this together. It's going to blow over.”
I want to believe him, but the knot in my stomach tells me otherwise. I grab my purse and portfolio, checking my watch. “I need to go.”
“Let me drive you to work,” Cole offers, standing as I head toward the door.
“No.” The last thing I need is to be seen with Cole. “That'll just give them more photos to splash across the internet. I'll call you later,” I say, already heading for the door.
My legs are trembling on the elevator ride down to the basement garage. My phone buzzes with an incoming call from Ariel, and I answer immediately.
“I would have called earlier, but I was waiting for a decent hour,” she says, getting right to the point. “How are you holding up?”
“I'm scared, Ariel.” The words come out in a rush. “I'm terrified about what this means for my company.”
“What's the worst that can happen?” she asks, her tone practical.
I take a deep breath. “People will think I got the Renegades contract because I'm sleeping with the captain and I'm Brett's sister.”
“Okay, so they'll talk. And then they'll shut up when the next scandal comes along.” I can hear Ariel moving around her apartment. “The management at the Renegades knows you're doing a fantastic job. Hell, people didn't even know you and Brett were siblings until yesterday.”
“Now they do,” I say miserably, pulling out of the parking garage.
“They'll talk and then shut up,” Ariel insists. “Trust me on this.”
I'm about to respond when I turn the corner toward my office building and my blood runs cold. “Oh my God.”
“What?”
“There's a horde of paparazzi outside my office.” At least fifteen photographers and reporters are camped outside the entrance to my building, cameras ready. “I can't get through that.”
“Is there a back entrance?” Ariel asks.
“Not that I know of.”
“Then fight your way in and don't look ashamed,” she says firmly. “You haven't done anything wrong.”
We say goodbye, and I sit in my car for a moment, gathering courage. Through my windshield, I can see the photographers notice my approach. Cameras start flashing even though I haven’t left my car.
I take a deep breath, grab my things, and step out of the car.
“Harper! Harper Hayes!” they shout, rushing toward me. “How long have you been sleeping with Cole Maddox?”
“Did you use your relationship to secure the Renegades contract?”
