“His territory was claimed loud and clear.”
A fire ignites underneath my skin and spreads. “I’m no one’s territory.” It comes out harsh, but I can’t help it. “He’s not my boyfriend, and right now, he’s lucky we aren’t in the same room.”
Cole’s brow scrunches together. “I didn’t mean. . . ”
A blaze consumes me, and I tug at the collar on my T-shirt, seeking a moment to slow my body’s response.
Cole’s face is filled with confusion, and I’m sorry for it. I know he didn’t mean what he said.
I blow out a breath, trying to smooth my raging defenses. “He’s like my brother, I guess, if I had one,” I say softly. “But he can take that overbearing protectiveness and shove it. You can be sure I’ll be showing him where.”
“I was a little worried about theSportsEliteevent coming up. Whoever doesn’t think we’re together now will when we show up together.”
The idea of attending a formal event with him makes my dinner lunge for my esophagus.
“I have enough people after me. I didn’t need one more.”
I glance at him. “Well, TJ isn’t an issue.”
His gaze lingers on me again, catching my lack of enthusiasm. “It’s a big deal. Otherwise, I wouldn’t be going. My agent is insistent.”
Fantastic.
“Yeah, well, maybe your secret admirer will come out to play.”
He stares at me. “Do we want that?”
“We need them to come out from hiding.”
“How long do you think this will go on?” His tone is soft and concerned.
I shrug. “I don’t know. Depends on how desperate this person is and how weak they calculate you to be.” I meet his eyes, needing him to hear me. “We’re stepping into a dangerous game not made for the fragile. You need to be strong and do what I say.”
He has to trust me, and after tonight, I understand that’s asking a lot. It’s something I don’t do. Ever.
He stares at me before he nods. “Ok.”
I push my lips to the side, wanting him to know he can. “I guess I’ll be your girlfriend then.” Those are words I never thought I’d say.
That brilliant grin returns. “I’m honored you sound so thrilled at the prospect.”
I kick my feet out toward him. “Yeah, well, manage your expectations. My girlfriend services end at keeping you from getting shanked. Beyond that, I pretty much suck at it.”
He laughs. “Sounds like we’ll make a great pair.”
“Yeah,” I breathe out, pushing my drama queen nerves aside temporarily before they haul their asses back out to put on a show.
This is about to get real in front of a whole lot of people.
“All right, Matthews, you’d better teach me something about this game that consumes your life.” I wave a hand toward the TV.
His eyes widen. “You want me to teach you about football?”
I raise and lower one shoulder. “If I have to watch you and act like I care, I’d better understand how it works. Then I can judge for myself if you’re any good or just a chip off the old block.”
He smiles, and I already know that when it’s the real deal, it’s beautiful.
I peek at him out of the corner of my eye as he starts talking and pointing, explaining what’s happening. I try to take it all in. It’s the first time I sense joy in his tone, and I can tell by the way he leans forward that this game isn’t just his life. It’s his passion.
