“What’s in it for you?” she finally asks.
And this is where it could all fall apart. If I tell her the truth, that I need her good girl image to clean up mine, she could laugh in my face. Or if she decides being connected to someone like me is a bad idea, then I’ve got nothing. Because it probably is a really fucking bad idea. But I refuse to lie to her.
“My recent accident put me in a bad position, image wise. My agent thinks the media’s reaction to that one photo was a good thing and could turn things around for me. If they think I’m happily in love, especially with someone like you, it could help.”
She just keeps staring. And staring. “You don’t seem like the kind of guy to care about your image.”
I shrug, already over the whole talking part of today. I want out of here, and I need her by my side. “I care about my team and my career. And if this helps both of those things, then I’m in.”
Sadie draws in a ragged breath, her face so expressive I swear I can see the wheels turning. She’s gonna need a better poker face if we’re going to pull this off. “Okay. Here’s the deal. I’ll stay quiet and not try to set the record straight. In return, you will come with me to my foundation’s big gala in four weeks. My ex will be there since his law firm is a major sponsor, and I’d rather not deal with him alone.”
I’m already nodding. Four weeks sounds good to me, but she’s apparently not done.
“We need to set some ground rules, though. If your image is so bad, there must be a reason, and I don’t need my own reputation being dragged down with it.”
I never give a shit about defending myself when the media twists things around to make me the villain, but for some reason right now, I do. I care a hell of a lot that this woman doesn’t think I’m the asshole everyone else believes I am.
“Just so we’re clear, I’m not a bad guy,” I start, my voice gravelly. “I do shit the media loves to spin into me being an asshole, but they don’t bother looking atwhyI do it.”
Her lips tip up in a small smile. “You’re saying you’re a bad boy with a good moral code?”
A short laugh escapes me, and the sound is rusty and unfamiliar to my ears. “Guess so.”
We both fall silent again, but her arms have relaxed, and she’s not looking at me like I’m crazy anymore.
“Four weeks. I’ll play along for four weeks, you’ll come to the gala with me, and then we figure a way to end this without anymore drama.”
I put out my good hand to shake on it, then pull it back. “You should know, my agent will probably try to get us to do some appearances and shit.”
“Control the narrative, I get it.” She’s nodding and doesn’t seem concerned. “And if I need you to do something for me, to keep my ex off my back or whatever, I’ll let you know.”
My hand reaches out again and she takes it, shaking it firmly. When our hands fall, I’m at a loss as to what to do next. She said yes, Colin’s plan worked.
What now?
“Well, first order of business is getting to know each other, don’t you think?” Sadie says, her tone sounding somewhat forced. But I latch onto it, grateful she’s at least capable of figuring out our next steps.
“Why don’t you give me your number, and we can set up some time to talk.” She rubs her forehead, and I don’t miss her grimace. “Just not today. It’s been a heck of a day.”
When she holds out her phone expectantly, I stare at it. My phone has exactly five contacts in it.
Colin, Eli, the owner of the Tridents, my head coach, and Ralph.
Those are also the only five people that have my direct number.
And now, this stranger who’s just agreed to pretend to be my girlfriend is about to become number six.
As I type my info into her phone, knowing she’s doing the same on mine, a part of me wonders why this doesn’t feel more uncomfortable.
Why it feels almost…right.
Chapter six
Sadie
SADIE: Okay, let’s share the basics. I’m born and raised here in the Vancouver area. My parents live out in Langley, I’m the oldest of two siblings. I love animals, reading, and swimming. Oh and I’m allergic to bees.
MAVERICK: Got it.
