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There’s a picture of me and Nina looking like a superhero duo, but there’s no doubt I’m the sidekick. Damn, I forgot how cute she was with those glasses. Why the hell did she turn me down?
Nina’s handing the boy a cold brew coffee with a warm smile, and I’m bent down beside him, rubbing his back.
Camille grins, kicking her black heels on her desk. “Guess who’s interested in sponsoring you because of your good Samaritan act? Andrea Peña’s calling me soon.”
“No shit!” I jump out of the rolling chair, sending it flying back into the door.
If I can secure a sponsorship with one of the most prominent brands in the sports nutrition industry, that will settle these retirement rumors. No more talk about my contract year. “You better not be joking, Cam. You know I’ve been trying to find someone ever since Quench pulled out.”
She threads her fingers behind her head like a corporate powerhouse. “When do I ever joke, Tremblay?”
“Good point.”
Her phone rings on her glass desk. “Speak of the devil…” She swipes it open. “Andrea, it’s Camille Bernard. Great to talk with you. I’ve got Rhode Tremblay on speaker with us, as promised.”
“Mr. Tremblay, it’s a pleasure to speak with you again,” a smooth voice rings through the line. “I don’t have much time, but first, I’d like to express our deepest apologies regarding the tire incident. I’m so glad you and your partner weren’t injured. Rest assured, any damage caused will be compensated.”
I keep my mouth shut. I’m not about to correct the energy bar industry’s most prominent CMO on the partner thing. “Don’t worry about it, Ms. Peña. I’m glad everyone was alright.”
Camille gives me a thumbs up of approval. I give her one back, trying not to fuck this up.
“You and me both,” she says. “But please, call me Andrea. Your assistance during my son's time of need was greatly appreciated, and for that, I’d like to personally thank you by inviting you to our sponsorship event next month, and please bring your partner. I’d like to extend my gratitude to her. Perhaps we could discuss some business opportunities over drinks.”
“Thanks, Andrea. I’d be honored. We’ll be there,” I blurt without thinking.
Do I tell her Nina’s not mine? No. I don’t want to risk correcting her, and it’s not a big deal. If Nina can cut into brains, I bet she can make small talk. Plus, this gives me a reason to see the cute doctor again.
“Excellent,” she says. “My assistant, Matthew, will be in touch. I look forward to seeing you again.”
We talk for a couple more minutes about logistics, but I’m too keyed up with energy to focus, so Camille takes control.
After we hang up, Camille gives me one of her famous confident grins. “I’m guessing I don’t need to tell you what a big deal it is getting someone as big as ¡Vamos! to back you. I didn’t realize you were dating someone, though. That would’ve been nice to know.”
I blow out a sharp breath. The thought of seeing Nina again has my stomach churning with nerves, but they’re the good kind.
It’s been a while since a woman’s made me this nervous, and I want to impress her, especially since she seems so damn underwhelmed with me.
“Her name’s Nina, but we’re not dating. We’re not even together.”
Camille hums under her breath. “Well, you probably should’ve asked her first before committing her to an event, so you better see if she’s willing to pretend for one night.”
My mind’s working at warp speed, already concocting a plan. I type out a text, almost misspelling a few words thanks to my eagerness.
Me
Hey! Can we talk? I’ve got a proposition for you…
Nina
Intriguing…
But I’ll pass.
I almost drop my phone. Holy shit. She actually responded. I re-read my text, grimacing as I type a new one.
Me
That sounded bad. A normal proposition.
