Page 72 of Fake Out

“God, I love you too,” I breathe, and before I can think, I lean in and press my lips against hers, sealing our promises with a kiss.

It feels like fireworks are exploding behind my eyelids, each spark igniting another burst of passion and desire within me.

As we lose ourselves in each other’s embrace, the world around us fades away, leaving only the sound of our beating hearts to fill the empty stadium. There’s no fear or uncertainty, just the knowledge that we’re taking a leap of faith together, ready to face whatever challenges life has in store for us.

And as I hold Marissa close, her body melting against mine, I know with absolute certainty that no matter what happens, I’ll always have her by my side, cheering me on and pushing me to be the best version of myself — both on and off the field.

EPILOGUE

ONE YEAR LATER: MARISSA

“Trust me, Lola,” I say into the phone as I walk around my San Antonio home office. “This is just the beginning.”

“Thank you so much, Marissa,” the tennis player gushes.

“We’ll talk soon. Let me know if you have any questions.”

We say goodbye and I hang up feeling like a million bucks. I’ve won the lottery by finding Lola, but that’s only because I relentlessly play said lottery. I’m always out there, looking for my next client, shaking hands, and getting ahead of the other agents.

And man, has it paid off.

One year ago, I never would have imagined that my career would skyrocket like this. My own sports agency is flourishing, and it’s all thanks to Charlie’s unwavering support.

“Marissa, you’re a natural at this,” he told me when we moved to San Antonio and I was on my own work-wise. “You know the ins and outs of the industry, and you have a knack for finding talent. Go for it.”

And so I did. Now, with an expanding roster of clients and more work than I can handle alone, I’m on the verge of searching for a second agent to join my team.

And the best part?

Abernathy Athletes has gone belly up. Turns out Isaac’s penchant for not paying his taxes has led to him crashing and burning.

Karma is real, apparently. And you don’t need to worry about making people pay. Everyone reaps what they sow.

“Hey, babe. How was your day?” Charlie’s voice fills the room as he walks through the office door, smelling fresh from his post-practice shower.

I don’t answer. I’m too busy throwing myself into his arms and kissing him hard on the lips.

He wraps his arms around me and moans into my mouth. It’s a sound that sends a shiver of desire through me. It takes all my power to unlock my lips from his and step back.

“Sorry,” I say. “Did you ask me something?”

He chuckles, his hands still on my waist. “I asked how your day was.”

“Busy, but good,” I reply, grinning at him.

Despite the exhaustion evident in his eyes, he’s managed to maintain the same level of dedication and enthusiasm throughout the entire football season. It’s been a year since he signed that new contract, and he’s playing better than ever.

“Mine too,” he says, dropping his gear by the door and planting a kiss on my forehead. “Do you know what today is?”

“Tuesday?” I venture, laughing softly at my own response.

He chuckles and shakes his head. “It’s the one-year anniversary of me signing that contract.”

His eyes dance with excitement, and I remember that night vividly. We had been so caught up in the moment that our carefully guarded feelings spilled out, and we confessed our love for each other. My heart swells at the memory.

“Wow,” I breathe, trailing my finger down his firm chest. “A special night indeed.”

Charlie nods, his eyes softening as he gazes down at me. “I want to take you somewhere.”

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