Page 9 of Fake Out

“All right, honey, just remember I’m here for you,” she replies warmly. “Bye.”

With a racing heart, I switch over to the other line. “Hello, Isaac?” I say, trying to sound composed.

“Good morning, Charlie,” Isaac replies, his voice crisp and professional. “We’ve reviewed your case, and we’ve assigned one of our assistant agents to work with you. Her name is Marissa White.”

“Assistant agent?” The disappointment is impossible to keep out of my voice. I’d hoped for someone higher up the ladder, someone who could pull strings and make things happen.

“Marissa is more than capable of handling your case, Charlie,” Isaac says firmly as if sensing my doubts. “Beggars can’t be choosers, as they say.”

“Right,” I mutter, chastened. “I understand.”

“Good,” Isaac continues. “She’ll be in touch to set up a meeting. Have a nice day, Mr. Elwood.”

“Thank you,” I say, swallowing my disappointment as best I can. I hang up and immediately reach for my laptop, eager to learn more about this Marissa White.

The first image that pops up when I search her name takes my breath away. She’s stunning — wavy brown hair cascading over her shoulders, hazel eyes that seem to see straight into my soul. For a moment, I forget all about my career woes and indulge in the fantasy of being with someone like her.

And it’s not like I haven’t been with beautiful women before. During my time in the NFL, I’ve had my fair share. There’s something different about this one, though, even if I don’t understand exactly what I’m responding to.

“Focus, Charlie,” I chide myself, shaking off the lustful thoughts. This is business, after all.

There’s little online about Marissa, which is disappointing. Has Isaac paired me up with a total newbie?

Being relegated to such a low-level agent stings like a beast, but it’s not like I get to complain. I need to take what I can get.

Besides, maybe she’s exactly what I need. Maybe she’ll prove to have more sway than she appears.

A knock on my door interrupts my thoughts, and I quickly minimize the tab with Marissa’s picture before answering. Tim stands in the doorway, a look of concern on his face.

“Hey, man,” I greet him, trying to sound casual despite the racing of my heart. “What’s up?”

“I’m on my way to practice. Thought I’d check on you.” He takes a seat on the couch, instantly making himself at home. “So, any news from Abernathy?”

“Actually, yeah,” I reply, feeling a mix of excitement and apprehension. I pull up Marissa’s photo again and turn the laptop so he can see her. “This is Marissa White. She’s an assistant agent there, and she’s going to work with me.”

Tim raises an eyebrow as he examines her picture. “She’s pretty.” He gives me a knowing smirk.

“Tim, come on, it’s not like that.” I roll my eyes, even though a part of me appreciates his teasing because it means he also recognizes how gorgeous Marissa is. “I’m meeting her to discuss my career, not to flirt.”

“Be careful,” he cautions, his tone suddenly serious. “You already have a reputation, and you can’t afford to make things worse for yourself.”

“I know, I know.” I sigh, running a hand through my hair. But even as I agree with him, my thoughts betray me, wandering back to Marissa’s full lips and wondering what they might taste like.

“Promise me you’ll behave around her,” Tim insists, holding my gaze until I nod in assent.

“Of course, man. My career is on the line here. I won’t do anything stupid.” The words feel hollow, though, as if I’m only saying them to placate him.

“Good.” He pats me on the shoulder before standing up to leave. “I’ll see you later, then. And remember, be professional.”

“Thanks, Tim.” I force a smile as he leaves, but my mind is already drifting back to Marissa — her intelligent eyes, her confident stance in the photo, and those lips that I can’t seem to shake off.

“Get a grip, Charlie,” I mutter, closing the laptop with a snap.

I finally have a real opportunity, and I need to bring my A-game. For the sake of my career, I have to stay focused on what truly matters — focused on that and nothing else.

CHAPTER 6

MARISSA

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