Page 17 of Hard to Fake

“What would you have done if he didn’t back down?” I ask, glancing over my shoulder as we return to the bar. “You’re an NBA player. The golden boy, no less. You can’t hit a stranger in a bar.”

In my experience, Miles Garrett would sooner buy another guy a beer than threaten him.

“And you learned this because…?”

“You took me for pancakes once back in college.”

The year he and my brother got drafted to the NBA, Miles did pre-season prep at a minor league team close to my school. He dropped in more than a few times, mostly when Jay was around too, but one time he took me for breakfast.

“We snuck out around all the sorority sisters who organized Sunday morning runs,” I prompt when he doesn’t respond. “You picked me up and insisted on paying with all your rookie contract money.”

“Well, thank fuck I’ve gotten a raise since then.” Miles reaches for his wallet, and I wave him off.

“This one’s on me.” I buy the next round for both of us and take a sip of my cocktail. “I’m glad it was you out there tonight and not my brother.”

“Just at the right place at the right time.” He reaches for his drink, his huge hand swallowing up the glass. “Why not Jay?”

“He’d tell me not to be reckless. Most people give me shit for not thinking before I act.”

Miles surveys me, a slow look top to bottom. “Think I like you better when you don’t.”

A hum of electricity darts through me as he lifts his glass in a silent toast, then presses it to his lips. His throat throbs as he swallows.

Nearby, a group of Kodashians in a booth watch with envy. Each one of them would kill to be where I’m standing right now.

“Thanks.”

“For having your back?” Miles leans an elbow on the bar.

“No. For saying that.”

On impulse, I press up to kiss his cheek, catching his startled expression before I grab Chloe to come dance with me.

4

BROOKE

To: [email protected]

From: [email protected]

Subject: Reunion updates!

Dear Kappa Sister,

The big reunion is two weeks away! I hope you’re as excited as we are to see so many familiar faces.

If you’re receiving this email, it means we have incomplete fields in your registration.

Please review your submission to ensure a smooth weekend for all.

Your committee chair and past president,

Caroline

"Damn, you look good." Rookie gives me a once-over at the door.

The sky blue fabric of my dress scoops at the front, flares from my waist and ends midway down my thighs.

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