Page 15 of Miami Ice

I stare at the document in front of me, and then I look at her.

“I have no problem signing this, but I’m going to be honest. My twin and my best friend already know about this meeting. It was such a … such a unique proposition, I had to talk it through with them. I hope you can understand that. But I know they will both sign non-disclosure agreements if I ask them to. There are also two other people who will need to know. My twin’s boyfriend, because he practically lives in our apartment half thetime, and her best friend, because she will know something is up because this is not normal behavior for me. But that’s all. I won’t tell anyone else. Again, I know they’ll all sign an NDA if I ask. But I wanted to be upfront with you about it.”

Sofia makes a face, and I can tell she doesn’t like this.

“I understand your concern, but I’m being truthful because it matters to me. I could have just told them and never told you or Beckham I said anything.”

He groans and rubs his hand along his jaw. “Shit, this is embarrassing.”

I wince. I hate that I’ve made him feel this way. “I’m so sorry, but you have to understand where I’m coming from. I was asked to fake date a hockey player. I didn’t know what to think about it.”

“Other than it’s weird,” Beckham acknowledges.

“Yes,” I say, nodding.

Beckham appears to make a decision. “Just make them sign NDAs.”

I nod. “Of course. Sofia, if you can email me a blank form, I’ll have them sign it.”

“I’m more comfortable with this. Thank you for your honesty about it. Most people wouldn’t have been,” she says.

I feel Beckham’s gaze on me. “No, they wouldn’t,” he adds.

My cheeks grow warm from the way he’s studying me. It’s like a mixture of surprise and respect in his eyes.

“Just text me your email and I’ll get that form to you.” Sofia abruptly rises from the table and retrieves her bag. “Well, I’m out.”

“What?” Beckham says, appearing startled by this announcement. “Where are you going?”

“Well, you two need to get to know each other. I think it’s time for your first date. Have a good evening!”

With those cheerful words, Sofia strolls out the door, leaving me alone with Beckham.

And on a date I never expected.

Chapter Five

Beckham’s mouth falls open as soon as his sister walks away. “Sofia!” he calls out, quickly rising from his seat. “What are you doing? You can’t leave me here!”

Now I’m the one who is smirking. Apparently, Beckham is terrified of being alone with a woman who loves sprinkles and, in his words, is dressed like a cupcake liner.

I turn and look at Sofia over my shoulder. Her brown eyes are dancing, and a triumphant smile appears on her beautiful face. “Yes, I can. I’m going to lay out plans for the hard launch. Maybe we should do it on Thanksgiving. If Georgie can swing by for a piece of pie and a photo op.”

Beckham snorts. “Terrific. So I’m traded at the beginning of the month, and by Thanksgiving I’m not only hard launching, but I’m bringing my new girlfriend toThanksgivingdinner?”

“Yes. Why not? You’ve got insta-love,” Sofia says cheerfully.

Beckham lets out a frustrated groan. “People who know me will never believe any of this shit.”

The smile falls from Sofia’s lips. “But who have you let inside your guarded walls besides your family, Beckham? Who knows therealyou?”

Then she opens the door and sails out of the dining room.

Ooh, intrigue. What did Sofia mean by the real Beckham? Why does he have a need to guard his walls?

What is he afraid people will find?

Beckham exhales loudly, curses, and then takes his seat across from me. “I’m sorry. This is not what I had planned this evening.”

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