Page 63 of Pretty Broken Promises

I’m nodding my head as if I know who he is, when in reality he doesn’t ring any bells for me. There are thousands of former players out there, and while it’s an exclusive club, not everyone experiences enduring fame.

“I’d be happy to help you navigate through this time. Anything you need, not just about endorsement deals. I’m here for you. I’m a die hard Cascade U Ram, and I want to help you anyway I can,” he continues.

I tip his card at him and slip it into my pocket. “I’ll keep your offer in mind. Thank you.”

“Ford, there are some other people that would like to meet you,” Coach Greer beckons.

Glancing over my shoulder I see Bennett put his hand on Tessa’s back and guide her over to a group of people and introduce her. I turn back to Coach. “I really need to get back to my girl.”

He gives me an exasperated look. “If I’d known you were wanting to babysit your date the entire night, I’d have told you not to bring her,” he grumbles.

“I think you knew that I wouldn’t have come.”

“This is your future. I’m just trying to help. Look, the athletic director is wanting to put forward a certain image. It doesn’t have to be the reality, but I’m trying to show them you can be a team player. I went out on a limb for you, this is the least you can do for me,” he says.

I freeze in place. “You need to explain that right now.”

He grunts, and pulls me off to the side. I can tell by the look on his face he’s not happy about anything he’s about to tell me. “They overheard me tell you that you could bring a date. The AD wasn’t aware you were seeing anyone. Your reputation as a, uh?—”

“Manwhore?” I provide.

He nods. “Let’s say ladies’ man. That reputation proceeded you, and they thought they were going to be able to sell you to the crowds as this unobtainable football god.”

“Except I’m very much possessed by a beautiful brunette, and that won’t drive ticket sales for women. Is that it?”

“Pretty much,” he confirms.

“Where is the man who stood up to the establishment when the rich parents were expecting their pampered sons to play?” I ask.

“He learned that integrity doesn’t feed your family. Coaching jobs don’t grow on trees, especially if you develop a reputation for being difficult. Is this going to be a problem for you?” he asks me.

“Yeah, I think it is,” I tell him honestly.

“Just meet a few more people and then you can leave. It’s not like you’re going to be expected to actually date other women, just don’t advertise your relationship,” he pushes.

My nostrils flare. I need to talk to Tessa before I do anything. For now, I’m going to have to stomach letting her catch up with Bennett. I trust her. When that realization hits me, I relax marginally. No matter what he wants, she chose me, and that is really all that matters.

ChapterTwenty-Six

TESSA

“I’msurprised your giant caveman is letting you talk to me alone,” Benji says.

I narrow my eyes. “Don’t say things like that. I don’t expect you to be Ford’s biggest fan, but as my friend, I do expect you not to bad-mouth him.”

“You’re right, I’m sorry. This isn’t easy for me, seeing you with him. I miss you, Tessie.”

How long am I going to feel bad for hurting him? The thing is, you can’t help who you love, and who you don’t. We gave it a shot, but we weren’t right for each other. I just wish he’d hurry up and see that already.

“Why didn’t you bring a date?” I ask him.

He scoffs at me. “And who would that be? Not everyone jumps from one serious relationship to another in the blink of an eye. We were engaged like five minutes ago. That was real for me.”

I take a step away from him, causing his hand to fall off my lower back. This is new for us. Benji’s never been mad at me before. I know I deserve it, but it’s not like I set out to hurt him.

“I guess it was too much to believe we could really stay friends after I broke off our engagement. For what it’s worth, I never meant to hurt you.”

I start to walk away, but he reaches out and grabs my wrist. “I do want us to be friends. It’s just hard seeing you with him. That’s my problem though, and I will deal with it.”

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