Page 16 of Power Play

“Fakegirlfriend. I’ve never done it, but I hear it happens.”

“I’m not going to pretend to date someone. I’m going to be a shitty person and lie instead,” I say.

“What lie are you going to use? It better be a good one.”

“An expired passport. You can’t argue with Border Patrol.”

“Not bad, Sullivan. Probably better than theWeekend at Bernie’sstint some of your teammates would try.”

“That seems like too much work.”

“So your sister’s wedding, huh? I didn’t know you had any siblings, and it’s my job to know everything about you all. Is she older or younger?”

“Younger by four years. She was an absolute pain in my ass when we were growing up, but I love her. She met her fiancé when she moved to California to start a dating app, fell in love, proposed tohim, then planned a wedding.”

“You sound like total opposites.”

“Completely different people. I’m sure this wedding is going to be over the top extravagant. She’s always been outgoing and loves being the center of attention. Me? Not so much.”

“Your job as one of the best goalies in the NHL makes perfect sense. You never haveanyattention on you.”

“Shut up, Pipsqueak,” I say without any bite behind it, and she laughs again. “When’s your date?”

“Soon. I should probably get going.” She swings her legs to the edge of the chair. Her thigh presses against mine as she stands. “Are you going to stay out here much longer with your broody thoughts?”

“Nah. I’m going to head home. I’ve seen the guys play enoughGrand Theft Autoto last a lifetime, and I’m tired. How’s your head?”

“Better. Amazing what some fresh air can do.”

My gaze drags down to her jeans when she turns for the door. “Your outfit isn’t fine, by the way. It’s…” I trail off, hesitating. I try to find the word that would fit without sounding like a fucking creep. “Pretty. Really pretty.”

“You think so?”

“Yeah.”

“Thank you.” Piper smiles at me, and it’s the kind of grin that reaches every corner of her face. Her nose wrinkles. There are crinkles around her eyes and a half dimple on her cheek. I had no clue a compliment could make someone so happy, and I have a feeling she doesn’t hear enough of them in her life. “Have a good night, Liam. I’ll see you on the plane to Texas in a few days.”

The balcony door clicks shut. I focus on the White House and Capitol Building in the distance instead of focusing on how for once, I really fucking hate being alone.

FIVE

PIPER

“Off to Texas.”Lexi lifts her bag onto the charter plane and turns down the aisle. “Where everything is bigger.”

“Why do I feel like a man came up with that slogan?” I toss my black leather backpack on an empty seat and stand on my toes, shoving my suitcase in an overhead bin. “It’s probably compensation for what they lack in other departments.”

“Without a doubt.” She sits in the row across from me at the front of the plane. “I was thinking barbecue for dinner tonight. Want to join?”

“Maybe. Depends on how much work I can get done on this flight. I have the players’ stats ready to go for tomorrow, but I’m behind on our next two games.”

“Why doesn’t anyone else in the broadcasting department help you? You’re not the only reporter, and you’re doing all this research for them.”

“I don’t mind it.” I pull out my notebook from my bag and set it on my jeans, tapping the spiraled spine. “They’re not thorough, and since I’m not permanently in front of the camera, it gives me something to do to stay busy.”

“Not permanently in front of the camerayet,” she emphasizes, and I smile at her optimism. “They could at least lifta finger every now and then. Did you go to HR about Small Dick Charlie?”

“Your nicknames kill me.” I shake my head, grinning. “And, yeah. I did. They told me they’re looking into it, and if anything else comes up to let them know.”

---