Page 23 of Off Pitch

“It’s not a problem.” He runs a hand through his hair, letting it fall around his head. The messy look suits him.

“I should probably get inside.”

“Just a minute,” he says, taking a moment to gather himself. “Thank you for doing this. I owe you a lot. Faking a relationship with the asshole of the league probably isn’t your idea of a good time.”

I laugh before responding. “I don’t know, you don’t seem much like an asshole to me, Spencer. You’re just mysterious.” I lean forward on the center console, bringing myself closer to him, inhaling the musky scent of the body wash he must haveused during his postgame shower. “And I’m going to learn all about you; just wait.”

“Am I going to get to learn about you in the process?” he asks.

“That depends on whether or not you believe I’m worth knowing, I think,” I reply shyly.

“Harlow,” he says thoughtfully, placing his finger under my chin again like he did outside the stadium. “You’re worth knowing, I’m certain of that. Whatever man made you feel like you aren’t was dead wrong.”

Breathless.

I’m breathless right now, absorbing the words and trying to take them to heart. Knox doesn’t know me well, but he must be able to read me.

I just nod at him, unable to speak, before he glances at something out the window. “Fuck,” he mutters under his breath.

“What’s wrong?” I ask with concern in my voice.

“There’s a man down the street with a camera pointed right at us.”

My eyes widen. “How did they find out where I live already?”

“Paparazzi are some shady motherfuckers.” He sighs. “Do you want to really sell this?”

I nod, giving him the permission he’s looking for. He leans forward, and his lips find mine again. This time, Knox kisses me deeper than he did at the game. He snakes an arm around my waist and angles his head, bringing his tongue to glide against mine.

If I thought the kiss earlier was good, this one ismind-blowing. I’m losing myself in this. I know we’re putting on a show, but that doesn’t mean I can’t enjoy myself while we are.

He slowly pulls away, his face flushed and looking as flustered as I feel. I awkwardly sit back, grabbing my bag from the floor. “I’ll, uh… I’ll see you on the plane tomorrow, Knox.”

“Have a good night, Harlow,” he says as I step out of the car and close the door behind me. I glance back before I step into my building, finding Knox scrubbing a hand over his face as if trying to calm his racing thoughts.

His thoughts probably aren’t racing, but mine sure as hell are. How do I act normally after a kiss likethat? I don’t think I can.

I throw open my apartment door and toss my bag on the floor before heading to my bathroom. I’m in desperate need of a release right now. I’ve got a waterproof vibrator and a mind full of naughty thoughts, so a shower is what I need before I can fall asleep tonight.

ten

Harlow

I overslept this morning,so I have to get ready quickly to avoid missing the flight. I throw on the first pair of leggings I see and a baggy Stars T-shirt. Once I pull my hair up into a ponytail and apply a quick layer of foundation, I’m out the door, thankful I packed my suitcase last night instead of waiting until this morning.

Lucia finds me as soon as I arrive at the airport. “Good morning, Harlow,” she says, all chipper. “Have a good night after you left the game?” She gives me a knowing look.

I groan. “Those pictures are online already, aren’t they?”

“They sure are. So not only did Knox drive you home, you also made out with him.”

“He saw the guy with the camera, Luc. We agreed to kiss because we knew it would be better to make this believable.”

“Hell of a convincing kiss then.” She turns toward me now. “Was it good?”

“Ooh, I want to know, too!” Rory says, coming up from behind me.

Letting out a sigh, I say, “It was a really damn good kiss. I had to take a shower after.”

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