Page 19 of Dating Her Brother's Best Friend

“I have friends.” I keep my answer vague, knowing she’ll know everything soon. I’m keeping a certain card tucked close to my chest—specifically, the little fact I’m part-owner of the Riggers.

It’s a secret I’ve kept for years, not wanting people to know about my family’s wealth. Sawyer and I keep our assets hidden behind several corporations, so no one really knows our little secret. Head Aviation may look like a small, family-owned company, but it’s actually part of a large network of corporations.

I swore Asa to secrecy years ago when he discovered my little secret. To everyone else, I’m just some guy with an uncanny knack for scoring killer seats at games. The suite I’ve arranged for us today is right alongside the players’ family suite. I’m hoping the setting will offer a perfect backdrop to finally ask Caroline the question that’s been on the tip of my tongue since I met her.

We make our way through the bustling stadium, the roar of the crowd a living creature all its own. Caroline’s hand is in mine, and I can’t help but smile down at her, swept up in the whirlwind of cheers and colorful jerseys.

“This is amazing,” she says, breathless with excitement, as we wait for the elevators leading to the suites. “I can’t believe we get to watch the game from a suite.”

“Anything for you, sweets,” I reply, steering her toward the last suite at the end of the hall. “Besides, I knew you’d love the view.”

Looking out over the field, the view is indeed spectacular. Sunlight catches the green of the turf, and the air is filled withthe smell of popcorn and impending victory. Settling into our seats, we’re already theorizing game strategies between snatches of sexual banter. “I love football.” She practically vibrates with excitement as the game gets underway.

It’s all going perfectly until the other suite door swings open, and a bleached blonde I recognize as Yvonne Smith, the quarterback’s wife, swaggers in with a group of friends. Immediately, there’s an unmistakable shift in the atmosphere, unwelcome and hostile. I can feel Caroline stiffen slightly beside me as their conversation drifts our way, abrasive and cutting like jagged glass.

The annoying blonde glances over with daggers shooting from her eyes. “Can you believe they let just anyone into these suites now?” the wife comments, loud enough to cut over the crowd noise. “Really lowers the quality.”

I glance at Caroline, her expression carefully neutral but with a slight edge that I recognize all too well. The fucking bitch in the suite next to us has no idea who she’s pissing off.

“Maybe we should move,” she suggests quietly to me, but I shake my head, unwilling to let anything spoil our day.

The wife’s entourage snickers, and I can feel the rage bubbling up within my soul. Yvonne’s husband is having a crappy season, and she’s taking her unhappiness out on everyone else.

Drawing in a steadying breath, my decision is made. I fish out my phone and text Paxton, my partner in this whole co-owning-the-team endeavor.

Me

Smith’s wife is a bitch.

Pax

What the fuck did she do?

Me

I’ll explain later. I’m going to make an announcement at half-time. Can you make sure what happens in the owner’s suite is broadcast throughout the stadium?

Pax

I take it you’re joining us in the OS?

Me

That’s my plan.

Pax

It’s a good day for it. I’ll set it up. Try not to make the headlines too colorful.

When I arranged to use the empty suite, he informed me he’ll have the who’s who of Hollywood and Silver Spoon Falls as his guests today. It is the perfect day for this.

Me

No promises.

The rest of the first half is the longest goddamn thirty minutes of football I’ve ever endured. Yvonne, the cunt, stopped making her little snide comments once she realized we weren’t going to respond.

As half-time nears, I lean over to Caroline, my voice barely louder than the excitement around us. “Are you ready for your surprise?” I ask, winking conspiratorially.

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