Page 41 of The Fake Play

“Trust me, it will be a success, I just need to figure out how to make it happen.”

As I leave Whitney's office, determination fuels my steps. The bustling hallways of the arena feel electric, but my mindis swirling with worrying thoughts. Players walk past me like a tide, their camaraderie evident in the way they banter. Each one handsome in his own right, a different flavor of masculine good looks. I watch as they tease each other, the true affection among them. A real team.

It reminds me of my ex-boyfriend, Jason, who was always surrounded by friends, always at the center of the party. The same easy charm, the same cheeky attitude. But with him, I was merely an accessory in his life. A trophy, not a partner. I still can’t shake the memory of how he had smirked at me when I confronted him about the rumors.

“You're overreacting, Keke. She was just a little fun.”

I can still hear the echoes of his and his friends’ laughter as I ran out of the frat house, and it sends a chill down my spine. Back then, I had told myself I was done with guys like him. Too charming, too good at weaving webs of deceit. I had sworn I wouldn't fall for that kind of man ever again.

But here I am, fighting for another man with the same spark in his eye, the same undeniable charisma. Luke might have a reputation, but beneath it I sense something deeper in him. Something worth protecting. Even if it goes against my promise to myself.

I round a corner and nearly collide with him. Luke stands there looking troubled, his brow furrowed. “Hey, Keke,” he says, his voice low. “What’s going on?”

“You're going to be okay, I promise, but we need to talk.”

His eyes widen slightly and I notice the tension in his jaw. “Trades?”

I nod, steeling myself. “But I have a plan.”

“I hope it's a good one because I could use one of those right about now,” he mutters.

“Do you trust me?”

“Of course. I'm in your hands. Why do you ask?”

“Because we are going to sell your coworkers.”

His eyebrows shoot up then he shakes his head rapidly the way a dog shakes off fleas. “I'm gonna need you to say that again because it sounded like you said we're going to sell my coworkers.”

“We're going to use the team to create buzz for a charity event. If we can rally your teammates to get involved, it'll show management how much support you really have. Plus, who doesn't love cute animals? All of this will benefit the shelter.”

His expression shifts. “You're talking about a bachelor auction, right?”

“Do you think it could work?”

“Maybe. But how do we get them on board?”

“We pitch it as a team building exercise. Everyone loves a good cause, and if they're involved, the media will eat it up. We could even make it a competition who can raise the most money for the shelter.”

The tension in his shoulders fades. “That could definitely work. The team loves a challenge. What’s the plan?”

“Leave that to me. I will reach out to the shelter and get all the details sorted. We can make this into a big black-tie event. Food, activities, maybe even an adoption drive. I'll handle all of it. You just need to be the charming face promoting it.”

For a moment, I catch a glimpse of the man behind the playboy facade. “And you really think this will work? For management, I mean.”

“I know it will.” My words are full of conviction that I hope is not false bravado. “This is your chance to show them that you're more than just a pretty face who stirs up drama. You care about the community, you care about the shelter, and you care about the team.”

He nods slowly. “Okay, let's do it. But you have to promise me you'll keep me in the loop. I want to help.”

“Absolutely. I couldn't do this without you.”

As we stand there, the energy in the hall shifts, the vibrant chatter of the players fading into the background, and for a brief moment, it feels like it’s just the two of us against the world.

He reaches out, placing a hand on my shoulder. “You really care about this, don't you?”

“I do. I'm not letting them take this away from you.”

He smiles, and a warmth spreads through my chest despite everything going on.

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