Page 30 of Play the Game

I feel like a child, like I’m asking for his permission. My chest fills with hope and desperation while I wait for him to grunt something out. He’s either going to confirm that I’m absolutely fucking crazy, or he’s going to jump on the crazy train with me.

“Why are you asking me?” he finally asks, taking a seat on the bench.

I sigh. “Because you’re the captain. These guys worship you.”

“But what does it have to do with you getting married?” Rhodes shakes his head. “I didn’t even know you had a girlfriend.”

Here we go.“That’s the thing. I don’t.”

Silence fills the locker room. Everyone is gone, but with our two personalities in the same room, it's jam-packed with tension.

“Well, then…” He shakes his head. “Yeah. I don’t get it.”

“It’s a contract marriage.”

I snap to attention when Rhodes laughs. It’s a deep sort of rumble, but he throws his head back and continues to cackle. I glare, and he shakes his head. “That’s a terrible idea. You’re even crazier than I thought.”

“I pay her, and she’ll act like my wife. She’ll come to the games and sit with the other wives, post all that ridiculous relationship bullshit on my socials, be by my side for a few events…” I shrug because, truly, what could go wrong?

“It’ll at least silence the media and their constant fixation on my personal life. Fixing my reputation is one step closer to fixing this team's reputation.” When our eyes catch, I add more to help my case. “Think about it. No one takes this team seriously, but imagine when we continue to dominate, and they realize they were wrong about us. Players are going to want to be on this team instead of being forced onto it.”

Rhodes thinks for a few moments, and I check the time. It’s almost one, and I have a feeling that my new fiancée is punctual. Not that I mind making her wait a little. It’s good to let her sweat some.

“This is going to end badly,” he says.

I cock a brow. “Does that mean you’re on board?”

Rhodes stands and grabs his bag. When he starts to walk past me, he pauses, and his subtle nod is the only answer I need. “Tell me what you need me to do, but when it ends up like I know it will, don’t come running to me for help.”

My lip lifts. “You should have more faith in your goalie.”

He gives me a once-over. “What do you need me to do?”

“Just make sure the rest of the team goes along with it if they recognize her.”

Rhodes rolls his eyes, and I’m pretty sure he mumbles something under his breath before walking out of the locker room.

I grab my shit and head in the same direction because there’s a contract that needs signing.

I was right.

Scottie is waiting for me with a cute little scowl on her face. There’s a chill in the air that whips at the ends of her hair, sending the long strands flying behind her, giving way to her tense shoulders.

“Glad you could make it,” I say, approaching my car.

Scottie pushes off my driver's side door, and I have to keep myself from smirking at the sound of her girly growl. “You’re late.”

“And yet, you still waited,” I retort. “Just drives my point further.”

Scottie steps away when I reach around her to open my car. She smells like honey and something sweet. I don’t like it.

“What point?” she asks.

I grip my door, half inside the driver's seat. “That you’re just as desperate as I thought.”

A gasp escapes her mouth.

I keep my cocky grin to myself and flick my chin to the passenger side. “Get in.”

---