Page 31 of Play the Game

She mumbles something about me opening the car door for her, and I chuckle. If this were a date, I’d be a gentleman and do exactly that. But as of right now, the contract isn’t signed, and there isn’t a single person around to witness anything. I have approximately twenty minutes until I have to act like her husband.

When we’re both enclosed inside my car, I feel like I’m being suffocated by her sweet scent. It fucks with my head for a few seconds before she clears her throat, and I regain consciousness.

Right. Contract.

“I have to say…” I get comfortable in my seat, spreading my legs out some while giving her the side-eye. “I’m not surprised to see you showed up.”

Scottie stares at me, looking so tiny in the passenger seat. At first, she seems angry, maybe even a little offended. But I can see right through her stony glare. There’s a softness there. Something sad…and fragile.

It messes with my head just like the smell of her perfume lingering around the interior of my car does.

Quickly, I reach forward and grab the papers I had drawn up by my lawyer. Scottie shifts in her seat and eyes them like they’re an invitation to hell, and to her, it very well may be.

We hardly know each other.

She’s a stripper with a need for money, and I’m a pro hockey player with a hefty bank account and a desperation for a better reputation.

The top of the contract has the wordsMarriage of Conveniencein bold. A thick swallow works itself down my throat before I drop the papers into her lap.

I hope she’s ready to play the game.

Fifteen

SCOTTIE

Marriage of Convenience Contract Agreement between two parties for all intents and purposes of a legally binding marriage.

This agreement made on the14thday ofOctoberin the year2024to end in exactly one year from the signature date. Between ________ hereafter called the “Groom” and ________ hereafter called the “Bride.”

The Groom and Bride enter into this agreement to provide for circumstances relating to their marriage; and both have read and agreed to the following conditions by way of initialing each item or part.

1. Bride agrees to no longer be employed at the establishment titledCat House.

2. Bride agrees to move into Groom’s house residingat76 Hart St. Chicago, ILuntil the end of contract date.

3. Bride and Groom both agree to engage in physical touch and act with affection when in public.

4. Bride and Groom both agree not to engage in physical touch with anyone other than each other, so long as it is not in a sexual manner.

5. Bride agrees to take over the Groom’s social media accounts and post appropriate content weekly regarding their relationship so long as it is in a positive manner.

6. Bride is able to have free rein in the home and do as she wishes unless an outing is required and/or a game, so long as it does not violate clause #4.

7. Groom agrees to pay Bride $2,500 on the first of every month for personal use.

8. Groom agrees to cover the cost of living for both parties including but not limited to mortgage, water, electricity, groceries, and any other household bills.

9. Groom agrees to pay Bride $100,000 at the end of contract in addition to the monthly stipend amount.

____________ ___________

Scottie Monroe Emory Olson

I rereadthe contract several times and try to ignore the constant shifting from my future husband sitting beside me.

Emory leans over his center console and points to number one. “That also applies to any other strip club. I figured it was implied, but…” He shrugs. “I can have the lawyer add it in there if you wish.”

I turn and glare. “That won’t be necessary.”

---