Page 10 of Nash

“Coach says the video is a good thing,” I counter. “Says we're already getting interest for endorsement deals.”

Light flashes behind her eyes, and just that bit of pride and happiness has my own smile widening.

“It is, you’re right. It’s a really good thing for the exposure and for the Badgers in general. I just wanted to apologize on a personal level because I wasn't trying to ruin your bachelor reputation.”

“I give zero fucks about my reputation,” I say. “I thought you knew that by now.”

“Well, that's a relief,” she says, but then she groans, rubbing her palms over her face.

“Are you not feeling well this morning?” I ask, true concern tugging at me.

“No, I'm fine. Well, I mean, Ihatealcohol. I'm swearing it off. But that's not why I'm frustrated.”

“What's going on?”

“I just feel... guilty.”

“Why would you feel guilty? You haven't done anything wrong.”

“No, I have. The Badgers are finally getting the recognition they deserve and it's because of a lie. Notorious bad boy bachelor finds a girlfriend. It's a great headline. Certainly news for the thirsty, but it's not true. All those followers we gained won't stay unless they're given the same kind of content.”

“Ah,” I say, nodding. I see. “So give it to them.”

“What?”

“Give it to them,” I say again.

“I suppose I could ask some of the players who are in relationships if they wouldn't mind if I got some behind-the-scenes interviews with them?—”

I step a little closer to her, drawing her out of the thought she's in. “You could do that,” I say. “Or you could just give them what they want. Which isus, right?”

If there is any way I can help her, I sure as hell want to.

“What are you saying?”

“I'm saying use it,” I continue. “Use me.”

“You're not making any sense.”

“Sure, I am.” I smirk down at her. “I'm saying exactly what youwouldsay if you weren't too much of a baby to ask me yourself.”

She gapes up at me, fire churning in those beautiful eyes of hers. “I’m not a baby.”

I give her a look that suggests otherwise. “Then ask me.”

She huffs out a laugh, folding her arms over her chest.

“You're saying you'dwillinglyplay this role?” she asks. “Pretend to be my boyfriend for videos, go to events with me, parties, that sort of thing?”

“Yeah, why not? If it gets us more deals and exposure, it can't hurt anything.”

And I for one would takeanyendorsement deals I could get. I had a nice contract, but I have family responsibilities, one being my dad is currently on his second round of chemo. Big contracts are all well and good until medical bills are threatening to kick my parents out of their home. I made sure that wouldn't happen, but every extra dollar I can earn is a bonus.

“It could hurt,” she counters. “If someone figures out we’re lying.”

“Look, Reese,” I say, wanting to ease her worries. “Like I said last night, you and I run in the same circles. We're even inching closer to being friends. We're at the same parties and events anyway. Besides, half of social media content is more story than truth. It's about entertainment. About giving the followersexactly what they want. There's no harm in that. I can pretend if you can.”

“You're serious? This isn't some joke you're going to play on me? Lure me to an event under the guise of pretending to be my boyfriend and then do something horrific?”

---