Page 32 of The Player's Obsession

CHAPTER15

Oliver

Iwake up to thoughts of Penelope and morning wood. To tame the beast inside, I take care of myself in the shower. I text her I’m on the way, but I get no reply. I hope she’s not trying to avoid me.

Last night I wanted our kiss to never end. The ride home was uncomfortable and lonely without her. I can’t wait to see her again.

As I pull up in front of her apartment, I look for any suspicious cars and see none. Grabbing the jersey from the hook above the backseat, I make sure my car is locked and proceed to her door.

I knock and wait, feeling a wave of anxiety. This is a first. Women never make me nervous. I take a deep breath and exhale slowly. What’s taking so long? Her car is here, so if she doesn’t answer, I guess she’s not into me. I thought she was into me last night, the way her nipples hardened during our kiss. I could feel them pressing against my chest. I wanted to unbutton her blouse and wrap my arms around her gorgeous body.

The way she ate dessert, licking the ganache off her fork, was enticing enough for me to pop the zipper on my pants. My God, the woman oozes sexy appeal. I can’t believe she doesn’t have a boyfriend.

The door springs open.

“Good morning,” she says brightly. She’s smiling, but her face is puffy, and her eyes are red, like she’s been crying.

“Hi, how are you?”

“Fine. Come in.” She moves to the side to let me pass.

“This is for you.”

She takes the hanger, holds it up, and turns it over to see my name on the back.

“Wow, a game jersey?”

“Yes, it’s one of mine from last season.”

“Thank you. This is so cool.”

“It’s yours. I hope you’ll wear it to the game.”

“I’m sure I will.” She drapes the jersey over the back of the couch, her fingers run over it.

“Are you okay?”

“Sure. I um…” She looks up at me, and our eyes meet. “Is that offer to be your fake fiancée still available?”

Inside, I’m jumping for joy. She’s going to accept my deal to be my fake fiancée. I’ll have a date for the wedding. I will show Melanie that I’ve moved on, too.

“Yes, why?” I inquire calmly.

“I hate lying. I detest it. However, my circumstances have changed, and I can use the money,” she explains.

“Do you need help?”

“I’ll be fine. I’d offer you coffee, but it appears my coffee maker is not working properly. Do you want juice or something?”

“No. I’m fine. I have to head back for a team meeting.”

“Before you go, I need to know what is involved in this month of faking it.” She’s standing with her arms crossed and her feet are covered in pink fluffy socks. I expected the details to work themselves out as we went. I’m caught off guard.

“Hm,” I murmur.My cock jumps at the thought of being alone with her.

The momentum of the situation is in my favor and I’m the one in control. I could make stipulations, but I’m not an ass.

“We’ll pose as the happy couple. We’ll have dinners out and attend events. Of course, you’ll wear my ring.”Crap, I need a ring.She can’t wear the ring Melanie returned to me. Melanie would recognize it in a minute. Maybe I can trade up and get something different. “This weekend, we will be attending a wedding and sharing a hotel room at the RusLuxe, it’s a top-of-the-line hotel chain on Lake Sebago. You’ll love it there. You’re more than welcome to shop and take advantage of the amenities, whatever makes you happy.” From the amount of paperwork and the number of binders on her kitchen table, it's evident she works from home. “You work hard, I want you to have a fun month.”

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