Page 57 of The Player's Obsession

“Right. Just like in the movies,” I say as I notice we’re bantering, not bickering. This is good. I could use a few days of fun and deserve a breather before the playoff games.

“Which movies?” she asks, like she’s testing my movie trivia skills.

“Well, all movies include some sort of conflict between the protagonists. Hell, I bet it’s in a million romantic comedies.” She smiles, and it warms my heart. I wish she would smile more often. I blame her moods on her stress caused by her brother. My mission this weekend is to get her to lighten up and have some fun. If I can seduce her as well, all the better. There’s nothing like being stuck in a hotel room to speed up the process. I know this from experience because we’re on the road so much during the season.

“Mm, you are right. However, I can’t think of the movie either, but I know it’s a famous line.”

“Darn, and here I thought you knew every line from every movie,” I say to tease her.

“I usually do.” She chuckles.

Her mood has improved, and I want to keep her in this frame of mind. My friends will like this version of Penelope.

“It’s because you are detail-oriented,” I say. “And like most women, you want to be swept off your feet by a handsome man. I’m sure there are plenty with football and rock stars to choose from.”

“It’s the life I’m living with a football player right now, so why not?” She gives me a tiny laugh.

“True. So, you think I’m handsome?”

“Oh, did I say that?” Her right hand daintily covers her mouth. She may have the body of Sophia Loren, but she has the innocence of Audrey Hepburn.

This past week, I’ve been feeling like myself. I’m not as grumpy and don’t care if my house gets cleaned. Looking back, I was being a jerk for insisting Lucinda get someone to clean my house immediately. It wasn’t my best moment. But I met Penelope, and Penelope needed the money, so it worked out well for both of us. As to who got the better part of the deal, I prefer to think it’s me.

“Are we good with the story?” I ask to make sure my detail-oriented fake fiancée is happy.

“I think I’m as ready as I’ll ever be. I’m not a good liar, and I have the worst poker face. Let’s stick together until we get our story out and go from there.”

“Sounds like a plan.” I’m looking forward to her spending more time with me, and I didn’t have to beg or barter for it. This whole idea of a fake engagement was brilliant.

Penelope checks the car’s navigation screen. “Wow, we’ll be there soon.”

“Yes, indeed, and I’m glad, as I’d hate to get caught out here for a night.”

“I know, it’s not how I planned my weekend,” she agrees.

“And how did you plan it?” I’m mocking her. I know she likes to have a plan.

“Me? A massage, a facial, I looked at the website and saw a pool.”

“Great. Did you bring a swimsuit?” I hope she says it’s a bikini. I want to see her in next to nothing.

“Yes, a string bikini Lucinda insisted I buy. It will probably get me arrested for indecent exposure.”

I chuckle.

“I’m glad you’re amused by it. I’m not sure I can wear it in public.”

“That’s what moonlight swims are for,” I suggest.

“The pool closes at nine, and it’s indoors, but you knew that.” She’s already figured out that I know just as much about staying in hotels as I do about playing football.

“Yes, but I can dream.” I make a turn down the road to the hotel.

I’m a snob when it comes to the things I love. I love fancy hotels, and I love gourmet restaurants. I have a list of the best restaurants in every major city committed to memory.

“I want you to take advantage of all the amenities here. Get a massage, a facial, a manicure, a pedicure, whatever you want. You deserve to be pampered after all the stress you’ve been under this past year.”

I drive past a sign welcoming us to the RusLuxe International Resort, and next to it is a sign for Lake Sebago campgrounds and nature trails.

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