Page 24 of Rescued Heart

Reliable.The word that Nathan’s lawyer had claimed she wasn’t when she’d testified about Nathan’s second phone that she’d found in her purse the day the police had shown up. The one that had gone missing after she’d surrendered it to a different officer days later.

She backed up. “I understand.” Her career was sinking faster than the tabloids had predicted the day Nathan had first been indicted.

Eddie’s fingers landed on her elbow. “I don’t think you do. Most of these kids don’t have ideal family situations. Most of the time, I’m the only one who keeps their word in their life. I can’t have a relationship that’s a lie. Kids are smart. They’d know it, and it would prove to them again that adults let them down.”

“I understand about adults letting people down,” she half mumbled as she took a step toward her car.

Scarlette popped up from behind the other side of the truck, and Bianca put her hand to her thumping chest.

A smirk covered the girl’s face. “Or, Coach, you could make us all pinkie swear to the fake dating deal, and then Coach B could pay to have our indoor rec center built.” Her pigtails swung behind her as she marched around the truck bed. She put her fists on her hips. “The grant money to cover the down payment still hasn’t come in yet, right? This would be like double-stamping it to make sure we get enough funds.”

Eddie aimed his finger at Scarlette. “Eavesdropping is not cool.”

“Neither is the wordcoolanymore, but Coach B needs help, and she can help us right back. Can’t you? You’re a movie star. And movie stars got money.”

Bianca held on to her practiced smile. One would assume actors had money.

Eddie sighed. “It’shavemoney, notgotmoney, and it’s rude to talk about someone’s income or force them to do something for money.”

Bianca rested her right elbow on the back of the truck bed. “Extortion is totally not cool.” She’d had enough money issues from Nathan to last a lifetime. “I don’t know what kind of center you’re wanting to build, but you’re probably talking millions and millions of dollars, which, movie star or not, I don’t have. But I can offer my endorsement for the center, do some fundraising, and give a donationifthe movie is successful.”

The wordifcouldn’t be avoided.

Scarlette winced. “Thought it was a good plan, but that long word sounds like jail time.”

Eddie crossed his arms. “Extortion sort of means blackmail.”

Scarlette hung her head. “Oh.”

The end of practice was quickly resembling the botched beginning. “But I’m all for helping. A teammate helping another teammate.”

Scarlette pushed out her bottom lip. “Could you still make a promise to help each other? Do a handshake-friend-deal thing. No need to spit. That’s too messy. I’ll be your witness.”

Eddie pinched the bridge of his nose. “Scarlette, you’re going to make an incredible lawyer one day, but Scar, I can’t let money trump what I know is right.”

His words hit Bianca hard. Was what she was asking him to do wrong? “You’re right, money and fame don’t come before truth. Just please take the time to reconsider the deal. My job kind of depends on it.”

Scarlette pressed her palms together under her chin. “Counteroffer her, Coach. Ask to be in her movie along with funds for the rec center. No, wait!” She snapped her fingers. “Ask that both you andmebe in the movie, and then Will’s gonna wish he’d chosen me to partner?—”

Eddie held up his palm to Scarlette. His deep-brown gaze shined not with hope but pity. “Sorry. It’s a no.” He met Bianca’s gaze. “I’m sure you’ll be able to find another man to take my place easily enough.”

Strike two. If he didn’t reconsider, Bianca would lose everything she’d worked for.

Bianca’s fingers trembled as she pulled her keys out of her pocket. “Thank you for letting me practice with the team. Playing ball was more fun than I remembered.”

With a nod, he headed to the field with Scarlette chasing him.

Bianca tugged out her ponytail holder and rewrapped her hair in a bun. There couldn’t be a strike three. She’d have to come up with a new plan. One that didn’t include fake dating anyone.

SIX

The fire station’s workout room lights seemed to scowl down at Eddie. If only the music thumping in his earbuds would drown out Bianca’s plea from the other night.

Just please take the time to reconsider the deal. My job kind of depends on it.

He’d thought his first practice as head coach had been destined for destruction when she’d tried to field in that dress. He never should have allowed her and the kids to talk him into letting her practice.

No, she hadn’t gotten hurt on his watch, but it hadn’t been beneficial to the team for him to falter in leadership. However, then she’d returned, dressed to practice, and her fakeness had disappeared too. More like someone the kids could look up to.

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