Page 19 of Accidentally Falling for My Fake Wife

I slip my jersey and shoulder pads over my head and put them down in front of my locker.

“Hey,” one of my teammates protests, a mock scowl on his face.

Darius waves them off with a dismissive look on his face. “You know he made you all look better!”

“Couldn’t do it alone,” I say loud enough for everyone to hear. Cheers fill the locker room. Darius shakes my shoulder and gives me a knowing smile, and a grin splits my face from ear to ear.

Playing with the Mavericks felt good. Surprisingly good. I didn’t expect to feel a connection with the guys. I’ve been playing with Steve so long that I normally gravitate to him for celebrations. I forgot what it’s like to play with others who are passionate about the sport too.

The Mavericks have been the ‘competition’ for years; I assumed it would be awkward, but there’s nothing like going to battle with a group of men to form a bond.

We struggled, we overcame, and we got the W…together. We all did our jobs, and the jubilee belongs to every single one of us.

I reach for my phone in my locker and see a notification from Amelia.

I didn’t think the grin on my face could get larger but it does. Warmth expands through my chest and down to my hands as I open the app to read her message.

NotJOsSis:Prediction fulfilled!

A small chuckle escapes me, and I stand a bit taller as I let her praise wash over me.

NotJOsSis:I’m waiting…

My laughter echoes throughout the locker room and garners a few glances from the other guys, but I’m so consumed by this conversation I barely notice.

PullTheLine:You were right

Three dots appear under my post, and my heart jumps. It’s rare that we’re on at the same time, but I should’ve realized she’d be waiting.

NotJOsSis:

“Great game, Daniels!” Josh slaps me on the shoulder just as my phone vibrates. I look down and see a message from my mom. “Glad you’re battling with us now.”

“Thanks, Josh. I appreciate that.” I give him a return pat on the left side of his back and notice him cringe slightly. “Hey. Are you okay?”

He turns to face me, walking backward, arms stretched out and a smirk lining his face. “Perfect.”

I chuckle and shake my head. It’s what all of us say regardless of whether we’re injured or not, but his smile doesn’t reach his eyes, making it easy to see that he’s a bit concerned about whatever is affecting his play.

My phone buzzes a few more times, and when I finally look at my texts, I snicker. There are so many that my phone stopped telling me how many texts I have.

A group text (that Olivia must’ve started) has Mom, Nicole, Liv, and Steve all giving a play-by-play of the game. Texts continue to come through as they talk amongst themselves.

Me:So grateful to have all of you watching and cheering me and the Mavericks on.

Me:Well, maybe not Steve

I chuckle, and a sheepish smile creeps across my face at the love coming from across the phone. It’s the next best thing to them being here.

Me:Everything was better than expected, and I feel really good!

A slew of messages fly in, and I have to work to keep up with them.

Mom:Adam! I’m so proud of you.

Liv:Blue and Orange look good on you!

Steve:Looks like I have to study the Mavs in a completely new way.

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