Page 48 of Check & Chase
Tyler opens his mouth as if to argue, then thinks better of it. “This conversation isn’t over, Emma.”
“Yes, it is.”
He leaves with obvious reluctance, and I sink back into my chair once he’s gone, exhaling slowly. The encounter leaves me drained and irritated, reinforcing the appeal of Chase’s ridiculous proposal.
What would it be like to have Chase Mitchell publicly in my corner? To see Tyler’s face when he realizes I’ve moved on with someone he considers a rival?
The petty part of me finds the idea deeply satisfying.
The rational, professional part knows it’s a disaster waiting to happen.
I pull out my phone and text Maya.
Me:Need advice about something ridiculous. Wine night when we get home?
Maya:Ooh sounds serious. I’ll get thegood stuff.
“That about covers it,” I confirm, taking a much-needed sip of the crisp Pinot Grigio she’d brought home. “Well, that and the fact that Tyler won’t stop texting me. I’ve gotten six more since this afternoon.”
We’re sprawled on the couch in our living room, Maya still in her scrubs, me in leggings and an oversized sweatshirt I stole from Jackson years ago.
“And you’re actually considering this insane plan?” Maya looks both impressed and concerned. “What happened to all that ethical boundary talk?”
“Still very much a concern,” I assure her. “Which is why I’m talking to you instead of texting Chase back.”
“But you want to text him back,” she observes shrewdly.
I shrug, not willing to admit it out loud. “The idea has appeal.”
“Because you want to get back at Tyler,” Maya presses. “Or because you want an excuse to get closer to Chase?”
“The first one,” I insist. “Definitely the first one.”
She gives me a look that says she doesn’t believe me for a second. “Just checking.”
“It would be strictly for appearances,” I continue. “Professional during PT, maybe some public outings where we’d be seen together. No funny business.”
“Funny business?” Maya repeats, laughing. “What are you, eighty? Just say sex, Emma.”
“Fine. No sex.” I take another sip of wine, ignoring the slight flush I can feel creeping up my neck. “Just enough public interaction to convince Tyler and Carina we’re together.”
“And you don’t think that’s going to make your PT sessions awkward as hell?”
“Probably,” I admit. “But they’re already awkward. At least this way, the awkwardness would serve a purpose.”
Maya considers this, twirling her wine glass between her fingers. “You know, it’s not the worst idea I’ve ever heard.”
“Really?”
“Tyler’s been a problem since you took this job,” she points out. “And from what you’ve told me, Carina sounds like a real piece of work too. If this gets both of them off your backs, maybe it’s worth trying.”
I stare at her, surprised by her support. “But what about the professional ethics? The boundaries?”
“Look, you’re not actually dating the guy. You’re not crossing any ethical lines as long as you keep the PT sessions strictly professional.” She shrugs. “People already think something’s going on after the gala. This just leans into it for mutual benefit.”
Put that way, it almost sounds reasonable.Almost.
“There would have to be rules,” I clarify slowly. “Clear boundaries about what’s allowed and what isn’t.”
