Page 49 of Check & Chase
“Obviously.”
“And a definite end date. Like, maybe after the Bears-Wolves game next month? That’s when Tyler tends to be most obnoxious.”
She nods, warming to the plan. “And you’d need a convincing story about how you got together.”
“Right.” I drain my wine glass, feeling a strange mix of anxiety and excitement. “This is crazy, isn’t it? That I’m actually considering this.”
“Sometimes crazy is exactly what you need.” Maya’s expression turns serious. “Just be careful, Em. Don’t get your heart involved. This is for show, not for real.”
“I know that,” I assure her, though something in my chest twinges at the reminder. “My heart is safely locked away, I promise.”
She doesn’t look convinced, but she drops the subject.
By the time I go to bed, I’ve made my decision.
“We need some ground rules,” I say without preamble the next day when Chase arrives for his PT session.
He raises an eyebrow, settling onto the table. “Didn’t you already give me some rules? Something about boundaries and professionalism?”
“Those rules were for your appointments specifically,” I clarify, closing my office door to ensure privacy. “These rules are for this fake dating nonsense.”
His face lights up with a smile that does dangerous things to my pulse. “Ahhh, so that’s a yes to my proposal?”
“It’s a ‘let’s discuss specifics,’” I correct, pulling out the list I’d made last night after my fourth glass of wine. “I have concerns.”
“I’m listening.” He gives me his full attention, though that infuriating grin remains.
I take a deep breath. “Rule number one: No sex. Absolutely zero sex.”
He blinks, clearly caught off guard by my directness. “Well, that’s… specific.”
“I’m serious, Chase. This is strictly for appearances.”
“Understood,” he agrees, though something flickers in his eyes. “What else?”
“Rule number two: No meeting parents or family beyond what’s absolutely necessary. Since this isn’t real, there’s no point in getting families involved.”
“Fair enough.”
“Rule number three: This arrangement has a clear end date. I propose the Bears-Wolves game next month.”
He nods. “Works for me.”
“Rule number four: No making out.”
“Wait, what?” Chase sits up straighter, looking genuinely confused. “Couples make out, Emma. If we don’t kiss, it won’t be believable.”
I cross my arms. “I said no making out.”
“Is it because you’re out of practice?” he asks, his voice dropping to that low, gravelly tone that makes my stomach flip. “Well, I’m right here. Let’s practice.”
“Chase.”
“Blondie.” He sits up fully now, swinging his legs over the side of the table. “Come on, one kiss. We can practice quickly, see what’s allowed. Tongues? A peck? We need to establish parameters here.”
“You are ridiculous.”
“I’m thorough,” he counters, patting the space beside him. “This is important research.”
