Page 50 of Check & Chase
Heat floods my cheeks. “Fine. Rule four revised: We can kiss, but no making out. And not when we’re alone. Only for public appearances to make our relationship look real.”
“That seems unnecessarily restrictive,” Chase says with a pout that shouldn’t be as attractive as it is. “What if we need to practice? What if our first public kiss is awkward because we haven’t established how we’re doing it?”
“Then we’ll deal with that when it happens.”
“You’re no fun, Blondie.”
“Ms. Anderson,” I correct automatically. “And I’m plenty of fun. Just not with my patients.”
“Technically, I’m your fake boyfriend now too.”
“Fake being the operative word.” I consult my list again. “Rule number five: This ends immediately if either of us becomes uncomfortable or if it negatively impacts your recovery in any way.”
Chase nods, his expression turning more serious. “Agreed. Your comfort and my knee health come first.”
“And finally, rule number six: We don’t tell anyone it’s fake. Not teammates, not friends.” I pause, then add, “Except Maya. She already knows.”
“Donovan might have to know too,” he admits. “He’s my captain and roommate when we’re on the road. Hard to keep secrets from him.”
I consider this, then nod. “Fine. Maya and Donovan, if you decide to tell him. No one else.”
“Agreed.” Chase extends his hand for a shake. “So, partners in deception?”
I take his hand, ignoring the warmth that spreads from the contact. “Partners in deception,” I confirm. “God help us both.”
“So, when do we start this charade?” He asks, still holding my hand longer than necessary.
“Donovan’s Halloween party tomorrow night?” I suggest. “You mentioned Tyler and Carina would both be there.”
“Perfect. I’ll pick you up at eight.” He finally releases my hand, leaving my skin tingling. “Wear something that’ll make Tyler regret every life choice that led to losing you.”
I roll my eyes, but I’m smiling. “Let’s focus on your knee first. Then we can worry about making Tyler regret his choices. Also, I’m bringing Maya, so we’ll make our own way there.”
We transition into the PT session, and I’m relieved to find that Chase maintains his promise of professionalism, following my instructions without unnecessary flirtation. If anything, he’s more focused than usual.
It’s only at the end of the session, as he’s preparing to leave, that he breaks character.
“One last thing,” he says, pausing at the door. “Should we have a practice run before tomorrow? Make sure our story holds up under scrutiny?”
“A practice run?” I repeat.
“Dinner tonight,” he clarifies. “Nothing fancy. Just to iron out details, make sure we’re on the same page.”
I hesitate, weighing the professionalism of declining against the practicality of his suggestion. “I suppose that makes sense,” I finally respond. “Where?”
“Antonio’s? Seven o’clock?” It’s a local Italian place, small and intimate but public enough that we might be seen. Smart choice.
“Fine. But this is strictly business,” I remind him. “Nothing more.”
“Wouldn’t dream of anything else, Blondie.” Chase’s blue eyes gleam with mischief as he grins. “See you at seven.”
He leaves before I can respond, and I sink into my chair, already questioning my sanity. But then my phone buzzes with another text from Tyler, the eighth today, and my resolve strengthens.
If fake dating Chase Mitchell is what it takes to get Tyler out of my life once and for all, then that’s what I’ll do. It’s just temporary. Just for show.
What could possibly go wrong?
Antonio’s is more crowded than I expected for a Thursday night. The small restaurant hums with conversation and the clatter of silverware, the air rich with the scents of garlic, tomato, and freshly baked bread.
