Page 52 of Check & Chase
“It’s a recent development,” Chase explains smoothly, reaching across the table to take my hand again. The gesture feels practiced, deliberate, meant for our audience. “Right, Emma?”
And just like that, our practice run becomes the real thing. I curl my fingers around his, forcing a smile. “Right. Very recent.”
“I see.” Donovan’s knowing grin says he thinks he sees quite a lot. “Well, don’t let us interrupt your… dinner.”
“Too late,” Chase mutters, but he’s smiling.
Donovan turns to me. “Nice to see you again, Emma. I assume we’ll be seeing more of you now?”
“She’ll be at the Halloween party tomorrow,” Chase answers for me, his thumb tracing small circles on the back of my hand in a way that’s surprisingly distracting.
“Great!” Anna exclaims. “I need more female allies at these team things. The testosterone gets overwhelming.”
“I can imagine,” I reply, finding myself warming to her immediately.
After a few more moments of small talk, they collect their takeout and leave, but not before Donovan gives Chase a look that clearly says they’ll be discussing this development later.
Once they’re gone, Chase releases my hand, though the warmth of his touch lingers. “Well, that saves us the trouble of announcing it at the party,” he notes with a wry smile.
“You think he believed it?”
“Definitely. Donovan will have texted the entire team before they even get to their car.”
The realization that our fake relationship is now officially “public” sends a flutter of nervousness through my stomach. There’s no going back now.
“You okay with this?” Chase asks, studying my face. “We can still back out if you want.”
I think about Tyler’s persistent texts, the flowers, the way he cornered me at the gala. Then I think about the relief I felt when Chase intervened.
“I’m okay,” I assure him, and I’m surprised to find it’s true. “Though I should probably warn you that Tyler won’t take this lying down.”
“I’m counting on it,” he says, a challenge gleaming in his eyes. “Let the games begin, Blondie.”
I smile. Maybe this ridiculous plan might actually work. And maybe, just maybe, I’ll enjoy it more than I should.
Chase
Chapter Ten
“So,” Donovan says, dropping onto the bench beside me with a shit-eating grin, “Emma Anderson, huh?”
I don’t bother hiding my own smile. It’s Friday morning, team practice is about to start, and exactly as predicted, the news about me and Emma has spread through the locker room like wildfire. Guys have been giving me knowing looks since I arrived, a welcome change from the pity and awkward conversations about my knee.
“What about her?” I ask, playing it cool as I adjust my knee brace.
“Don’t play dumb, Mitchell.” Donovan lowers his voice. “You and the new PT? That’s playing with fire, man.”
I glance around to make sure no one’s in earshot, then lean closer. “Actually, we need to talk. It’s not what you think.”
“No?” Donovan raises an eyebrow. “Because what I think is that you two looked pretty cozy at Antonio’s last night.”
“It’s fake,” I blurt out, then immediately regret it when Donovan’s eyes widen. “Shit. Look, I need you to promise me you won’t say anything to anyone. I’m serious, man.”
He stares at me for a long moment, then starts laughing. “Are you serious? What is this, a romance film? Are there gonna be cameras popping out any minute now?”
“I’m serious,” I hiss, checking again to make sure we’re alone. “Promise me, Donny.”
He’s still chuckling but nods. “Okay, okay. I promise. But what the hell, Chase? Why are you fake dating your PT?”
