Page 37 of False Play
“I’ll fix it,” Kennedy jumped in. “I promise.”
“How long has this been happening?” Coach Sloane asked, face impassive.
I shot Kennedy a look. Her shoulders were tense, and she bit her lip in contemplation. I wanted her to answer, because more than anything, I needed her to know she held all the cards. Whatever she decided, I was going to follow her lead.
Without thinking too much—because, let’s face it, I had never been someone to question things, and I wasn’t about to start—I interlaced Kennedy’s hand with mine. I couldn’t say much with words, but I wanted her to know I was in her corner. No questions asked.
Her eyes moved to where our hands were connected. The way she was death-gripping my hand, I instantly knew how unsure she felt. That look of vulnerability settled on her once again, and something primal and possessive roared in my chest. I was ready to take charge. Not because I wanted to be controlling, but because she needed it.
I cleared my throat in a failed attempt to calm my nerves. “It’s…recent. We’ve been dating for about a month, but we made it official as of yesterday.”
“Those pictures were taken yesterday.” Anthony narrowed his eyes at me. “Kind of weird timing, don’t you think?”
My mind went blank, but we were too deep in this. I had to keep going. “Well?—”
Kennedy cut in. “Since we decided to make it official, we didn’t think going to the store together would matter much. We certainly didn’t expect people to notice us. If you look at Henry’s attire, he was wearing a cap and a hoodie. It was a complete accident.”
Anthony leaned back on his chair. “As you guys know, the organization doesn’t have any issues with employees dating, but they do have to disclose it,” he said carefully. “Were you planning on disclosing this relationship?”
“Of course,” I said. “We were planning on meeting with you today.”
Everyone in the room looked at us expectantly, like they were waiting for us to break. I squeezed Kennedy’s hand in reassurance. It was…niceto feel her palm against mine. Natural. Like they belonged.
Anthony nodded. “Okay, then. This is good. Now we can release an official statement and kill the rumors that this is a PR relationship.”
“Because it isn’t, right?” Brad interjected, raising an eyebrow.
I shook my head. “I’m crazy about her.” My eyes found Kennedy, and I gave her a smitten smile. It was scary how good of an actor I was.
Oh, so this is what we’re calling your little crush now? Acting?my brain mocked.
Kennedy smiled, too, though it was awkward as hell. “Right,” she forced out.
We were going to have to come up with a plan and practice, because the tension rolling off her body was apparent.
“Okay, then. I will email both of you some paperwork. Please sign it as soon as possible,” Mac said. “I’ll go get it done right now.” With that, he strolled out of the office.
“I’ll draft the statement and give you the final version in an hour or so, Anthony. I’ll schedule something for later today so we can address this with the press,” Brad said.
Anthony clasped his hands. “Perfect. Kennedy and Brad, you’re dismissed. Anderson, you stay here for a minute.”
I tensed.Shit.
Kennedy nodded, and before she almost got out of my grip, I brought her hand to my lips and gave her a soft kiss. “I’ll see you tonight?”
The move startled her. Her eyes became as big as saucers as she squeaked, “Sure,” and quickly stood and walked out of the office.
We were most definitely not selling this. The woman was smart, beautiful, and strong as hell…but aterribleactor.
“What’s up?” I asked once the office door was shut.
Anthony and Coach glanced at each other for a moment then stared at me with blank expressions.
“What’s really going on?” Coach asked gruffly.
Anthony raised his hand to stop him. “What Sloane is trying to say is, if you are doing this for PR purposes, you don’t have to. Yes, you fucked up, but you’re not resorting to…”—he cringed—“desperate measures, right?”
I scoffed at them in disbelief. “What’s that supposed to mean?”
