Page 38 of No More Heartbreakers

Despite their differences, I was surprised to notice a certain similarity between them as well. Each had a quiet confidence, an assurance that he was the real deal and had nothing to prove to anyone.

“Too bad it was such a blowout—I’d have liked to have seen a better game against Murray State, like last year’s.” Hale started to elaborate, a localkindlyfilling in an outsider.

Aric nodded. “Right. That one was thirty to twenty-four. Still a win for the Bulldogs, but a lot more exciting for the fans when it’s close like that.”

Hale drew back, and his expression shifted to something like a grudging respect. “You’ve done your research. You just got here, right?”

“I’m a quick study. I sort of pride myself on getting to know my subject matter well.” Aric picked that moment to glance over at me and give me a flash of his brilliant smile.

Hale noticed, one of his dark brows rising in reaction.

“Well, that’s good. Good for you.”

His tone was not as approving as his words. He moved closer to me and placed a hand on my shoulder. “Of course, there’s nothing like the home field advantage.”

The guys stood and discussed the game—or whatever it was they were really talking about—while I wore a big artificial smile and forced myself not to shrug off Hale’s hand.

Dread trickled through my belly. Any minute now Hale was going to out me to Aric, and I’d be left scrambling to explain why I’d repeatedly lied to him about having a potentially jealous boyfriend.

But he didn’t.

In fact, Hale did more to support my fabrication than I would have wished. He took every opportunity to touch me, calling me by endearing nicknames, standing very close, making Aric look like an extraneous third wheel on a precision Italian racing bicycle.

It all seemed a bit… strange. Had Hale always acted so possessive? Or was he doing it just for Aric’s benefit?

And why act this waynow—after breaking up with me?

When I couldn’t stand the odd dynamics of the conversation any longer, I interjected with an uncomfortable laugh. “Well, we’d better get back to the station. Aric and I have lots of writing and editing to do. Right?”

“Right.” Aric winked at me.

We said goodbye to Hale, and the guys shook hands. As Aric and I walked away together, Hale said, “Bye sweetheart. I’ll call you.”

Sugar.

I didn’t really want him to call. But I couldn’t exactly say that without busting myself in front of Aric.

So I simply nodded and waved then walked quietly to the car.

After stowing the gear, Aric slid into the front seat beside me. He didn’t start the engine, but sat looking out the windshield with both hands propped on top of the steering wheel. He paused as if thinking something over.

“I’ve gotta say, I don’t get it.” He shook his head, his tone matter-of-fact.

I sat back in my seat and twisted to face him. “What?”

“I don’t see you with that guy.”

Aric shrugged and started the car, pulling out carefully among the strolling tailgaters.

His directness startled me. I stared at him as he drove. “You… barely know me. Hale is a great guy, and… and…”

I literally couldn’t think of another thing to say. Any response I started to give died in sputtering indignation. I hadn’t enjoyed Hale’s sudden territory-marking exhibition back there, but where exactly did Aric get the stones big enough to pronounce judgment on my (ex) relationship?

“And what?” He glanced at me briefly, a challenge in his eyes.

“And—mind your own business, that’s what.”

“Okay,” he said with raised eyebrows and a you’re-the-boss tone. “Just calling them like I see them.” He paused. “It’s just—if you’re so into him, why does whatIsay upset you?”

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