Page 58 of Billionaire Fake Fiancé Daddy

“Pete,” Darryl scolds. “Don’t be rude.”

“Am I the only one who cares about this team’s future?” Pete asks.

Finally, I think. Someone who’s as passionate about the Coyotes as I am.

I nod approvingly at him. “Tell me, Pete. What do you think the Coyotes need to do to win next season?”

“Sure. As soon as you tell me why we should trust you to put this team above your own profits,” Pete says stubbornly.

“If we do this right, there’s no conflict between what’s best for the team, and my profits,” I say. “Successful teams make their owners more money in the long run. And I always do things right. Only a fool gives up on a team like the Coyotes.”

Kevin frowns like he’s trying to figure out if that was a dig at him.

Pete looks unconvinced. “You’re dodging the question.”

“No, he’s not,” Violet says. She appears at my side and slides her hand into mine. “You can count on Gage. I’ve known him since he was in college. He’s the smartest, hardest-working person I know. He expects the best of everyone who works for him, but that’s only because he’s got such high standards for himself.”

My breath catches. I didn’t know Violet saw me like that.

“Yeah, he’s made a career of breaking companies down. Shouldn’t it mean even more thatthisis the first thing he wants to invest in and build up?” She looks up at me, and something tightens in my chest. “He won’t say it, but helovesthis team. This is more than a business deal for Gage.” She turns back to look at the other men. “And he’s more than a random buyer to you. He’s the man who could save your team.”

She’s so radiant, that for a second none of us can take our eyes off her.

Or maybe that’s just me.

I clear my throat, trying to get control of the conversation again. “Any more questions?” I ask Pete.

“Just one.” He raises an eyebrow. “If you’ve known Violet since college, why did it take you this long to put a ring on her finger? That doesn’t speak well of your judgment, man.”

Everyone laughs.

I instinctively wrap an arm around Violet’s waist, tucking her up against me. “She’s my best friend’s little sister. I had to be sure before I made my move.”

My answer is supposed to be a lie, but it doesn’t feel like one. It feels like I’m following Violet’s advice and, for once, telling people the truth about how I feel.

Something in Violet’s eyes shifts, and my heart beats faster.

Pete grins. “Fair enough. I guess your judgment passes muster.”

As we all head out of the stadium, Pete launches into his strategy for how the Coyotes could win next year. It mostly aligns with my strategy, although he’s got a few brilliant ideas that never would have occurred to me.

By the time we all part ways, I’ve decided. If they sell this team to me, my first move will be to make Pete head coach. And Kevin has all but promised to sell me the team, as long as I submit the highest bid.

“Right,” Violet says as she and I settle into the sports car I rented for the trip. “That’s over. You probably want to go back to the hotel and do some more work. I think I’m going to take a swim in the hotel pool. Or maybe go see some sights—”

“I don’t feel like working,” I interrupt. “Come on, let’s go get some dinner, somewhere special. I owe you for helping me back there.”

“You really don’t.”

But I’m already punching in the address for a place my friend recommended.

I don’t know why, but I’m in the mood to spoil Violet.

And no sensible, practical thing she says is going to change my mind.

* * *

Colorado Springs sits rightat the base of the Rockies, so the restaurant we go to has a gorgeous view of the mountains rising up in the distance. Violet is definitely underdressed in my jersey, but she’s still the most beautiful woman in this place.

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