Page 76 of Thoroughly Innocent Intent

“People think you’ve settled down. Stabled a bit.”

“I was always stable,” I object.

“The public didn’t see it that way.” He gives me a knowing look. “You didn’t get caught with your pants down, but a new woman every year raises a lot of eyebrows. True, that gave the appearance that you put the team first, which made a lot of people turn a blind eye to your philandering. But it followed you even if no one objected to it outright. So, the stable boyfriend version of you is a good look. It…softens the rough edges so to speak.” He adjusts his glasses.

“Okay. A,” I set down my drink and face him, “I haven’tphilanderedsince my divorce. I learned that lesson a long time ago. I’m monogamous, so no one can turn a blind eye to something that wasn’t happening. And B, I always put the team first. That’s why the women left me, they didn’t like coming second, hence why there was always a new one at the end of the season. I would’ve happily been the ‘stable boyfriend’ if any of them wanted to stick around.”

“You don’t have to explain.” Chase raises his hand in surrender. “I know all about your reasons and I’m not here to argue over them. I’m here to tell you that what you’re doing is working. This woman is less…flashy than the others. This woman makes you look settled, and that’s a good look where future employers are concerned. Dating her was a good move.”

I know he means well, and he’s not exactly wrong. Chase’s words still piss me off.

“Dating her isn’t a move.” I growl, trying to control my temper.

“Colt, you don’t date during the season. You can’t split your focus that well. I don’t know how you made it look like you were dating her while playing the way you did, but it worked. I’m a little concerned how long it will work, the press gets nosier during the playoffs. I’d feel a lot more comfortable going into it if you weren’t juggling a fake relationship, but breaking up might not be the best look. Do you need me to run interference with the press?”

“Dammit Chase, it’s not like that.” I clench my fists at my side. I don’t care how well the guy thinks he knows me, I’ve changed, and he’s crossing a line. “Do not talk about Sam that way.”

“What way? I’m complimenting her, she’s great for your image. But you’re on track for the Super Bowl, and the press will be hounding you the closer you get. Her too. And I know you, even if it’s just for show you’ll want to take care of your partner in this ruse. I can help with that while you focus on the game.”

“I’m going to tell you one more time. It’s…” I feel a soft touch on my arm.

“It’s time for your speech.” Sam’s bright smile falters when she sees my face, but she quickly schools her expression into a poised mask. I don’t like it, but it’s better than the alternative if she’d heard the shit Chase was spouting. He and I are going to have a serious talk about boundaries before this night is over, though now isn’t the time.

I give Sam a quick peck on the cheek, hoping the contact will calm some of my anger. And it does until I’m standing at the podium with a clear view of her and Chase at the back of the room.

I start my speech, willing my voice to hold steady as I read the words Sam and I wrote together, nearly a month ago. At the time they had me excited, made me believe that this foundation could really make a difference. Right now, I’m not even sure what they say. I’m too focused on the fact that she’s standing next to a guy who thinks I propositioned her for some stunt.

The speech is short, thank God, and as soon as I finish, I jump down from the stage and try to get to the back of the room. The half dozen tables in my path and people reaching to shake my hand or pat me on the back are harder to navigate than a field full of defenders since I can’t just run them over. I do my best to press forward without shoving people out of my way, a stiff smile on my face, but I don’t slow down.

“Where is she?” I demand when I finally reach Chase.

“Who?” He actually looks startled. Good.

“Samantha. Where is she? What did you say to her?”

“The same thing I said to you. I’d be happy to run interference with the press, so you aren’t distracted before the game. Why? Did you have another plan?”

I’d like nothing more than to connect my fist with his face right now, except the guy legitimately thinks he’s doing his job. I’ve got such a shit track record with women, always putting the game before them, that he thinks I’d actually want his help getting Sam off my back so I can concentrate. I can’t fault anyone for that line of thinking but me.

“Yeah, I had a different plan. I was gonna ask her to move in with me.”

Chase’s eyes grow wider than I thought was possible, and for the first time since I’ve known him, he’s speechless.

“You…you…,” he stutters.

“Yeah,” I run my hand through my hair.

“Oh. Um.” He fixes his glasses. “Well, this is…unexpected.”

“You really thought I had it in me to use someone like that?” I shake my head.

“Colt, you do it every year. You don’t have any intention of staying with the women you date. They fill a need and you both move on when it’s run its course. Are you really surprised I thought this was more of the same?”

“You said yourself Sam wasn’t as flashy as the others. That didn’t clue you in that she’s different?”

“I thought you made a calculated decision about what would look good.” He studies me, confused.

“Jesus. You don’t know me at all.” I rub my face.

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