Playbook (The Holland Brothers 2), page 12
“We spent the whole night talking and dancing, getting to know each other. We closed the place down and then I took her to breakfast.”
“London doesn’t like breakfast food.” Chris pauses with his glass up to his lips.
Well, shit. I said too much.
“I like some breakfast food,” London says with a little grit in her tone. “And besides, I would have agreed to anything to spend more time with him.” She places a hand on my forearm.
I stare down at her fingers. Her nails scrape against my skin as she pulls back and I feel a tingle roll down my spine.
“Awwww.” Sierra’s voice brings me back to reality—the one where we’re only faking. I pretend to be smitten, but it’s not all that hard honestly. I smile at London’s sister, and we share a nice moment. I like her. I like how happy she is for her sister. She lets her head fall over onto Ben’s shoulder as she says, “That’s so sweet.”
The rest of dinner goes by without any more questions for us. Conversation turns to Sierra and Ben, people asking about details for the wedding: has she picked out her dress, what kind of reception are they having, what color scheme is she using, and on and on.
Most of the questions are fielded by Sierra, and eventually Ben turns back to me to talk football. Turns out, he’s been a fan of the Mavericks a long time, and by the end of the dinner, the only person in London and Ben’s families that I don’t like is Chris. Even his girlfriend seems cool.
We stand from the table and I shake hands with Ben while London hugs her sister. Chris and Gretchen stand off to the side. Even if I don’t like the guy, it isn’t in me to be rude, so I go over to him and extend a hand. “Good to see you again.”
He eyes my hand for a moment like he’s trying to figure out how to politely tell me to fuck off, then grasps mine with more force than necessary. What a prick. I smile at his girlfriend as I step back. “It was nice seeing you again too.”
“Bye,” she chirps, completely oblivious to the glare Chris is shooting in my direction.
I guide London through the restaurant with a hand at her back. When we’re outside, I say, “Well, I’d say that went pretty well.”
She hurries down the sidewalk, heels clicking with her short, quick steps. Once she’s a good twenty feet away, she glances back like she’s checking to make sure we’re alone and then exhales.
“Thank you,” she says.
“For what?”
“I don’t know…being convincing. Although I feel terrible lying to my sister. I could tell she likes you.” She fidgets with her hands in front of her and her mouth twists into a concerned pout.
“I like her too.” We reach my truck parked next to her car. I walk her to the driver’s side door of her car and open it. “Not bad for our first fake date. Although I almost blew it there by saying too much. What kind of person doesn’t like breakfast food?”
A short laugh accompanies her smile. “It isn’t that I don’t like it, exactly. I just prefer other foods. I like French toast!”
Leaning against the frame of her door, I smile back at her.
“And croissants.”
“You like sweet breakfast food then?”
“But not cereal or pancakes or waffles or…” She trails off with a shy smile.
“No, keep going. I’m making a list in my head.”
“What’s your favorite breakfast food?” she asks me instead of continuing with her likes and dislikes.
“I’m not picky about food. Most mornings I have a protein drink with oatmeal and peanut butter in it.”
She wrinkles up her nose.
“It’s good.” That might be overselling it, so I tip my head to the side and say, “Okay, maybe not good, but it’s an efficient way to get protein, carbs, and fats, and I can drink it on the drive to the stadium.”
The breeze blows her hair into her face, and she pushes it back with one finger, still smiling at me. “I like my coffee for the same reason. I get my essentials, caffeine and sugar, in one delicious mug.”
Our laughter drifts off and we continue to stare at each other over the top of the door.
“So…” she says finally.
I’m finding I don’t really want to leave. I enjoyed hanging with her tonight, even if the circumstances were odd. We don’t have any other fake dates set up to see each other again and though I hadn’t planned on it, I find myself asking, “Do you want to come back to my place?”
Her lips part, then she closes them again. “As your fake girlfriend?”
“Just to hang. Nothing official.”
“Thank you for that.” She waves a hand toward the restaurant. “You were great. My sister and Ben loved you, and I appreciate that you were so chill about everything. Especially considering I was so nervous.”
“But?” I know she’s not coming home with me by the look on her face, but I still want to hear why. Maybe I can change her mind.
“I’m exhausted and tomorrow I promised to help Sierra with flowers for the wedding.”
“Ah,” I say, shoving my hands in my pockets. She’s blowing me off, which can only mean that she’s just not interested. Major bummer.
“When is your next team event?” she asks.
“A week from today. I’ll send you the details.”
“Great,” she says, but she looks nervous. “Do all your friends and teammates know about us now?”
“Archer is the only one that knows the truth.”
“Your brother and roommate?”
I nod. “Yeah. I tell him everything.”
“And everyone else?”
“Most of my teammates have heard through the rumor mill at this point.”
She presses her lips together to stifle another laugh. “I wouldn’t have thought football players liked to gossip.”
“Oh, they’re the worst,” I tell her. “Big fucking mouths, all of them. Especially my buddy Tripp.”
More of that sweet laughter trickles out of her.
I finally move away from her car and step back toward my truck. “Later, lover.”
“Oh, god no. That’s worse than baby.” She shakes her head as she ducks into the car. “Good night, honey.”
FOURTEEN
Holland Brother Love Hotline
Me
Yo, Knox, are flowers overkill for a day date?
Knox
I need more information.
Hendrick
Flowers are never overkill. Also, why are you asking Knox instead of me?
Knox
Because I’m a better boyfriend, duh.
Hendrick
I’m the only one that’s actually married, so I don’t think that line of logic works.
Me
You’re both pretty. Now stop fighting and help me.
Knox
Not knowing any of the details, I say Henny’s probably right.
Hendrick
See? Should have just asked me.
Me
Thank you.
Hendrick
Who’s the girl?
Archer
I’ll give you one clue: “her eyes are like a four-leaf clover” 🤣
Knox
The one that yelled at you? Ha! Yeah, definitely flowers. But no roses, those things have thorns and if she throws them at you, it could hurt.
Me
So noted. Also, Arch 🖕
Flynn
Bringing flowers to a day date feels a little desperate, bro.
“Not bad,” Coach says, pacing in front of us. “Not bad at all.”
He never says anything is good so “not bad” feels like high praise.
“Rams tomorrow. Their defense is one of the best in the league and they’re still pissed we knocked them out of the playoffs last year.”
Tripp says, “Hell yeah, we did.”
“Not bad isn’t going to cut it.” Coach stops and looks at us in a slow scan so that his serious stare bleeds into each of us.
Excitement and anticipation hum under my skin. We had our usual Saturday morning walk-through and review, the last practice before tomorrow’s first official game of the season. I played well during the pre-season games, but I know teams will be pushing harder now. I need to show Coach and everyone else what I can do tomorrow and secure my spot on this team.
It won’t be easy. We’re facing one of the best teams and they’re out for blood and redemption. But I’m ready. I’ve been working hard on the field and soaking up every piece of advice Cody and the coaches have given me. I’m ready to show everyone that I can compete against the best in the league.
Football isn’t the only thing in my life. I have friends and a pseudo family, but my relationship with the sport is simple and pure. It’s always been there for me, which is more than I can say about almost anyone else.
“All right. That’s it.” Coach’s hands go to his hips. “Be back here this afternoon for the wellness event. Rookies, this is your first big community event, don’t embarrass me.” I swear he looks right at me. “I expect you to be here on time, showered, jerseys on, and smiles in place. And no funny business. You represent the Mavericks today, the same way you do when you step onto this field. No fighting, no cussing, and dear god, no hooking up with anyone.”
Someone coughs and says, “Six.”
Everyone busts up laughing. Even one of the assistant coaches has a smirk on his face.
“Actually, I’m bringing my girlfriend,” I say, smiling as I watch the news hit them.
The field goes quiet, and I bite back a laugh at the shocked looks on their faces.
Coach’s brows lift but his mouth falls into a pleased smile. “That’s all, gentlemen.”
When Coach dismisses us, Archer falls into step next to me with a slight limp on his right side. His ankle has been a constant nag and I know he’s worried about his spot while he recovers.
“Are you going home before the event?” he asks. “Some of the guys are going out to lunch.” We rode together today, so my plans impact him. He rubs a hand over his head and blows out a breath. “Damn, I need a nap just thinking about spending all day smiling and signing autographs.”
Tents were already set up in the parking lot this morning when we got to practice and now there are dozens of people unloading supplies from trucks and vans.
I don’t mind the required press junkets and community service that goes along with being part of the team, but going home and taking a nap does sound nice. Or it would if the other option didn’t include a certain woman. I know this kind of stuff stresses Archer out, though. Not because he doesn’t like people, he does, but because it’s hard for him in crowds with lots of noise and people coming at him from all directions.
“Yeah, I gotta pick up London, so I was going to head home and shower and eat. I can give you a ride if you want to meet up with the guys.”
“I’m sure I can get a lift with someone else,” he says, brows tugging together. “You’re really going through with it then?”
When I told him London and I had agreed to help each other by pretending to be a couple, he laughed. I think he thought I’d been kidding. Or maybe he hoped I was.
“Of course. Did you see Coach’s reaction in there?” I shake my head. “He was stunned speechless.”
“Yo, Six.” Cody jogs up on my other side. He leans forward and nods to Archer, making sure his face is visible before he continues. Archer wears hearing aids but it’s helpful if he can read lips as well. “Anthony wants to know if you can stop by the dunk tank today.”
The head of the Mavericks PR is good at keeping us in line at events and convincing us to do all kinds of things.
“Sure,” I say slowly. I nudge my buddy. “Arch and I love a good dunk tank.”
“Speak for yourself,” he says. “I hate getting soaked with my clothes on. Any chance I can go in my boxers?”
“Anthony specifically requested you,” Cody says to me.
When I stare at him blankly, he continues, “It’s a big attraction at the event each year and he likes to make sure he has the players people are most excited about there.”
Archer chuckles and then whistles. “Brogan Six is a hot commodity.”
“Shut up,” I say as he doesn’t even try to hide the giant smirk on his face.
“People are excited about you. You’re a big fucking deal, bro.” His words are half tease and half pride. That pretty much sums up our entire friendship.
“Yeah, they’re so excited that they want to watch me freefall into a tank of water.” I arch a brow at him as he continues laughing.
“Your new girlfriend will be super impressed with the wet dog look. I can’t wait. What time will he be up? I don’t want to miss it.”
Cody ignores Archer’s question and focuses on me.
“So you weren’t joking back there, then. You and that girl from the bar are a thing? It’s been a couple of weeks, I figured you’d already moved on.”
“Nope. You’ll meet her today.”
He continues to stare at me with the same skeptical expression Archer had. “You have a girlfriend?”
I’d like to be insulted, but I get it. I’m not exactly boyfriend material. I think that’s what makes me such a great fake boyfriend. No feelings, no messy entanglements. It’s purely business.
London’s green eyes flash in my mind, followed by a picture of her last weekend in that green dress. My fake girlfriend is gorgeous, so that’s also a bonus.
I debate whether or not I should be honest with him. Archer is the keeper of so many of my secrets that hiding it from him never crossed my mind. But I haven’t known Cody that long. I don’t trust easily, but something tells me my new teammate will keep this to himself. At the end of the day, I’m doing it for myself but the team benefits. And if I know one thing about Cody St. James, it’s that he’s always doing what’s best for the team. I guess a part of me wants him to know that I’ve heard his advice and I’m heeding it in my own way.
“We have an arrangement,” I say finally.
Cody stops in his tracks and narrows his gaze on me. “You didn’t hire a girl to be your date, did you? Because I swear to God if the next headline is about you paying escorts and bringing them to events with children, I’ll kick your ass.”
“No money is exchanging hands,” I promise.
He crosses both arms over his chest. We’re about the same height, but he’s bigger and years of training at an elite level have sculpted him into a powerhouse. “What the hell did you get yourself into, Six?”
FIFTEEN
“Do you think this is okay?” I face Alec with a tentative smile and arms held out to my sides.
He gives me a slow, bored once-over as he shovels another bite of Lucky Charms into his mouth. It’s almost noon, but he just woke up and is now getting to witness my meltdown.
“This event is outside, right?”
“Yeah,” I say slowly.
“You don’t think black pants might be hot?”
I glance down at the freshly-ironed material. “I was trying to look professional. I wore these when I interviewed at Channel 3.”
My roommate chuckles as he drops the spoon to the bowl. “It’s an outdoor community event, I don’t think business attire is how you want to show up if you’re trying to convince people you’re Brogan Six’s new girlfriend.”
I glare at him. I kind of wish I hadn’t told him, but I never would have been able to keep it from him. He thinks it’s hilarious and awesome, but he did make me promise to share my location with him just in case Brogan turns out to be a total creep.
I throw my hands up. I know he’s right, but I spent all morning going through my closet trying to find something to wear, and it turns out I don’t have anything suited for mingling with professional football players. Also, I’m nervous.
My palms are sweaty and it’s not because it’s a hundred degrees outside. Brogan is going to be here soon, and I’m not ready.
“Help me,” I whine. “I’m so far out of my depth here.”
“Lo, you’re a beautiful woman. Put on a pair of shorts and a plain T-shirt and call it a day. And don’t take this the wrong way, but no one is going to be looking at you if you’re standing next to the Mavericks’ players. They may not even be able to see you. You could hide behind one of their biceps.”
That does make me feel slightly better. But then I picture Brogan and the nerves ramp back up. He’ll notice. He doesn’t miss anything. And he was such a trooper at Sierra’s engagement dinner. He showed up looking amazing and played the part of my new boyfriend so well. I want to do a good job for him in return.
The trouble is I have no idea what is expected of me. Brogan wasn’t very explicit in the details. Just that we’d work some booths and mingle with people. Mingling as myself would be no big deal. I can blend in and chat about the weather or random things to pass the time. But mingling as Brogan Six’s girlfriend is a completely different story. My family didn’t question our relationship, but will his teammates? And oh god, what if they ask me about football? What position does Brogan even play?
“I have an idea.” Alec disappears down the hall toward his bedroom and returns a few moments later with a wad of navy material. He tosses it at me. “Here you go.”
Holding it out in front of me, I smile at the large Mavericks shirt. It’s going to be big on me, but it’s better than the stiff button-down I’m wearing.
