Page 8 of Clear Shot

On the other, how can I just marry a guy I’m not in love with and who isn’t in love with me?

We’re friends, though.

And the attraction has been there since day one.

We’ve just been careful to protect the friendship because neither of us wants a relationship.

Well, maybe that’s a lie. Because ifAidenwanted a relationship, I would consider it.

Of course, that’s what makes this dangerous.

I already like him more than I should, and marrying him would really up the stakes.

And yet the alternative would be much worse.

“What are you thinking?” Sloane asks softly.

“That I’m scared,” I admit. “Not of him,” I add hurriedly. “Just of the situation in general.

“I always assumed you two were hooking up on the sly,” Sloane says. “Like, casual.”

I shake my head. “No. We almost did, but we decided it would be better to be friends, considering his relationship with Johan and the fact that we run in the same friend circle.”

“But you like him?” Johan asks. “At least as a friend?”

“Absolutely.”

“This is good. Because he’s on his way over.”

My eyes widen. “You didn’t even wait for me to decide?”

“You don’t have time to wait,” he says. “And we both know if the only options are getting married or going home to Bratislava, you’re going to get married.”

I hate when people make decisions for me, but at the same time, he’s right.

There’s really no alternative.

If we’re going to truly consider this, we have to talk.

And since time is of the essence, there’s no reason not to do it immediately.

Chapter 4

Aiden

It’s usuallycustomary to pick up a gift or something when you’re about to propose marriage, but this isn’t a typical proposal. I don’t even know if a proposal is going to happen.

I don’t know what came over me when I heard Jordan say he would marry Hana but there was zero chance of that happening. I have no right or reason to be jealous but that’s the only way to explain the fiery burst of emotions when I thought about her marrying Jordan.

He’s a good guy, my friend and teammate, and I know he wouldn’t hurt her. This would be a business arrangement, after all, not a love match.

But still.

They would have to live together.

Spend time together.

Spendnightstogether.