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three

Harlow

“So, what was with you chatting up Fort yesterday?” Cole asks as he stuffs his face with a bite of his spinach omelet. Cole and I have a scheduled weekly breakfast together since we don’t see each other as often during baseball season. At least, that’s what we told ourselves when we started it. I’ve since started joining the Stars on the road as I work on my blog, so we see each other nearly daily. We decided to keep the tradition going, so we still meet up every Wednesday morning and alternate between whose apartment we meet at.

“I’m trying to be more friendly with all the guys on the team this year,” I reply, taking a bite of my French toast that Cole grabbed from our favorite diner. “With me wanting to start interviewing players and personnel for Starred and Fast , I want them to all be comfortable around me. To understand that I’m not a reporter, and I’m not going to include anything in a post that they don’t want me to.”

“Most of the guys already know that, Lo. You’re practically friends with everyone on the damn team.”

I take a sip of my coffee—two creams, one sugar. “Everyone except Knox,” I say, shrugging. “Knox is a mystery to me still.”

“Knox is a mystery to everyone,” Cole replies, letting out a breath. “Hell, I’ve been friends with him for three years, and sometimes I feel like I barely know him.”

“Which is why I’m going to use my charm and bright personality to win him over.”

Cole’s hand flies up to his mouth to prevent him from spitting out the coffee he’s sipping, several drops of dark brown liquid falling through. “That’s fucking hilarious, Lo. Fort Knox will certainly be swayed by your cheerfulness and positive attitude.”

“Fuck off, Cole,” I retort, stabbing my fork in the air at him. “I’m a delight—he’d be lucky to know me.”

Cole grabs his empty plate and mug, carrying them over to the sink and rinsing them off before placing them inside. “You’re something else, Lo. Gotta admire your confidence, though.”

Does he mean my faux confidence? I’ve been getting my confidence back, but Derek did such a number on me mentally. I didn’t let him shake me completely, but I wouldn’t consider myself confident again. Not yet, at least.

A knock at the door takes me out of my thoughts. “I’ll get that,” I say, jumping off my stool and heading toward the door. Before my visitor can knock again, I swing the door open. “You’re early, you know.”

“Yeah, yeah,” Rory replies, stepping into my apartment. “I just didn’t want to be late.”

“Who was at the door, Lo?” Cole asks, stepping into view. “Oh, uh… hey Rory. I didn’t know you were coming over.”

“She’s my first interview for the blog,” I state, leading Rory to the small couch in my tiny living room.

Cole rubs his neck. “Skip’s daughter. Seems like a good place to start.”

“Oh, please,” Rory fires back. “The followers would much rather hear about you than they would about me.”

“Maybe…” he says, looking uncomfortable. Weird. “I just don’t like interviews, that’s all.” Cole takes a breath before continuing. “I’m actually gonna head out now, Lo. I need to get ready for strength training.”

“It’s nine-thirty, Cole. You don’t need to be there until noon.”

“I want to get some extra batting practice in beforehand. I’ll see you at the game later, Harlow. Good seeing you as well, Rory.” With that, Cole picks up his bag and heads out the door.

“What the fuck was that?” I ask no one in particular. “Cole was acting weird, right?” I add as I turn toward Rory.

“You’re asking me if the man who all but sprinted out of your apartment the moment I got here was acting weird? No, not at all.” Rory laughs, and I roll my eyes. “Probably just tired of seeing me, is all. I’m sure I see him more than he wants since I’m always with you.”

“You’re literally friends with him,” I say. “You’ve been friends for three years.”

“Yeah, but he’s always been awkward, Lo.”

“Yeah, maybe,” I respond. “Cole’s my damn brother, and it sometimes feels like I know him as well as I know Knox.”

“And how well do you know Knox?” Rory asks, cocking an eyebrow suggestively.

“You’re unbelievable, you know that, right?” She just smiles brightly at me. “How did we go from talking about my brother to you now insinuating I have some kind of sex life with Knox Spencer, of all people?”

“I’m not insinuating that you currently have one, dear Harlow. But I am suggesting you have some fun again. You tell me, Luc, and Ell everything, so I know you haven’t had any action since you broke up with Derek. I’m willing to bet the league’s favorite grumpy pitcher knows exactly what to do in the bedroom.”

“Jesus, Rory. I hardly even know him; I’m not trying to jump into his bed. Or anyone’s bed, for that matter.”

“Too bad,” Rory retorts. “I bet a good lay would finally put a smile on Fort Knox’s face.”

“You’re fucking shameless, Ror. Now, quit distracting me. You’re supposed to be doing an interview.”

“Aren’t you glad I came early then?” I just lightly shake my head while breathing out a laugh rather than reply. “So, what questions have you got for me, Pierce?”

“They’re all important to have people get to know you, but we’ll start off with the easy ones like favorite color, favorite food, favorite Taylor Swift song…”

“That’s an important question?”

“Very important.” I smile. “Your favorite could define who you are as a person. It’s essential for getting to know you.”

“You’re insane, Lo, but I love you.” Rory thinks for a moment. “Let’s see… my favorite color is maroon, my favorite food is chicken parmesan, and my favorite Taylor Swift song would have to be Dress , I’d say.”

“Of course, that’s your favorite. I shouldn’t expect anything less from you, Ror.” We both dissolve into laughter as my phone vibrates. I pick it up and glance at the screen.

“Who’s that?” Rory asks.

“I actually have no idea. It’s a text from a number I don’t have saved.”

Unknown

Hey, before the game tonight, my agent wants to meet with us

Think you could stop by early for that?

This is Knox, by the way

“It’s from Knox. How the hell did he even get my number?”

“The team directory, probably.”

“I’m not part of the team—why would I be in the directory?

“Lo, we both are. We’re unofficial members of the team because we travel with them and do things for the team. We’re both listed in the team directory.”

“Oh.”

Unhappy with my lack of communication, Rory prods me. “So… what did Fort Knox have to say?”

“He’s asking me to come by early for the game today. Says his agent wants a meeting with both of us.”

“Did he say why? That’s kinda weird.”

“Let me ask.”

Harlow

Uh, sure

Why do you need me for a meeting, though?

Knox

I have no fucking clue, to be honest

This is all my agent’s doing

He saw us talking after the game yesterday, so I’d guess it has something to do with that

Harlow

I’d hardly call yesterday a conversation or anything

I tried to talk to you, but you weren’t very responsive

Hell, this chat here is more than you’ve ever spoken to me

Knox

I can already tell this is going to be a bad idea

Harlow

But you just told me you don’t know what this is about

Knox

I don’t

But you’re already giving me shit, so whatever Simon has up his sleeve is giving me pause

Harlow

Well, I guess we’ll find out together then, won’t we?

I’ll see you before the game, Fort

Knox

You’re just like your goddamn brother

“So apparently,” I say to Rory, “he also has no idea what this meeting is about.”

“Maybe this is some ploy to get you alone so he can tell you how much he wants you.”

“Your imagination knows no limits, Rory Fisher,” I say, playfully shoving her shoulder. “Now, let’s finish this damn interview.”

Once Rory leaves to grab Sage before today’s game, I hop right into the shower, curiosity plaguing my mind. I wish I had any inkling of what this meeting could be about and why his agent wants me there. I barely know Knox, and I’ve never even met his agent.

Before leaving my apartment, I throw on my favorite pair of jeans and my Pierce Stars jersey (number twenty-seven for Cole), pull my hair into a high ponytail, and grab the same hat I wore to the game yesterday. Once I have my Chucks on and grab a light jacket, I’m ready to head out. Yesterday’s game was frigid, but tonight is going to be much warmer. The weather here is fucking weird.

Security lets me into the stadium early, thanks to the team pass I have, so I’m currently trudging the halls trying to find the damn conference room. I’m wandering around aimlessly when I hear a familiar voice behind me. “You lost?”

I turn around to find Knox a few steps behind me, ready for the game in his white home uniform with the Stars logo on the chest.

God, I love baseball uniforms.

“Yeah,” I reply sheepishly. I’m not usually nervous around people, even if I don’t know them. Still, the mystery of this meeting is giving me a bit of unease. “I have no idea where the damn conference room is.”

“Follow me,” he says, stepping in front of me. I guess we’re back to short responses. But watching him walk with those baseball pants hugging his backside? I sure as hell won’t complain about that.

Knox leads me down a few hallways, up a flight of stairs, and down several more hallways. I was never going to find this damn room on my own.

He finally stops us outside a large oak door emblazoned with the words Conference Room A in bold letters. Knox pushes the door open, gesturing me inside. “After you.”

“At least you’re a gentleman,” I say as I slide past him, hoping to mask the nerves in my voice.

The room has a sizable wooden conference table with leather chairs surrounding it. Across from us is a man with salt-and-pepper hair, hands folded on the table as he watches us take our seats. This must be Knox’s agent.

“I’m thrilled you could both make it for this. I know the meeting was short notice,” the man says before turning his attention to me and extending his hand. “Hello, Harlow. I’m Simon Helbin, Mr. Spencer’s agent.”

I accept his hand and shake. “Nice to meet you, Simon.”

I glance over to Knox to find a blank expression on his face. Typical for him. “Are you going to tell us why we’re here now, Simon?”

Simon brings his hand to his face in exasperation. This must be how their conversations usually go. “This is why, Knox. You’re unapproachable. Being dubbed Fort Knox isn’t something to be happy about.”

“Seems fine to me,” Knox retorts, leaning back against the leather of his chair and resting his hands behind his head. “Now everyone knows they can’t get anything out of me.”

“That’s literally the damn problem! You’re not supposed to be so closed off that any tidbit of information the media can find becomes tabloid fodder. If you want that contract, you have no choice but to work on your public image.”

This feels like a conversation I have no place in. Awkward…

Scrubbing his hand over his face, Knox relents. “I know…” He sighs. “I know I do.”

“I assure you that it will be worth it. All we have to do is get rid of your gruff exterior. You’ll need to be more gracious with the media. You should be seen more and become more involved with the team. And you’ll need to do something to show everyone that the man who refuses to let anyone into his life can do just that.”

“And how the hell do you suppose I do all of that? That’s a long list there, Simon. Maybe this deal isn’t worth it.”

“Sorry to interrupt,” I interject, “but this doesn’t seem to involve me at all. Why am I here?” I hope that didn’t come off as rude, but I’m very confused right now.

“Right, of course, Ms. Pierce. We got sidetracked for a moment. But you are involved in this process.”

“So, what’s going on here then? All I’m gathering is that Knox is up for some kind of contract and needs a better image. I don’t understand where I’m coming into play here.”

“Let me start with the details,” Simon responds. “Knox has been in talks with Axis Athletic Co. to sign an endorsement deal. Axis is interested based on how he performs on the field, but his demeanor off the field is the issue. They want somebody respectful and likable to represent them. He needs to improve his public image, and I think a great place to start is by proving he can let somebody into his life.”

“What the hell does Harlow have to do with any of this, Simon?” Knox fires off, clearly annoyed. “I told you yesterday that I barely know her.”

“I’m aware that you two know of each other but don’t associate much. But from what I know of Ms. Pierce, she has a sunny personality and could make friends with anyone. She’s also Cole Pierce’s sister. He may not give much about his personal life either, but from his media interviews, they clearly have the same attitudes. That is what you need, Knox. You need some cheer to brighten you up in the eyes of the fans, media, and Axis.”

Fear creeps across Knox’s face as I sit there stunned. I read romance novels—I know where this is heading.

“What are you saying, Simon?” Knox asks apprehensively.

Simon looks on, smiling widely at his brilliant idea. “I’m proposing that you two fake a relationship.”

I sit there silently, speechless for one of the first times in my life. I always have something to say—not this time, though.

“Why the fuck would we fake a relationship, Simon? What the hell?” Anger is evident in his voice. He does not like this idea. And it’s kind of hard to blame him. This is something that happens in books. The idea of it occurring in real life seems ludicrous.

“Because if you want this deal,” Simon intercedes, stabbing his finger in the air toward Knox, “then you have no choice but to improve your image. You’re one of the most well-known players in the league with a piss-poor attitude to show for it. If you want the Knox Spencer legacy to extend beyond your playing career, you need this contract with Axis. If you don’t, no one will remember who you are. I know you hate the fame that comes with this, but I also know how much you love the sport. You want to be remembered for your achievements on the field. You ‘date’ Harlow for the season and get the deal with Axis, the media and fans will soften to you. You’ll be remembered as one of baseball’s greats.”

Knox is silent for a while. He’s lost in his mind right now, trying to make sense of what Simon is suggesting. Finally, he sighs and says, “What does she even get out of this? I’m not doing something that benefits only myself. That’s shitty, Simon.”

Is he seriously considering this?

“That I’d need to talk to Ms. Pierce about. We wouldn’t want to put her in a position where she would not benefit from an approximately six-month arrangement. If nothing else, we can offer her payment for agreeing and her silence on the matter.”

“I don’t want money,” I say, my voice barely above a whisper. Louder now, I continue, “That’s not what I’d want out of this. But there is something else…” They both turn to me, Simon, with hope in his eyes, while Knox remains stoic and unreadable. “You know of my blog Starred and Fast . That’s why I’m always with the team. The blog is doing well enough, but I’ve been struggling to get a better reach. I may be Cole’s sister, but since he keeps a low profile off the field, it doesn’t drive any traffic to me. But faking a relationship with arguably the best pitcher in the league could really help me reach new followers and teach more people about the sport.”

Wait—am I seriously considering this now?!

“Look at that,” Simon says, looking at Knox. “Harlow does benefit from this arrangement as well. We can still work out the details, but if you’re both on board, I think this could work really well for both of you.” Simon turns his attention back toward me. “What do you think, Ms. Pierce?”

I take a deep breath. This situation is unexpected, to say the least. But if I want to expand Starred and Fast , this might just be the way to do it. Before I can change my mind, I firmly reply, “I’m in.”

We both turn our attention to Knox and wait for his response. He’s leaning forward, his elbows on the table and his hands tucked under his chin, probably wondering how he found himself in this position. After another minute of silence from the most mysterious man in the league, he finally speaks.

“ Fuck it … I’ll do it.”