Page 4

CHAPTER 4

COOPER

S carlett’s smile lights up her whole face.

God, she’s beautiful.

As far as fake girlfriends go, I couldn’t do better. She’s outgoing and natural in social situations. Aside from the momentary blip of awkwardness we experienced when our friends left, pretending to be a couple has felt so easy. I even like how she’s not afraid to push back at Griffin and Thor. The two of them can be fairly opinionated, and they often dominate conversations without challenge. I should’ve known that wouldn’t be the case with Scarlett.

“What do you think of your first charity event?” I ask her. The myriad of crystal chandeliers lighting up the reception hall illuminate the striking blue shade of her eyes.

“Well, it’s certainly beautiful in here, but I’m not sure I’ve experienced enough to form an opinion yet.”

“I’ll have to ask you again later,” I say.

She nods. “And don’t worry, I’ll tell you exactly what I think.”

“I’m counting on it.” I notice a flicker of uncertainty cross her face. “What’s wrong?”

“If you find me being too outspoken, please let me know so I can tone my personality down a notch or two.”

I lay my hand over hers on top of the table. “I don’t want you to change anything. Always be yourself, that’s why you’re here with me. I can’t imagine doing this with anyone else. Okay?”

Her lips softly curve. “Okay.”

I smile back, and we share a moment, solidifying our partnership, until the sound of someone clearing their throat cuts in. Both our heads turn.

“River?” I say.

He shakes my hand, pulling me to my feet. “Cooper, my man.” We share a quick, back-thumping hug and grin at each other.

“What are you doing here?” I ask.

“I just signed with the Virginia Vipers hockey team.”

“That’s fantastic. Congratulations.”

“Thanks.” His dark gaze zeroes in on Scarlett. “Who do we have here?”

Scarlett stands, moving in beside me.

“This is my girlfriend, Scarlett.” Before I can continue, he cuts me off.

“I’m River. It’s wonderful to meet you, Scarlett.” He takes hold of her hand, slowly turns it over, and presses a kiss to the back.

She smiles. “It’s nice to meet you, River. How do you and Cooper know each other?”

This time I’m the one cutting him off. “We went to college together. River was a few years ahead of me, though.”

“And now you’re both playing sports professionally,” she says.

River nods. “We are.”

“And in the same city, no less,” I add, clapping him on the shoulder.

“Right,” he agrees.

“It’s funny how things work out,” River says, his eyes still fixed on Scarlett. “I never would have guessed Cooper here would end up with such a stunning girlfriend.”

I feel a twinge of irritation at his obvious interest in Scarlett and I find myself slipping into a protective boyfriend role.

“Well, I’m a lucky guy,” I say, sliding my arm around Scarlett’s waist. She leans into me, as if we’ve done this a hundred times before.

“So, River,” Scarlett says, “tell us more about your new team. Are you excited to be playing for the Vipers?”

As River launches into a rambling description of his contract negotiations and training schedule, I can’t help but admire how smoothly Scarlett handles the conversation.

She asks insightful questions and laughs at all the right moments. I wind a silky lock of her long hair around my finger and watch as she effortlessly charms River, keeping him engaged while subtly deflecting his flirtatious comments. As the conversation flows, I find myself relaxing, my earlier irritation fading.

“Well, I hate to cut this short,” River says, checking his watch. “But I better be sociable and make the rounds. It was great catching up, Cooper.” He turns to Scarlett with a grin. “And it was truly a pleasure meeting you, Scarlett. I hope we’ll see more of each other now that I’m in town.”

“I’m sure we will,” Scarlett replies with a polite smile. “Best of luck with the Vipers.”

As River walks away, we return to our seats. I lean in close to Scarlett’s ear, murmuring, “You handled that beautifully.”

She turns to me, smirking. “Did his flirting upset you?”

“It was a little annoying.”

She rolls her eyes. “You’re such a guy.”

“Hey, I am and I’m proud of it. While you and I are only friends, he doesn’t know that. I guess his flirtatious behavior felt a little disrespectful.”

“I could tell it bothered you.” She smirks.

I nudge her side with my arm and she laughs. “You didn’t seem to mind the attention either.”

She shrugs. “I’m not opposed to chatting with a handsome man. But I am your girlfriend, after all, so I couldn’t let him think I was available.” She flutters her eyelashes.

I laugh, and a warmth spreads through my chest. “Well, I appreciate your loyalty. Though, I have to admit, I’m surprised at how easily you’ve slipped into this role.”

A small smile plays on her lips. “What can I say? I’m a natural born actress.”

“That you are,” I agree.

Rogan and Autumn return to the table with our drinks in their hands. “Here you go.” Rogan places the glasses in front of us.

“Thank you,” Scarlett says.

“Yeah, thanks,” I add.

Scarlett’s fingers brush against mine as she reaches for her glass. I feel a small jolt at the contact that makes me pause. My eyes swing upward, connecting with her surprised gaze. Did she feel it too? Raising my glass, I take a sip of whiskey, savoring the smooth burn.

“So, who was that guy you were talking with?” Autumn asks, her eyes sparkling with curiosity.

“Oh, that was River,” I explain. “We went to college together. He just signed with the Virginia Vipers.”

“River Hawthorne? The hockey player?” Rogan asks.

I nod, feeling a twinge of unease at his obvious excitement. “Yep, that’s the one.”

“No way!” he exclaims. “That’s incredible. Did you get a chance to catch up?”

“A little, but I’m sure we’ll connect again at some point.”

“How bizarre that you both ended up in Virginia Beach,” Autumn says.

Scarlett nods. “It seems like everyone here is connected somehow.”

“Welcome to high society, darling,” Autumn says, winking. “It’s all about who you know.”

As our friends launch into a discussion about the charity event’s guest list, I can’t help but feel a sense of relief at how smoothly things have gone so far. But I’m still slightly on edge, worried someone might see through our charade. I haven’t told Scarlett about my lack of experience, and it’s not only sexually. I’ve never had a girlfriend.

Scarlett leans in close, her breath warm against my ear. “Relax,” she whispers. “You look tense.”

I hadn’t realized how stiff my posture had become or how furrowed my brow is.

Taking a deep breath, I roll my neck. “Thanks. I guess I’m still getting used to all this.”

She gives my hand a reassuring squeeze under the table. “You’re doing great. Just remember, we’re supposed to be enjoying ourselves.”

I nod, grateful for her support. As I tune back in to the conversation, I notice Autumn eyeing us with a knowing smile.

I lean in close to Scarlett, speaking softly so only she can hear. “Thanks. This might not come so easily to me.”

She gives me a subtle nod, her eyes sparkling. “I guess you’re easier to pretend to like.”

I feel a flutter in my chest at her words, but before I can respond, Autumn cuts in.

“Oooh, secrets already?” she teases. “You two are adorable.”

Scarlett laughs and gives me a playful look. “I was just telling Cooper how handsome he looks tonight.”

Playing along, I puff out my chest dramatically. “Why, thank you. You’re not so bad yourself.”

Griffin and Thor suddenly appear, reclaiming their places at the table. Their drinks are full, so I’m guessing they already enjoyed one or two at the bar.

Autumn snickers. “Thor, you have lipstick on your cheek.”

He wipes it away and takes a sip from his glass.

“I bet that’s not his only body part with lipstick,” Griffin mutters loud enough for us all to hear.

Scarlett scrunches her nose. “Eww.”

Thor lowers his glass, smiling. “I enjoyed it.” Autumn makes a gagging sound, and Thor laughs. “That’s what she said.”

“Men are pigs,” Autumn states, slapping her hand on her leg.

“I’m not,” Rogan says, defending himself.

“You’re still in recovery,” Griffin says, laughing.

“You were as bad as these two before we got together,” Autumn says.

“ Was being the operative word,” Scarlett reminds her friend.

Rogan takes hold of Autumn’s hand. “With every day that passes, I’m proving I no longer want to be with anyone but you.”

Autumn smiles at him. “You are.”

Watching those two makes me wonder what it would be like to be in a relationship. It must be amazing to have someone you can always count on, someone who’s there for whatever you need. I’ve never had that with anyone aside from my family. Someday I’ll venture into the unknown territory of being in a relationship, but for now I’ll remain single and keep my focus solely on my career.

Scarlett leans in close, her lips brushing my ear. “Dance with me?” she asks softly.

I nod, taking her hand as we excuse ourselves from the table. As we make our way to the dance floor, I feel the gazes of our friends following us, no doubt analyzing our every move.

The band is playing a slow, romantic melody as I pull Scarlett into my arms. We sway side to side, her body fitting perfectly against mine. I can’t help but notice how right and comfortable it feels to hold her like this. Glancing around the room, I see she’s gained the attention of most of the men here and I inwardly smile. Right about now they’d give their left nut to be in my position.