Page 7

CHAPTER 7

SCARLETT

I ’m making notes for the next episode of my podcast when my phone buzzes with a text from Cooper.

Hey, just a heads-up. A reporter asked about you at practice today. I stuck to our cover story, but they might try to approach you for more info.

My heart rate picks up a bit as I read his message. I knew this was a possibility when I agreed to be Cooper’s fake girlfriend, but the reality of it is a bit jarring.

Thanks for letting me know. What did you tell them?

Just the basics. That we met through mutual friends and hit it off. Kept it vague.

Okay, good. I’ll be prepared if anyone approaches me.

Sorry about this. I know it’s not what you signed up for.

I pause, considering my response. While it’s true I hadn’t anticipated dealing with reporters as much as I probably should have, there’s something exciting about being part of Cooper’s world, even if it’s only pretend.

Don’t worry about it. I knew what I was getting into. Besides, this whole situation is kind of fun.

I hit send before I can overthink it. A moment later, my phone buzzes again.

Glad you’re having fun with it. You’re damn good at being a fake girlfriend.

What can I say? I’m a woman of many talents.

That you are. Speaking of which, how’s the podcast coming along?

I smile, touched he remembered I was working on it.

It’s going well. Just finishing up the edits now.

I listened to your last episode . It was entertaining.

Oh my God. He did?

You did?

Yep. And I can’t wait to watch the next one too.

Thank you. I’ll send you the link when it’s live.

Will I see you at the game on Sunday?

That’s the plan. I’ll be sitting with Autumn.

Make sure you cheer extra loud when I score a touchdown.

Okay. I can do that, but your end zone dance needs to be better.

Isn’t scoring enough?

I snicker as I type my reply.

Nope. I’m greedy.

I’ll see what I can do.

Google is your friend. You should try utilizing it.

Ouch. You should have some faith in your boyfriend.

I think you meant to say my boytoy.

We’re doing names already? I’ll have to come up with one for you.

Smiling, I respond.

Just focus on your end zone dance for now.

I’m great at multitasking.

I don’t believe you.

Why not?

Because you’re a man, and men can’t multitask.

Guess I’ll have to prove you wrong.

I’ll see you at the game.

See ya then.

I set my phone down, feeling a mix of excitement and nervousness about Sunday’s game. It will be my first time attending as Cooper’s “girlfriend,” and I’m not sure what to expect. Will people recognize me? Will I be expected to act a certain way?

I try to push those thoughts aside and focus on finishing my podcast edits. But my mind keeps drifting back to Cooper. He’s so easy to talk to, even through messages.

Part of me wonders if I’m getting in too deep with this fake relationship. The lines between pretend and reality can easily blur, especially with Cooper being such a likable guy. But I’m sure I can control my feelings for the duration of the football season.

Besides, Cooper’s on his way to being a rising star in the league. There’s no way he’ll allow himself to be distracted from his goals.

Still, I can’t deny the little flutter in my stomach when I think about seeing him on Sunday. I tell myself it’s just excitement about attending the game, not about seeing Cooper specifically. But deep down, I know that’s not entirely true.

I shake my head, trying to clear my thoughts. I need to focus on finishing this podcast episode instead of letting myself get distracted thinking about a relationship that isn’t even real.

Just as I’m about to dive back into my work, my phone buzzes again. This time it’s a text from Autumn.

Hey, girl! I’m on my way home. Want me to grab dinner for tonight?

I smile, grateful for the interruption.

That sounds wonderful. I don’t feel like cooking anyway.

You got it. Any requests?

Surprise me.

Okay. See you soon!

Drive safe.

I set my phone down, feeling relieved I don’t need to cook. This will give me more time to knock out the podcast editing.

“You’re the best friend ever,” I say, wiping my face on a napkin. “This is so damn good, and even better, I didn’t have to cook.”

“We haven’t had pizza in ages, so I figured no time like the present,” Autumn says.

“Mmm, good call.” I take another bite of the cheesy goodness. “How was your day?”

Autumn shrugs. “Pretty uneventful. Just the usual stuff at work. How about you? Did you get a lot done on the podcast?”

“Yeah, I’m almost finished with the edits. Should be ready to post tomorrow.”

“That’s great,” she says, smiling. Then her expression turns sly. “So… heard from your boyfriend lately?”

I roll my eyes but can’t keep my lips from curving. “He’s not my boyfriend, remember?”

“Details, details.” She waves her hand dismissively. “Have you talked to him since the other night?”

“We texted a bit earlier,” I admit. “He warned me that reporters might try to approach me for info about our ‘relationship.’”

Autumn’s eyes widen. “Wow, things are getting serious. Are you ready for that level of attention?”

I shrug, trying to appear nonchalant. “I guess we’ll find out. It’s not like I’m actually dating him, so there’s not much for them to dig up.”

“True, but you still might get recognized in public now. Are you okay with that?”

I pause, thinking that over. The idea of strangers approaching me is a bit unsettling, but it’s part of the deal I made with Cooper. I don’t get recognized for the podcast yet, but maybe someday I will. This can be training for when I reach that level of success.

“I think I can handle it. Besides, it’s only temporary.”

Autumn gives me a knowing look. “Right. Temporary.”

I narrow my eyes at her. “What’s that supposed to mean?”

She holds up her hands in surrender. “Nothing! I’m just saying, you two seemed pretty cozy.”

I laugh, shaking my head. “We were just playing our parts. That’s all it was.”

“Uh huh,” Autumn says, clearly unconvinced. “And the fact that he’s gorgeous and charming has nothing to do with how comfortable you looked together?”

I feel a flush creeping up my neck. “Okay, fine. He’s attractive. I’m not blind. But that doesn’t mean anything is going to happen between us. This is strictly business. I’m merely helping out a friend.”

Autumn raises an eyebrow. “If you say so. Just be careful, okay? I don’t want to see you get hurt.”

“I appreciate the concern, but you don’t need to worry,” I assure her. “I know exactly what this is and what it isn’t. My heart is not at risk here.” Even as I say the words, a small part of me wonders if I’m trying to convince myself more than her. “Did I tell you my cousin Jess is getting married?”

“No, that’s great. Where’s the wedding?” she asks.

“Rhode Island. I asked Cooper to be my date.”

Both of her eyebrows pop upward. “Are you sure that’s a good idea?”

I let out a quick laugh. “I’m not sure of what I want for breakfast tomorrow, so how can I know about something that’s two months away?”

Autumn presses her lips together and tips her head in my direction. “Good point.”

“Besides, if I change my mind, I’ll revoke the invitation.”

“He’s so easygoing, he probably won’t even mind,” she says.

“Exactly. Plus, I don’t know if it will interfere with his game schedule. If it does, then he’s not coming with me.”

“Refresh my memory. When’s the last time you went back to Rhode Island?” Autumn asks.

“Thanksgiving.”

“Are you going home this year for the holidays?” she asks.

“Nope. The wedding will be enough to deal with. I can already hear my parents. ‘Scarlett, when are you going to meet a nice man and settle down?’”

“Honestly, it might be good if you bring Cooper with you. It’ll get them off your case, even if it’s only temporarily.”

“True.”

“Who’s on your podcast next week?” she asks.

I’m grateful for the change of subject. “Ronnie Gunn.”

“Ooh, I love her,” she says.

“I know. She’s your favorite wrestler.”

“She’s a badass.”

“She is. I can’t wait to film the episode. Want to help me figure out what questions I want to ask her?”

Her eyes open as wide as possible. “Hell yes!”

“Let’s kill the rest of this pizza first,” I suggest.

“Ugh, you’re on your own. I’m already stuffed. I’m gonna give Rogan a quick call,” she states, standing. I watch her walk toward her bedroom as I tear a piece of crust off and pop it between my lips. I try to imagine what Cooper’s doing at this moment. Is he having dinner with his sister at home? Or maybe they went to a restaurant. Maybe he’s out by himself and dodging the attention of female fans. Or he could be enjoying the attention. I feel my eyebrows dip in a frown. But why would he relish their attention? If that were the case, he wouldn’t need me to run interference.