Page 27 of The Game We Played

“We can sneak in the rear entrance if you want.”

I motion to the fans inching closer and closer to the car. “We’re not sneaking anywhere.”

“If you don’t want to dothis, I understand.”

I need to stop being a wimp. I agreed to help him repair his reputation, and I’m not one to back down once I’ve given my word – screaming fans or not.

“It’s fine. But if you abandon me, it won’t be.”

“I would never abandon my girlfriend.” He winks and my heart does a little flip.

He folds out of the car. I order my body to get itself under control as I wait for him to come around to open my door. There will be no developing a crush on my fake boyfriend.

No real feelings is what we agreed to. And I plan to stick to our agreement. I know better than to develop feelings for him. The second I care for a man – boom! – he decides to take over my life and decisions. Sometimes, even before I care for him.

Tanner easily maneuvers through the crowd. He’s not rude or pushy. He glides through the people until he’s opening my door.

He leans down. “You sure about this?”

“No. But we’re doing this anyway.”

He smiles and my heart decides little flips are not enough. It does cartwheels. I’d love to see him smile down at me every day.

Fake. This is fake.

And for a reason. Tanner’s a player. And a goofball who thinks life is a game.

I grasp his hand and he hauls me out of my seat.

“Tanner!”

“Tanner!”

“Is this your girlfriend?”

“Who is she?”

“Where does she come from?”

“How long have you been dating?”

“Are wedding bells in your future?”

Tanner ignores the barrage of questions as he walks us into the hospital. The paparazzi don’t follow us inside. Phew. My shoulders drop as the tension and worry about being scrutinized leaves me.

“Wow. Is it always like this?”

“Nah.” He escorts me into the elevator. “Usually, these events are low key. I don’t advertise when I’m visiting some poor kid in the hospital who’s a football fan. I show up, meet him, and am on my way before the press is any wiser.”

Huh. I expected Tanner – who appears to revel in the attention from fans and the press – to make sure everyone knows about his every move. I assumed he posted his agenda on social media.

I need to stop making assumptions about this man. There’s a chance – a slight chance – there’s more to him than I thought. More to him than being a goofball player.

“Why the press today then?”

“You can thank Belinda, the PR guru who’s trying to ruin my life.”

“I think she’s trying to help you.”