Page 28 of The Game We Played

He blows out a breath. “I know.” The elevator dings to indicate we’ve arrived at our floor. “You ready for this?”

The door opens before I have a chance to reply. Several children in wheelchairs are waiting in the hall for our arrival. They cheer when he steps out of the elevator.

Tanner kneels in front of the first boy. “Hey, I’m Tanner. What’s your name?”

While the boy answers, Tanner motions to a man standing near the nurse’s station. He appears next to Tanner with a jersey and a pen.

I’m curious and make my way to the nurse’s station. There are boxes of jerseys, posters of theSeals,and press images of Tanner.

The man who handed the jersey to Tanner returns. I stick out my hand. “Hi. I’m Alaia.”

“I’m Jason.” He ignores my hand. “And I know who you are. Exactly who you are.”

Ah, he knows my relationship with Tanner is fake. He must work for Belinda. And he’s not impressed.

“How can I help?”

“You don’t have to help. I have this covered.”

Someone’s grumpy. I decide to ignore him. He obviously doesn’t think much of me.

I scan the area while I contemplate how I can help. The boys and girls are now lined up as they wait for Tanner to reach them. Excellent. I have an idea.

“Hi.” I kneel in front of the boy next in line. “I’m Alaia. What’s your name?”

“I’m Nate. Are you Tanner’s girlfriend?”

“I am.”

“Wow. You’re the luckiest girl in the world.”

I beam at him. “I am.”

It’s not a complete lie. At this moment, at this place, I feel pretty lucky. I glance over at Tanner, who’s in a lively discussion with a girl. His hands are motioning as he talks. He’s the reason I feel lucky.

No real feelings allowed, I remind myself before asking the boy, “What do you want Tanner to sign for you? I can offer you a poster, a picture, or a jersey.”

His little nose wrinkles. “I can’t afford a jersey.”

I pat his hand. “It’s a good thing you’re not paying for it. Be right back.”

I stand and make my way to the nurse’s station, where I grab a jersey. I notice Mr. I Have This Covered is now flirting with a nurse and ignoring Tanner. As long as he’s not judging me, he can do what he wants.

I walk back to the line. Tanner stands and intercepts me before I can hand the jersey to Nate. He herds me toward the other side of the hallway.

“You don’t have to help.”

“What am I going to do? Stand around and look pretty all day?”

His eyes heat. “You are pretty in your dress.”

I slap his shoulder. “Knock it off. You’re here to impress the kids, not teach them about s-e-x.”

“I’m all about teaching kids the important things in life.”

His gaze dips to my mouth and sparks explode in my stomach. I want his mouth on mine. I want to feel his lips. Find out how he tastes. How he smells.

“Kiss her!” Nate shouts and the other children join in. “Kiss her! Kiss her!”