Page 33 of The Game We Played

“What we’re doing today is real.”

“What we’re doing? I thought we were going on a date to show the world I’m your girlfriend.”

“Nope.”

“What are we doing?”

“It’s a surprise.”

My eyes narrow at him. “If this surprise involves an illegal act, I’m out. You have wonderful lawyers who have proven they can get you out of all kinds of trouble. And the jail cells on Smuggler’s Hideaway are actually really nice. But I have areputation to maintain. It’s hard enough to get taken seriously on this island with Beth and Anne as my sisters.”

He rolls his eyes. “We’re not committing a crime. Although I admit I’m curious about the jail cells. How nice are they?”

“They’re super nice. Eli, he’s the billionaire who ownsBuccaneer’s Whiskey & Distillery, had them renovated when he moved back to town. His brothers – the Raiders – are all troublemakers. Correction. They used to be troublemakers. They’ve all fallen in love and settled down now. Even Zane.”

“Zane.” He growls. “Who’s Zane?”

Why is he growling? Is he jealous? Why would he be jealous of Zane?

“He was a bigger player than you.”

“Than me?”

“Yep. He had a baby dropped on his doorstep by a woman he didn’t remember.”

“Shit.” He shivers. “I have nightmares about that.”

I glare at him. “You could use protection.”

He holds up his hands. “I do use protection. But fans have been known to poke holes in condoms.”

“Maybe you should stop sleeping with fans.”

He cringes. “I probably should.”

Whoa. Does he actually believe he should stop sleeping around? Give up his playboy ways? Or is this Belinda’s idea? Probably Belinda’s idea.

I ignore the twinge in my stomach. I’m not jealous of the women Tanner has had sex with. It’s none of my business. He can do whatever he wants.

Correction, he can do whatever he wants with whomever he wants once fall arrives. For the summer, he’s mine.

“Anyway. What are we doing?” I ask before I declare Tanner’s mine out loud and pull him into my apartment to have my wicked way with him.

This isn’t real, Alaia.

“I have to show you.”

“Okay. But if my dress gets ruined being chased by the cops, you’re buying me a new one.”

He rakes his gaze over mine. “It’d be a shame to ruin this dress.”

I feel his words deep in my belly. And lower. Where I definitely shouldn’t be having any feelings where Tanner’s concerned.

“Let’s go.” I lock the door and follow him out of my apartment building to his car.

“How was practice?” I ask once we’re driving.

His gaze whips to mine. “You’re seriously asking?”