Page 98 of The Game We Played

“I have faith in you. You’ll figure something out.”

“But what?”

He shrugs. “Save theGazette,get another job. You’re young. The possibilities are endless.”

The doubt I’ve been feeling about my writing since my article was rejected starts to lift. There’s still a bit of doubt and worry there, but I’ll push through it. I’ll eventually find my dream position and save theGazettein the process.

Now to figure out what to do about this stupid video.

Chapter 30

BREAKING: MAN JUMPS TO CONCLUSIONS, RUINS EVERYTHING Experts confirm: listening was an option

Tanner

“Hey, gorgeous.” I kiss Alaia’s cheek in greeting when she opens her apartment door. “You ready to go?”

She smiles at me and my heart squeezes. I want to see her smiling up at me every day for the rest of my life.

I need to tell her I love her. And I will. Tonight is the night. I reserved a table at the resort. I asked for a quiet, romantic spot and champagne to start us off. I want Alaia to have a fond memory of the first time I tell her I love her. A memory she can share with our children someday.

“The ghost tour is going to be a blast. Did you wear a diaper?”

“I’m not wearing a diaper,” I grumble.

She pats my arm. “I hope you brought extra underwear then.”

“I am not going to piss my pants in fright.”

“That’s what all the mainlanders say,” she sings.

“Gorgeous, I have four-hundred-pound men trying to crush me every day on the field. I’m not afraid of a ghost.”

She frowns. “Don’t remind me of men trying to crush you. You scared the shit out of me last week.”

I palm her neck and squeeze. “I promise to stay safe.”

She chews on her bottom lip. “I didn’t realize how risky football is.”

“I don’t take risks on the field. Promise.”

“And off the field?”

“Risks are fun.” I waggle my eyebrows.

She groans. “Please don’t try to lock yourself in the vault.”

“Why would I lock myself in the vault?”

“Legend has it, the person who locks themselves in the vault and manages to stay there all night will have good luck for the rest of their life.”

“Good thing I don’t need good luck.” I wink.

She studies my face and I feign innocence. “You’re going to lock yourself in the vault, aren’t you?”

Normally, I’d be tempted. I don’t need good luck, but I do love a challenge. But not tonight. We have a very important dinner reservation after our tour.

“Not tonight.”