Page 109 of Flirty Fall Fling

Whoa, this looks serious! I want maid of honor!

Autumn

Excuse me? I’ve been her friend before you were born!

Josie

Blood is thicker than water.

Jules

Honestly, I’m the perfect pick for the position!

Winter

I will happily just be a plain ole bridesmaid. The wenches can duke it out!

Autumn

WHO ARE YOU CALLING A WENCH?

Jamie opens his eyes. “Is that the universe answering?”

“It’s something,” I tell him. “My friends know.”

He gives me a small smile. “We can end it right here. I can make sure people know we’re not together.”

“We agreed to Halloween,” I say. “If you want to⁠—”

“I don’t.” He grabs my hand. “It’s not what I want. However, I would respect your decision if this was too much. Not having privacy is difficult.”

“How do you deal with this?” I ask.

“I used to feed it, like what Patterson said. When I was in my early twenties, in my hockey heyday, the more said about me publicly, the better. It was my brand to pluck through beautiful women. The scandals were calculated. Many were PR stunts that I got paid to play into. Then I got injured, and my career ended. That free time only gave me more time to get in trouble, so I moved to Boston, away from the party scene. I cleaned up my act, but …”

“But …” I repeat, listening with bated breath.

“My brother was in a bad place and needed me in New York. I missed the city, so I returned. The photos and articles began as if I’d never left. Each time I go out with a woman, it’s documented. The smear campaign this go-round has been unimaginable. The board of my foundation was very clear that I need to lie low while I’m on vacation. No women. No partying. No being in the public eye.”

I grab his hand. “Why are you telling me this?”

“You need to know what you’re up against for the rest of the month. I promised no lying.”

I can feel the unease and tension in the air. “Why do you think this is happening?”

“Maybe I’m cursed?”

I playfully smack him. “Stop saying that. You’re not.”

“Karma?”

I tilt my head. “Maybe.”

“So, how do I fix that?” he asks.

“Put better karma in the world,” I tell him simply. “You get what you give in everything in life. It’s just an exchange of energy. Good karma out. Good karma in.”

“I wish I could see the world how you do,” he whispers. “It must be beautiful.”