Page 87

“Seriously, that game felt so real, I thought you’d actually cut me,” Carpenter says, lifting his shirt before grabbing Shilo’s hand and pressing it to his abs. “You don’t feel any stab wounds or anything, right?”

A low growl rumbles in my chest, and Shilo yanks his hand back as I fix my PA with a hard stare.

“Don’t you have work to do?”

Carpenter blinks. “Uh, no?”

My eyes narrow, and we lock gazes until I can practically see the light bulb flicker on over his head.

“Oh, yeah. Right. Work. Got it. See you later, Shilo,“ he mumbles, waving awkwardly before scurrying off.

I turn back to Shilo, my gaze softening as he offers me a shy smile.

“Hi,” he breathes, peeking at me through his lashes.

“Hi, doll.”

A faint flush spreads across his pale cheeks, and he ducks his head, biting his lip. “Were you watching me?”

“Always.” I reach out, gently tucking a strand of hair behind his ear. “Can I take you somewhere tonight?”

His brow furrows slightly, curiosity flickering in his eyes. “Where?”

The urge to pull him in and kiss that frown away is almost unbearable, but I rein it in. Soon.

“Have you ever been to New Jersey?”

MetLife Stadium glows like a beacon, the roar from the stands nearly deafening as we weave our way up to the VIP suites. Shilo’s eyes glimmer beneath his hood, wavy tendrils brushing his cheeks as he takes in the sea of fans clad in red and gray.

“My dad is going to be so jealous,” he murmurs, snapping a few quick pictures on his phone. The memory of his horrified expression when I told him where we were going brings an indulgent smile to my lips. But he came along anyway, just to spend time with me, and the thought makes my chest ache in ways I’m not entirely ready to examine.

I guide him into the suite, keeping a hand on his lower back as I scan the plush seats and perfect view of the field. A digital banner loops around the stadium, displaying donor names, and CalTek’s logo flashes on the screen before cycling to the next. We’ve sponsored this place for years. How have I never caught a game before?

A glimpse of auburn hair catches my attention, and I quickly slip in front of Shilo, nervously running a hand across my jaw. “There’s something I forgot to mention. These tickets weren’t mine. They were given to us by—“

“Ryann, darling, how wonderful to see you.”

I wince as Olivia steps forward, pressing a kiss to my cheek. My stomach sinks as Shilo stiffens, his entire demeanor shifting in an instant. He drops his head, shoves his hands into his pockets, and shrinks into himself, refusing to acknowledge her outstretched hand.

“And you must be Shilo,” Olivia says kindly. “I recognize you from the Christmas party. Ryann’s told me so much about you.”

He mumbles something, scuffing the ground with his Chucks, and I meet Olivia’s perplexed look with a tight smile. “Give us a moment, please, Liv.”

As soon as she’s gone, I reach for Shilo’s shoulders, but he flinches away, catching me off guard.

“You brought me here to third wheel on your date?” he hisses, glaring at me from beneath his tousled hair.

I exhale slowly, keeping my voice even. “I brought you here because I wanted to share this with you. And it isn’t a date. Not a real one, anyway. Olivia knows about us.”

“She…?” His frown deepens as he lifts his head slightly, letting me see those gorgeous eyes. “I thought you said we had to keep it a secret?”

“Aye, but to be honest with her, I had to tell her about you.” The suite begins to fill, and I guide him toward a quieter corner, resting a hand on his arm. “I meant what I said, doll. There’s nothing between Olivia and me. It’s all for show.”

He swallows hard, slim throat flexing as he glances over my shoulder. “And this isn’t, like, weird? Hanging out with us both?”

“Maybe a little,” I admit, dragging a hand down my face. God, this was a terrible idea. “Do you want to head back to the hotel? I can call us another Uber.”

“You’d come with me?” He seems surprised, his head tilting as he studies me.