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I took a steadying breath, trying to focus on his words instead of the warmth of his hand or the fact that we were standing inches apart, him still dripping and wrapped in a towel.

Professionalism, Ari. Stay focused.

“I don’t need you to fix anything, Dalton.” I released a frustrated breath. “I already did. But to get around your father’s ridiculous policy, I had to lie.”

His brows furrowed, concern flickering in his gaze as he slowly dropped his hand. “I’m not following…”

“The Desperados don’t employ any ‘ex-romantic interests.’ Too much risk for bad press, according to your father,” I said, irritation lacing my tone. “Apparently, that includes fake dates to avoid your real ex. HR called me in, slid a picture of us together across the desk, and handed me a severance packet. The real kicker was they wanted me to sign an NDA that wouldn’t allow me to discuss the reasons for my release.”

A spark of anger crossed Dalton’s face, his jaw clenching. “They tried to fire you over a single photo? They couldn’t even talk to me?”

“Exactly.” I felt the frustration building all over again. “And when I tried to stand my ground, she dismissed me.”

His gaze softened, a flash of something protective in his eyes. “So, what’d you do? You said they tried to fire you. Are they changing the policy?”

I took another breath, steadying myself. “I improvised. I asked if there were any rules against employees dating, and when she said there weren’t…” the rest of the words seemed to get caught in my throat, but I took a breath and steeled myself. “I told her you and I were currently dating. That I’m not an ‘ex’ anything.” My heart was racing, and I fought back the urge to fidget, waiting for him to freak out.

Dalton’s eyes widened in surprise, but then his lips quirked into a half-smile. “You told HR we’re together?”

“I didn’t exactly have a lot of options,” I said defensively, crossing my arms. “It was either that or hop on the next plane back to California and try to explain to my family why this opportunity fell apart on day one. So yes, I told HR we’re dating. Now, you’re going to play along until I can figure out a better solution. Please.” I winced at how harshly I bit out the please, but I felt like a live wire.

“Hey, hey.” He pulled me into his arms, and I tried to ignore how it felt to be pressed against his skin. “You’re not going to have to move back, okay? And you’re not losing your job.”

I pulled back far enough to look up at him. “Promise?” For the first time since this disaster happened, I felt some of my worry leech into my voice, needing to release some of the building pressure.

“Pinky,” he said, with confidence, wrapping his finger around mine. “I’m sorry, Ari. This mess is on me, and I’ll do whatever it takes to make it right. I’m with you on this—whatever you need.”

I felt a wave of relief mixed with something I didn’t want to investigate. “Thanks, Dalton,” I said, my voice quieter than intended. “I know this wasn’t part of the plan for either of us, but…I appreciate it.”

He gave a small, reassuring smile, releasing me as I stepped back out of his embrace. “Anything to help, Coach. I’ll be the best fake boyfriend you’ve ever had.”

I forced myself to look away, trying to ignore the towel still slung dangerously low on his hips.

God, I needed to get out of there.

“Okay, I’m leaving now,” I said, clearing my throat and stepping back. “The last thing I need is HR finding another reason to fire me before I’ve even fixed this one.”

Dalton laughed softly. “Wouldn’t want that.”

With one last nod, I spun on my heel and left the locker room, my heart pounding as I slipped out the door.

What the hell did I get myself into?

FOURTEEN

DALTON

YOU KNOW YOU LIKE A SLUTTY LITTLE SHORT CHAPTER…

I walked out to my car, trying and failing to hold back a grin. I knew I should be upset about the injustice of Ari’s situation.

And I was, on principle. But it would be a bold-faced lie if I didn’t admit that Ari needing me to be her fake boyfriend was the best news I’d gotten in a while.

If she’d burst into my post-workout shower two seconds later, she’d have caught me trying to relieve the hard-on I’d had since stepping into the gym. Seeing her standing there with those damn spandex shorts and a shirt with my team name across her chest, yelling out instructions—I was done for.

“Come on, Dalton, that all you’ve got?”

“Give me more.”