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I bit, “Your theory is more delusional than I thought.”
“Hey! Crazier things have happened. Just look at Julian and me.”
“You and Julian go way back, there’s a huge difference.”
“Then ask someone you have history with.”
“The only woman I have history with that is still in my life is your sister-in-law, and she’s already married to your brother.”
“There has to be a woman in your life who was important to you at one time?”
“None who matter.”
“Bullshit.”
Both our gazes flew to Caleb’s outburst, and for the second time in a matter of minutes I wanted to wring his fucking neck again.
Ignoring his remark, she continued, “Your fans will love to feel like they’re part of your life outside of football. Not only have they been with you since the beginning of your football career, but now they’ll be part of your love life too. People love to feel like they’re part of something. She’ll be the first woman who has had the power to tame your bed-hopping ways, and that alone will make people curious.”
My mind was spinning. It was a fucking whirlwind of emotions. I didn’t want to get married. Love didn’t exist. It was a bullshit notion promoted by a Hallmark greeting card company built on propaganda and illusions.
But what if she was right? Could I do this?
As if reading my mind, she asked, “Your playbook must be filled with endless names of women who would at least do this for money?”
“Money? Isn’t that bribery?”
“She’s doing a job, filling a role for you. It’s no different than paying an employee.”
“I don’t pay women to sleep with me, Autumn.”
“I didn’t say anything about her sleeping with you, Jax. In fact, I think it’s best that you leave your dick out of the equation. Keep it strictly business. You’re pretending to be married. You’re pretending to be in love. In turn, she gets paid to pretend to be the love of your life.”
I deeply sighed.
“I know this is a lot to take in.”
“No, Red. This morning was a lot to take in. Your proposal is just adding insult to injury.”
“I’m trying to uncomplicate your life.”
“By adding marriage which is my definition of complicated?”
She shrugged. “You want the scandal to blow over? This is the best way to do it. Unless you want people booing you in the stands once the season starts. Your call, Quarterback.”
Caleb chimed in, “I’d do what she says.”
“You of all people want me to get married when yours failed?”
He grimaced, instantly making me feel like shit.
“That was out of line,” I expressed, looking only at him.
Caleb’s divorce was only finalized a few weeks ago. He caught his then-wife fucking the pool guy while he was at an away game with me.
The sad part was I never really thought he was in love with her. She was a gold digger who got pregnant and trapped him. He said the right thing to do was marry her. That was one thing about my best friend—he always tried to do the right thing.
Fucking fool.
