“That’s what I said, but apparently I’m meant to have had a serious girlfriend at least.” He shrugged. “I dunno who makes the rules. I mean, with my recent sponsorship deal and how conservative they are, I just laid off on hooking up with anyone. And I’m training right now. Focus is on that. Don’t have the attention to spare for women.”

“You sound like a grade-A arrogant ass.”

“Hey, I can’t help it if I’m irresistible.” His grin was young and wicked. “I only accept invitations, princess. Can’t help it if they keep on coming… and coming.”

Catie pretended to throw up. “Stop, or I’ll have to take off a leg and massacre you with it.” The worst thing was that he was right; she’d seen how women drooled over him. “Why did you agree to that sponsorship deal anyway?” The company was well known for being sticklers when it came to the “morality” of their athletes. “Gabe advise you to do it?”

Smile fading, he shook his head. “No, he told me he didn’t think it would be a good fit, but it’s a shit ton of money.” He blew out a breath. “Enough to give me a solid foundation if I suddenly have to stop playing. And all I have to do is walk the straight and narrow for a couple of years.”

Catie didn’t make a snarky remark, well aware that Danny had watched a career-ending injury fell the big brother he idolized. That he had family support didn’t matter, not in this. It was a thing of pride, but not the bad kind. No, it was the kind that made for a good man—one who wanted to stand on his own feet.

“I get it,” Catie said, thinking of her own fight for independence against Jacqueline.

Their eyes met, understanding passing between them.

Until she couldn’t take the intensity of it, broke the contact. “You’ve still got the clean-cut image even if you haven’t had a steady girlfriend. You must have good taste in hookups since no one has sold their story to the magazines.”

“Hey, it’s not like I’m—what’s his name?—Casanova. I don’t have time to be juggling women. I just have the odd night out like any normal guy my age.” He pointed a finger. “And I’ll have you know, the women I’ve been with don’t want relationships either. I’m considered too high-maintenance.”

Blinking, Catie tilted her head. “Say what?”

“The fame thing.” He twisted his lips. “Lots of women don’t want to have cameras shoved in their faces, lose their privacy. And the ones who would be okay with it… I dunno, I feel like they’re after me for the fame, not for me.”