I pulled into the parking lot, grabbed all my stuff, and started to head inside. I didn’t see the team bus, which meant I could grab a quick shower before having to see anybody I knew. I felt super gross from the two planes and a long car ride. The guy behind the counter was very tall, and his name tag said Brian. He looked disinterested in his job and kind of annoyed that I walked in and interrupted whatever he was doing on his phone. He was probably watching Daddy porn.

“Hi. I’m Amanda Matthews, checking in!” I said cheerfully. “I called earlier and requested to be across from Oakley Davis.”

“License and credit card,” Brian replied.

I handed them over and smiled, determined to kill him with kindness. I’ve learned from all of my traveling that the people at the front desk had a lot of power over how your stay was going to go. Brian handed my license and credit card back to me along with my key cards.

“I just want to confirm that my room is next to Oakley Davis’s.”

“Sorry, ma’am, I’m not allowed to give out that information,” Brian said lazily.

I was starting to get frustrated but didn’t want to be a Karen and ask for the manager. I smiled and tried one more time. “I totally get it. But I’m his publicist. I’m traveling with the team and need to have my room either adjoining or across from his. I’m sure you’ll see it in the notes if you look. His last name is Davis. First name Oakley.”

“Wow, Amanda,” I heard a familiar voice behind me say. “I knew you couldn’t bear to be apart from me, but now you’re bullying poor Brian here?” I turned around to see Oakley trying to stifle a laugh.

I held my breath and braced myself for his annoying push back. The moment I felt his heat at my side and breathed in his woodsy cologne, my second heartbeat reminded me that it had been a few months since I’d been laid. “Hello, Mr. Davis,” I replied, trying to keep a sense of professionalism.

“Sorry about her attitude, Brian. Sometimes she takes our little games a bit too far,” Oakley replied as he wrapped his arm around me. I almost shrugged him off, but I was curious to see where he was going with this and admittedly liked the feel of his muscular arm pulling me closer.

“My girl and I like to role play, and this weekend, she’s my...publicist,” Oakley explained with a wink and one-handed finger quotes. “The tension has been building up, ya know? I think after the big game, we will finally—”

“Continue that statement and I’ll give you a groin injury,” I interrupted.