Then GQ ran a list of sexiest soccer players, and his fame carried over from the internet to the real world. In a town full of stars, it was saying something that Jace was so popular.

“Three, actually.” Jace flashed a sheepish smile.

“And I know you need a model for your fragrance line for men,” Hailey continued.

“Yes,” I said slowly.

“She wants to offer me up as tribute,” Jace said with a wink. “Now that I’m famous and all that. She didn’t even give me the time of day before.”

“Don’t egg me on before I’ve even finished my lunch. It’s a dangerous endeavor,” Hailey warned.

“Wow.” I looked directly at Jace. “You’re interested in that? You never told me.”

“You never asked. I thought maybe you were looking for something else.”

I cocked a brow. “Tall, handsome, and voted sexiest soccer star second year in a row? You’re hot property, brother. I’d love to if you’re game for it.”

“I am.”

Hailey clapped her hands. “I knew this would work out.”

I looked between them, trying to put two and two together.

“How did you end up discussing this? Did you meet during Hailey’s office hours to talk about marketing opportunities? Don’t you specialize in PR scandals, sister?”

“She always catches on,” Jace murmured in a defeated tone.

Hailey sighed. “He needed my advice for another matter, but we ended up discussing this as well.”

Alarm bells were ringing in my mind. If he needed Hailey’s expertise, shit had hit the fan.

“Jace... what happened?”

My brother hesitated, then said, “Someone wrote to the club, insisting she’s pregnant with my kid, and that if they didn’t give out my contact info she’d go to the press.”

I went still as a statue.

“Is it true?” I asked eventually.

Jace dipped his chin to his chest. “Low blow, sister. Thought you’d be on my side instantly.”

“I’m always on your side,” I clarified. “I just want to know the facts.”

“No, of course it’s not true. I’ve never even met the woman. The club’s PR department usually deals with this without even telling us. Apparently people will invent all sorts of things to get our personal information.”

“I don’t understand. Why is this an issue, then?”

“She gave a very detailed account of what I did while I was out at a pub to celebrate a victory. It seemed real, and it gave our PR people pause. Which is when I turned to our dearest sister for advice.”