My mouth forms an O and I start to ask why he has to pay for it but stop myself because it’s really none of my business. Nathan reads the questions on my face, though.

“My family back in Michigan is struggling a bit. My dad passed away, Mom lost her job…” He checks himself and smiles stiffly like he’s afraid he’s overshared. “Anyway, my problem.”

I try to hide the pity I feel, but I know he sees it when he adds, “It’s fine. Really. I’m not usually such a downer. Let’s get you a drink.”

My phone buzzes and I pull it from my purse to check as we walk.

Sydney: Where are you? We’re all out on the patio. Come get to know everyone! You can make out with your hot man later.

“Wait,” I say as Nathan starts to descend the stairs. “What if we could help each other?”

He cocks a brow. “What do you mean?”

10

NATHAN

“No way. Now I do think you’re crazy.”

Chloe looks deflated by my resistance. Her full red lips fall into a frowny pout. This girl isn’t used to hearing no, and I can see why. She’s fucking adorable and sexy when things aren’t going her way.

“I told you, it’s fine. I’ll figure it out.”

“I just figured it out for you,” she insists. “Seriously. We pretend to keep dating for a little while longer, and I’ll pay you for your time.” That last bit has her looking unsure for the first time since she told me her idea.

“I can’t take your money when I’m trying to date you for real.”

She quirks a brow. “Date or fuck?”

Not gonna lie, my dick twitches at her use of the word.

She doesn’t wait for my response. “Look, I’ve got a lot riding on this season. I need my teammates to like and respect me or I might as well give up and head back to California now. For some reason, my dating you makes them like me more.” She rolls her eyes, but she’s smiling.

“So that’s a hard no to dating for real?”

She laughs, and the sound makes my entire body feel lighter. This is how I want my girlfriend’s laugh to make me feel.

She doesn’t respond but her face tells me she’s already made up her mind.

“I get it, and I respect it. And I appreciate the offer, but I don’t need a quick hundred dollars. I need a grand, at least.”

The blank stare she gives me has me feeling uneasy about the hope spreading inside me. Fuck. Could it really be this easy? Fake date a girl I actually like—talk about a dream job.

“No,” I say again, mostly for my own benefit.