Marek’s gentle tone warms my chilled flesh.
I shake my head, waving him off. “Of course. I really didn’t need you to rescue me again but thank you for standing up for me.”
“I’m sorry I intervened without your permission, but I could tell something wasn’t right. Perhaps we should report it to the Commissioner and the GM of the Stars.”
A thread of panic unravels so fast inside my stomach that I feel nauseous. I shake my head.
“God, no! Please don’t do that, Marek. It was nothing, I swear. Yes, he took me by surprise with his forward suggestion, but it wasn’t as bad as it looked. I promise. If it had been, I definitely would say something.”
He gives me an unconvinced look and then stares off over my head with a sigh. “Harper…nothing will change in this business if someone doesn’t stand up and stop it.”
“I agree. But that”—I throw my hand behind me—“was nothing to worry about.”
Marek sucks his bottom lip between his teeth, gnawing over his indecision. Then he drops his chin to his chest.
“This is exactly why I hate myself for my actions last night, Harper.” When he raises his eyes back to mine, there is a myriad of emotions and apology swimming in them. “I’m so sorry for the compromising position I must’ve put you in. I don’t want to bethatguy. If you wish to back out tonight, I wouldn’t blame you in the least.”
I take a short step forward and touch his arm. “You are nothing like that man, Marek. And I do not back out on my commitments. You asked me to be your date, and I’m going to be your date. Like it or not, you’re stuck with me now.”
I drop my arm and feel a smile creep up at the corners of my mouth.
This seems to appease him, and he smiles as well. “Okay, then. But you can leave at any time.”
Speaking of time, I check my phone and realize I’m running late. I want to get a good spot to watch Xander perform.
“We have five minutes before the next event. I need to get down to the sidelines. What time should I be ready tonight?”
“How does seven o’clock work?”
I throw my bag strap over my shoulder and run my hands over the crease in my skirt to make sure everything’s where it should be and nod.
“Works for me. See you then, Big Man.”
I give him a wink just so he knows we’re all good and I’m looking forward to our date tonight.
Fake or not.