“I have no interest to perform for the public, Red. This is a blatant lie. They’ll see right through it. They’ll know it’s a publicity stunt to take heat off my trade.”
“Some will think that—I’m not going to pretend like they won’t. You’ve always been a very private person despite being who you are. Your fans, even your diehard ones, don’t really know who you are. At least not the man behind the football. I think it’s time you let them in on your life.”
“That’s not my life—it’s a lie.”
“You’re telling me you’ve never lied to get ahead?”
“I’m telling you I don’t want to lie now.”
“Why not? We’re letting them in on your terms. You’ll control this narrative. It may be fake, but you’ll still have final say on how far we take it. It’s one season, Jax, not the rest of your life. I mean, unless you do fall in love with each other which could always happen.”
I bit, “Your theory is more delusional than I thought.”
“Hey! Crazier things have happened. Just look at Julian and me.”
“You and Julian go way back, there’s a huge difference.”
“Then ask someone you have history with.”
“The only woman I have history with that is still in my life is your sister-in-law, and she’s already married to your brother.”
“There has to be a woman in your life who was important to you at one time?”
“None who matter.”
“Bullshit.”
Both our gazes flew to Caleb’s outburst, and for the second time in a matter of minutes I wanted to wring his fucking neck again.
Ignoring his remark, she continued, “Your fans will love to feel like they’re part of your life outside of football. Not only have they been with you since the beginning of your football career, but now they’ll be part of your love life too. People love to feel like they’re part of something. She’ll be the first woman who has had the power to tame your bed-hopping ways, and that alone will make people curious.”
My mind was spinning. It was a fucking whirlwind of emotions. I didn’t want to get married. Love didn’t exist. It was bullshit bought by a Hallmark greeting company built on propaganda and illusions.
But what if she was right? Could I do this?
As if reading my mind, she asked, “Your playbook must be filled with endless names of women who would at least do this for money?”
“Money? Isn’t that bribery?”
“She’s doing a job, filling a role for you. It’s no different than paying an employee.”
“I don’t pay women to sleep with me, Autumn.”
“I didn’t say anything about her sleeping with you, Jax. In fact, I think it’s best that you leave your dick out of the equation. Keep it strictly business. You’re pretending to be married. You’re pretending to be in love. In turn, she gets paid to pretend to be the love of your life.”
I deeply sighed.
“I know this is a lot to take in.”
“No, Red. This morning was a lot to take in. Your proposal is just adding insult to injury.”
“I’m trying to uncomplicate your life.”
“By adding marriage which is my definition of complicated?”
She shrugged. “You want the scandal to blow over? This is the best way to do it. Unless you want people booing you in the stands once the season starts. Your call, Quarterback.”
Caleb chimed in, “I’d do what she says.”