Page 174 of Just for the Cameras
“The whole public thing. I know we are already public, but the more steam this picks up and the more we are seen in the public eye, being affectionate, intimate, the more people are going to have an opinion. You know, you went through it with Scarlett.”
“Still go through it,” he answers. “And that’s just something you’ll have to navigate together. It’s not easy, but as long as you two stick together, it will be okay.”
“Yeah, I don’t know,” I say, leaning back in my chair and taking my phone in my hand as it buzzes with another text. “I want to say she’s strong enough to handle it. I know she claims she is, but I don’t know if she understands the severity of being under the microscope.”
“I think you need to trust her on the fact that she knows what she’s getting into. Give her the benefit of the doubt, man.” Hutton stands andpats me on the back. “Happy for you. Carve out some time for a double date. I want to get to know her better.”
I nod, then look down at my phone, where there’s a text from Bennett and one from Maple.
I click on the one from Maple first.
It’s a picture of her hefted up on my teammates’ shoulders, the biggest smile on her face, her helmet thrust in the air. I immediately save the picture, because Jesus, she’s fucking adorable in it.
Maple:Look at me winning the big game.
I snort and shake my head as I text her back.
Graydon:You look good.
The rookie hobbles back into the locker room, ice held to his crotch. I’m not sure how hard Maple hit him, but I will say he’s lucky it was her and not me because he wouldn’t be walking if I took care of him.
Maple:I’ve never felt so invigorated. I showed Big Hermy the picture, and he didn’t seem as impressed.
Graydon:Did you show it to his good eye?
Maple:Of course. Do you take me for a fool?
Graydon:Never.
Maple:I feel kind of bad for stiff-legging that one guy. Is he okay?
Graydon:Don’t feel bad, he deserved it. He just walked back into the locker room with an ice pack pressed against his dick.
Maple:Oof, really? Now I really feel bad.
Graydon:Don’t. Be happy it was you who did it, not me.
Maple:So possessive.
Graydon:Only where you’re concerned.
Maple:Oddly, I find that very appealing.
Graydon:Oddly?
Maple:I’ve been taught to take care of myself, so having someone like you wanting to do that for me feels unnatural. But…I don’t know…I kind of like it. And I kind of like you.
Graydon:Kind of?
Maple:Can’t give away all my cards too quickly.
Graydon:Pretty sure you gave them away the moment I buried myself between your legs.
Maple:OMG Graydon. Don’t make me blush at work.
Graydon:I can say a hell of a lot more.
Maple:Don’t. People will know I’m turned on.
