Page 48 of Mutual Discord

“How can you be so sure?”

He didn’t turn to look at me when he asked it, but I spied the muscle that ticked in his jaw. The firm, defensive set to his chin. Alex was truly worried, and my chest ached.

“Because it’s obvious Natasha is fond of you.” I stared at his profile, willing him to look at me. “She didn’t have to come over and chat with you, and she certainly wouldn’t have teased you the way she did if the two of you didn’t have a rapport.”

With a big exhale, Alex relaxed back in his seat. “I know it’s stupid to worry about people discovering my anonymous account, but it’s anonymous for a reason. I have to be online for work all the time, but when I’m UserWhateverNumbers, I’m just any other jerk killing time and entertaining himself.”

“You’re not a jerk,” I said reflexively. “Don’t be mean to my friend.”

His dimple made a fleeting appearance before his expression turned serious again. “Is this why you’re so protective of your privacy? Your followers may know your face, but they don’t know you. And the real Sofia is someone wonderful.”

Dropping my chin to my chest, I released a shaky breath. “You can’t say nice things like that to me.”

Alex went still, and I couldn’t bring myself to meet his eyes.

“Why not?” he asked softly.

I shook my head, not wanting to say anything more. I was convinced that if I tried to open my mouth, I would confess all my forbidden, lovesick emotions. Our friendship had become important to me, and I wouldn’t be able to stomach it when he pulled away after learning the truth of my feelings for him.

Alex shifted in his seat until he faced me, and his gaze felt like a caress to the side of my face. “You know how you don’t like it when I insult myself? Well, I hate it when you make yourself smaller. I’ve seen you do it with your parents, and I’ve repeatedly seen you do it with Caitlin. But you’re not going to do it with me.”

Like a magnet—no, like the gravitational pull of a gas giant—I lifted my gaze to Alex’s stalwart one. He opened his mouth, but before he could speak, a dark-haired young woman appeared behind him, clutching an iPad and biting her lip.

“Alex, I’m so sorry to bother you, but would you mind reading this caption for the joint Instagram and TikTok posts?”

Closing his eyes for a second, Alex turned to her, an amiable smile softening his expression. “Hey, Steph. I’m more than happy to look at it if you need an extra set of eyes, but I trust your judgment. If you think it looks good, I’m sure it does.”

Steph, who looked no more than twenty-three or twenty-four, rocked back on her heels. “Oh. Um, I’m just so used to getting every caption or copy approved, it’s become my default to ask.”

“Totally understandable. But I trust you, so…” Alex winged up a brow. “Don’t you think it’s time to start trusting yourself?”

A pretty blush spread across Steph’s cheeks, and she nodded. “Yeah, maybe it is.”

Alex nodded, his mien patient. “So do you want me to look over the caption?”

“No,” Steph said immediately, waving a hand. “Sorry for interrupting.”

“No worries at all. If you or the team need my help, I’m here.” His gaze slid to me, and his eyes went wide. “Sofia, my apologies for being rude. This is Steph. She’s a digital content producer here in the department, and is leading the Sting ’Em campaign during playoff home games. Steph, this is my friend Sofia.”

Steph and I exchanged friendly nods before she excused herself and dashed away. Alex and I were silent for a spell, watching as the arena filled with excited fans, a mix of popular jock rock and pop songs pulsing through the speakers. Several people either waved hello to Alex or stopped by our seats to say hi, shaking his hand and asking how he was doing. Some of them were obviously Scorpions staff members, but some appeared to be fans. Probably season ticket holders, I guessed. And many of them were women. Women who smiled broadly at him and touched his arm while they laughed. Older women with gray hair, jewels on their fingers, and expensive designer bags on their arms. But some were young, admiration in their eyes as they stared at him. Honestly, I couldn’t blame them. Alex practically oozed confidence, but in an easy manner that felt welcoming instead of predatory. Paired with his dark good looks, he was devastating.

But I had no claim on him, so I didn’t rush to join his conversations or press myself into his side. The women still sized me up, their eyes tracing over my face and body before bouncing between me and Alex, as if gauging our relationship. And while I endeavored to remain casual, Alex turned to me consistently to ensure I was included. Introduced me to everyone who approached and shared tidbits on their connections with each other. Yet it was when he stretched his arm across the back of my chair, the move casual but almost proprietary, that I melted.

“I’m sorry we haven’t had many opportunities to talk. I see these people all the time.” Alex scratched his neck. “But for some reason they seem more keen to talk than normal.”

“It seems pretty obvious why,” I said, chuckling when he quirked his mouth in confusion. “Because I’m here with you. Everyone thinks we’re on a date, so they’re being metiche.”

Alex jerked back his head. “I hadn’t thought of that, but it makes sense. I don’t usually come to the games with anyone.”

“Why not?”

“Because I’m usually working.” He lifted a shoulder before growing serious. “I hope it hasn’t made you uncomfortable.”

It did, but only because I wanted so desperately to have a legitimate reason to be uncomfortable. Instead, I shook my head, plastering a bright smile on my lips. “No, not at all.”

Alex’s gaze moved over my face, and he looked away.

It seemed appropriate to redirect the conversation. “Have you thought of inviting Caitlin to a game? She’s not a big sports person, but I’d bet she’d have fun.”