Free Happily Ever All-Star: A Secret Baby Romance by Sosie Frost

stuck in it.” Now she did flail, her hands striking my arms. “I liked it better when only Eric knew!”
    “That was an accident. I forgot he didn’t know.”
    When would I learn to keep my damn mouth shut?
    “You forgot ? Why were you even talking about my uterus with my step-brother?”
    “I’m sorry.”
    Rory paced, covering her eyes. “This is a mess. Now my family has to know. The team knows. The fellowship knows. Want to hire a skywriter too? Make it breaking news on Sports Nation? Rory Merriweather—Super-Star’s Super-Slut!”
    “That’s why this will protect you. If we’re part of a long-term relationship, people will expect a baby, they won’t judge you for it.” I hesitated. Rory wasn’t angry. She was scared. And that was unacceptable. “No one is going to harass you about this, Doc. I won’t let them.”
    Rory looked away. “But what about you? You’re…stuck with me now.”
    “A man could find himself in a worse situation.”
    “I doubt that.”
    “We’ve always been friends, Rory. You’re good company. Fun to be around. You understand me and my…” I glanced over the field. “Obsession with the game. We can make this work.”
    She didn’t buy it. “Sure, we get along fine. But you realize this has to look like a real relationship? That means you can’t get involved with anyone else now. No other women until this is over.”
    “Do you remember what I wished for at dinner last week?”
    Rory shrugged. “You wanted to play football.”
    “Exactly. I didn’t ask Genie for a big-busted blonde to pop out of the shadows.”
    “Blondes aren’t your type.”
    “You know me too well.” I smiled. “I don’t do romance, Rory. I don’t let myself get distracted from the game. Though now…” I couldn’t resist and squeezed her hand. “I want to take care of you too.”
    She stared at me, eyes wide, still flustered and panicked from the close-call with her apple. Her lips parted, puffy with indignation, but still temptingly sweet.
    “Are you sure you want to do this?” she asked.
    “I’d trade the romance of a lifetime to help you, Rory. Hell…” I laughed. “I’ll be damn lucky if anyone even believes us.”
    She panicked. “Why?”
    “Because you’re so damn beautiful. People will think you’re doing me the favor.”
    I liked to make her laugh, though she squirmed with quick and adorable embarrassment.
    “You’re very sweet,” she said. “And I know you don’t do romance, but…”
    “But?”
    “What about sex?”
    “Well…if you’re offering.” I grinned. “Eric’s already pissed off. I guess now’s our chance.”
    She smacked my arm. “Be serious, Jude. Romance is one thing, but even you probably…”
    “ Even I probably …what?”
    Rory sighed. “Even I hooked up with someone. You’re definitely going to want…a little action on the sidelines. You might be my knight in shining armor, but I’m gonna be the rusty, awkward chastity belt strapped around your noble steed for six months.”
    It was the first time since I suggested this scheme that I regretted the consequences. Not that I wanted to sleep with other women, but because I had the perfect woman standing before me.
    Beautiful. Intelligent. Kind.
    Unbelievably sexy.
    Completely vulnerable.
    Off-limits.
    Forbidden.
    I stepped too close to her, lowering my voice just for her to hear.
    Maybe I didn’t want to be overheard. Maybe I didn’t want to break her gaze.
    Or maybe I just wanted near her because she smelled like roses and honey.
    “I’ve got my eye on the championship, Doc. Can’t let myself get distracted with anything else. Even…” I licked my lips. “Sex.”
    “But you’re such a…not that I’ve been paying any attention to the rumors.”
    “Neither have I.”
    “But people do talk. Chronic bachelor. Non-committal. Different woman on your arm anytime you’re seen.”
    “I’m no player.”
    “No, but you’re not...”
    “What?”
    Rory shrugged.