Not Daddy Material (Billionaire's Contract Duet 2)

Another sweaty teammate joined the excitement. “That game was tight.”

I stood, watching the guys congratulate each other on their victory. A few other teammates walked up to join the discussion.

Hesitant to interrupt their celebration, I waved over their heads. “I just wanted to see the big game. I’m going to head back to the theater. Rehearsals are intense right now.” I walked backward a few steps before hitting the corner of the bleachers with the back of my knees. Ouch.

“London, thanks for coming to the game.” He waved and huddled back with the other guys.

“Uh. Yeah. Sure thing. See you in class.”

Hoping his teammates didn’t see me stumble into the seats, I turned and headed back to Graham Memorial and my cast mates.

“So, how did it go? Did the fake boyfriend win?” Nina greeted me as soon as I entered the basement.

I sighed. I had been in a funk the entire walk across campus. “Yes. He won. T-shirt and all.”

“Why are you back here so soon? I thought you’d go out for a victory drink or something on his bike.” She winked.

“No. I showed my support. I didn’t want to let everyone here down. I’ve got lines to work on.”

I noticed the script pages I had dumped on the couch were still lying where I placed them. I snatched them up and started reading the new words Derek created.

“Wait, wait, wait. You’re not getting out of this that easily. What happened? You seem upset—all moody and gloomy.”

I brushed my bangs to the side and let my shoulders slide. “He was busy. All the guys were excited about the game—I left so they could hang out and celebrate. Isn’t that what good fake girlfriends do?” I tried to smile.

I shouldn’t feel disappointed. Beau and I didn’t have plans. We were free to do whatever we wanted to do on the weekends, and I needed to focus on the play. He had even agreed to put our next date on hold so I could devote more time to rehearsals. I guess part of me thought he might ask me to work on the project, but that was silly. We have other things in our lives other than Comm 224 and Love Match.

“No, that’s perfect. Play hard to get. Give him time with the boys. They love that.” Nina’s smile reached from ear to ear.

“Nina! I’m not after him. There is absolutely no plotting going on here.” I was starting to think she could hear my thoughts. “Now, can you just read through these lines with me?” I sat on the couch, inhaled a deep breath, and practiced my new monologue.

It was almost ten at night by the time we wrapped rehearsals for the day. It was grueling going through so many runs, but I felt good about what we had accomplished. Derek, as usual, had delivered some amazing dialogue additions. Too bad he couldn’t share his creative triumphs with Nina. She was ready to pour on the celebratory lovin’.

My phone vibrated in the back of my bag just as Nina and I were walking out of the basement.

Want to go to the game with me on Thursday?

It was a text from Beau. A swirl of attach butterflies hit my stomach all at once.

I typed.

What game?

He responded.

Funny

Really, what game?

Maybe I should have asked Nina before I sent that text, but I wasn’t sure what he was talking about.

You go to Carolina. It’s a basketball game. Date 3.

I had rehearsals Thursday night, but this project was important. They could handle it if I missed one night.

Ok. I’m in.

Thanks for coming to my game today. See you in class.