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Damn it. I knew this would happen. I’m not a violent guy, but I might have thrown a punch at a pillock the other night at the pub. What can I say? He provoked me. Usually, I ignore idiots like him, but then he started insulting the military. On top of that, we’d just lost the game, so my blood pressure shot up, and my fist collided with the side of his jaw.
“Okay.” I swallow.
The thing is, I didn’t even want to be Ivory Sportswear’s ambassador in the beginning. I don’t really care about any of that. I just want to play football. But Ashley claimed it was too big of an opportunity to pass up, so I went along with it. And I ended up getting carried away. When we shot the campaign commercial, I was practically bursting with elation. I mean, it is kind of cool. Ivory 101 were the first trainers I ever owned. When I’d finally made enough money to buy myself some things, I didn’t choose a video game or a toy like other boys might have. I bought some high-quality trainers so I could play my favourite game.
My previous pair was full of holes, and the insole was sticking out. When you’re a foster kid, parents don’t really care about what you wear.
“Your little brawl has really damaged your spotless image, Wade. I’m afraid it might also impact your contract renewal or transfer at the end of the season. Whether you want to stay where you are or score an offer from another club, you’re going to have to clean up your image.”
Talk about jumping from bad to worse. I just had to get into a fight during my transfer year. Way to go, Wade. “Are you serious? It was one mishap.”
“One mistake is all it takes. People only remember the bad. Especially club owners who spend millions on their players.”
“Right.” I sigh, scratching my temple. “So, what do you suggest?”
“Well, who was the girl you were at the airport with? The one you kissed.”
I freeze. How the hell does she know about that? And so soon. “Oh . . . I was kind of just helping her make this guy jealous. I don’t even know her.” Please don’t tell me that made things worse. I quickly add, “Why? What’s wrong with her?”
“Nothing’s wrong with her,” Ash says, loosening the knot in my stomach. “The paps were there, and you actually got some good press out of it. People appreciate seeing you out with a—”
“I go out with plenty of girls,” I cut in. I mean, come on. Between Drew and her, you’d think I was a priest or something. Just because I don’t want a relationship, and the distractions that come along with it, doesn’t mean I don’t enjoy the company of women.
“With a regular girl is what I was trying to say,” she finishes. “Not a model or a socialite.”
I grimace. I do have a tendency to go out with those kinds of women. But let’s be honest. They throw themselves at me after games and at parties. They’re hot. It’s easy. Win-win for everyone. “Oh, okay.”
“If you dated her, I think it would help your image. Show people another side of you. One that isn’t just football and skimpy models, you know?”
I stutter, “Err, yeah. But I’m pretty sure she’d have a few words to say in the matter.”
“Since you were spotted at the airport together, and not at a bar or restaurant, every article already assumes it’s serious. Now you just have to ask if she’d like to play the part.”
“You’re kidding, right? You want me to ask a girl I barely know to ‘play’ my girlfriend.”
“You already kissed her, so you know her to some extent.”
“That was nothing, Ashley. I only kissed her to help her out.”
Liar. That kiss was far from nothing.
“Exactly. You helped her. Now it’s her turn to return the favour. Tit for tat.”
I let out a laugh. “There might be just a small imbalance there.”
“Find out what she wants in return. Everyone needs something.”
“Okay, yeah. I can try.” There’s nothing I wouldn’t do to save my career, so I can at least talk to her. And if I’m being honest, the slightest possibility of getting to kiss that girl again is motivation enough.
4
England’s Golden Boy
Roxy
The next day, I wake up with swollen cheeks and puffy eyes. Falling asleep plastered and sobbing my eyes out isn’t the best skincare routine. I lie down a tad longer, closing my eyes again and hoping this was all just a bad dream. The love of my life didn’t just return to London engaged to another woman.
Only it wasn’t. And he did.
