Page 4 of The Game We Played

“Alaia,” she fills in.

I smile at her. “Alaia, do you want to drink a shot with us?”

She shrugs before grabbing the bottle of moonshine and pouring us shots. She lifts her glass into the air. “Here’s to the bootleggers. Masters of the sneaky sips and secret stashes. Thanks for keeping the party alive.”

“To the bootleggers!” we shout.

Holy cow. My throat burns from the moonshine. I barely manage not to cough the way the rest of the team does.

Alaia waves before marching off. I’m not letting her get away that easily. I stand to follow her.

Before I catch up to her, my phone rings. I dig it out of my pocket – intent on hitting ignore – but swear when I read the display.Sam calling.

Shit. My agent is not happy with me. What am I supposed to do? Ask for identification each and every time I snap naked pictures with someone?

“Sam, my man,” I answer the phone.

He grunts. “Don’t bullshit me. You’re in deep trouble.”

I blow out a breath. “Sorry.”

“I didn’t reach out to listen to your fake apologies.” I wince. My apologies aren’t fake – usually.

“Why did you reach out?”

“To warn you.”

My heart hammers in my chest. Is it time? Was he unable to hide the news from the press? He promised he could for at least a few months. Is my time up?

“About?”

“If you get in trouble on this island, I’m dropping you.”

I gulp. “Dropping me?”

“I will no longer be your agent.”

“But you’ve been my agent for nearly a decade.”

“And I’m tired of all your bullshit. I spend more time dealing with your scandals than all of my other clients combined.”

He also makes a shitload of money off me, but I keep my mouth shut. Reminding him of how much he earns from working for me isn’t going to help thissituation.

“I’ll behave.”

“I’m serious, Tanner. I don’t want to hear about one disgruntled woman or you streaking through the downtown or stealing someone’s car for fun.”

I scowl. “Women are never disgruntled with me.”

“Tanner Long! I’m serious. I don’t want a whiff of a scandal, or this relationship is over.”

“Aye! Aye! Captain.”

“Good,” he mutters and hangs up.

I stuff my phone in my pocket and hang my head. Sam is an insufferable ass who doesn’t hesitate to give me crap. But if he’s no longer my agent…if this scandal erupts…it could mean the end of my career. Football is the only thing I excel at. The only thing I want to do.

I make my way to the bar and find an empty stool. I motion to Alaia.