Page 69 of The Game We Played

Tanner leaving isn’t the end of the world. I’ve pitched Coach Knox’s story to a few magazines. Several were interested. Mycareer is finally going to take off. And then I can write an article about the offensive line of the Seals and save theGazette.

All thanks to Tanner. He didn’t have to arrange an interview with his offensive coach. But he did because there’s more to the wide receiver than he presents to the world.

Which is why I’m developing feelings for him. Developing feelings? Snort. I’m falling for him. Plain and simple.

Which is terrifying and dangerous, but I can’t seem to help myself. He’s drawing me in, and I’m helpless to stop him.

The other night at bowling was such fun. I tricked him about how theSirens & Strikesevent works. He didn’t care that he ended up losing. He wasn’t upset with me for being sneaky. He was fun.

He’s different from other men. He might even be the ‘one’.

The door bangs open. Good. A distraction from my thoughts about Tanner and how I want him to be a permanent fixture in my life, despite knowing he doesn’t do relationships.

I frown at the group of five adults walking into the bar. “I’m sorry. We’re not open yet.”

The man in the front purses his lips. “We’re not here to drink.”

“Do you need directions? Where are you staying? TheMermaid HotelorHideaway Haven Resort?”

“Neither of those.”

“You rented an apartment? Give me the address. I can direct you. Smuggler’s Hideaway isn’t big. It seems confusing because many of the roads in the countryside don’t have names, but I’ll get you where you need to go.”

“I don’t have an address.”

“Not a problem. I know most of the people who rent property out on the island. I can contact them for you.”

“You’re not listening to me.”

“I can hear you just fine.”

“No.” He grits his teeth. “You’re not listening to me.”

Someone’s grumpy. He reminds me of Brock. Except Brock is a big guy. This man is tall, but he’s lean and impeccably dressed. He appears out of place on the island, but I try not to judge. Everyone needs an escape from their real life every once in a while. Smuggler’s Hideaway is an excellent place to escape to.

“How can I help you?”

The woman behind him tugs on his suit jacket. “Dad, it’s her. I recognize her from her pictures.”

The man studies me for a moment. “You’re Alaia Jackson?”

Jackson? Anyone who uses my given name and not my press name – Alaia Grant – is not here to offer me a job.

“I’m Alaia Jackson. How can I help you?”

“You can stop dating my son.”

I rear back. This is Tanner’s dad? No wonder Tanner doesn’t get along with him. They’re the polar opposites of each other. Tanner’s a goofball who smiles all the time. His father appears to have forgotten smiling is an option.

“I don’t believe it’s any of your business who Tanner dates.” There. I didn’t get mad. I didn’t yell. I was perfectly reasonable.

Tanner’s dad fists his hands at his side. “It is when you’re ruininghis future.”

Ruining his future? Tanner and I will be history in a little over a month. But his dad doesn’t know the relationship is fake.

“How am I ruining his future?” I’m a journalist. I can’t help but be curious.

“Once his football career,” his nose wrinkles, “is over. He can return to his calling.”