I was afraid meeting Mason’s parents would be super awkward, but to my surprise it really wasn’t. Sitting with Robert and Patsy at the game is actually fun. They’re incredibly proud of their son, and extremely excited to see him playing professionally again. They never mention anything about our ‘business arrangement’ except for when his mom thanks me for what she delicately calls ‘helping Mason get his career back on track.’

“He’s had such a difficult time being patient,” Patsy remarks to me as we sit in the stands. She’s speaking low enough that no one can hear her but me. “It’s been hard on him, especially given that he wasn’t at fault.”

The big elephant in the room, of course, is his brother Derek. But I don’t say anything about him, and neither does Patsy. I just nod. “I’m sure it had to be incredibly difficult for Mason,” I say, and turn back to watch him move down the field. “It’s clear he really loves the game. I’m just glad he’s back where he wants to be. The Rockets are lucky to have him.”

“Yes,” Patsy agrees, smiling at me kindly. “They are.”

The game goes by pretty quickly. Despite my personal vow to keep my relationship with Mason strictly professional, I’m on pins and needles every time he’s involved in a play. Whenever the team scores, I’m up and out of my seat, yelling myself hoarse along with the rest of the fans. A couple of times, Mason’s mom leans over and murmurs to me that we’re on the Jumbotron screen, and I just pretend I don’t notice.

After the game, I insist on driving myself to the restaurant so I can keep my distance from Mason. But despite my best efforts, he beats me there and manages to get me alone for a few minutes outside in the parking lot. He apologizes profusely for getting mad at me about Derek. But then he says something that almost kicks my legs out from under me.

He asks me to be his girlfriend.

I want to say no. I want to tell him that I’m establishing a new set of ground rules.

But even though I can practically hear Harriet scolding me, I don’t do any of that.

“So come on, what do you say?” Mason murmurs huskily, taking me in his arms. “Be my girlfriend, Anna. And my fake fiancée.”

There was nothing in the contract about what would happen if we actually got involved.

This is impossible. Isn’t it?

“I don’t have any idea how that works, Mason,” I admit, shaking my head.

“Neither do I,” he chuckles, pulling me to him. “But let’s figure it out together. Okay?”

I’m a little shell-shocked at the restaurant. Mason’s mom and dad saw us kissing in the parking lot, and his mom keeps shooting us strange looks. But otherwise, they’re just as nice and friendly as they were at the stadium. They ask me about my work at the TV station, and about my family and where I grew up. They tell me stories about what Mason was like as a child. It feels a lot like I’d imagine it would feel if we were really engaged.

Eventually, there’s a lull in the conversation, and Mason’s mom clears her throat. “So, Mason,” she begins. “Have you heard anything from your brother?”

Mason stiffens a little, then nods. “He called me a few days ago,” he says, his gaze flicking to me. “He’s uh, still in Denver.”

“How is he?” she asks, her voice thin and anxious.

“He… he didn’t sound like he was doing all that well.” Mason pauses. “He asked to borrow some money. I don’t think he’s working right now.”

“Well,” Mason’s dad interrupts, wiping his mouth roughly with his napkin. “Let’s not bore Anna with our family’s dirty laundry. Anna, tell us why you decided on broadcast journalism as a career.”

I oblige, and we continue eating, all conversation about Derek over. But a wave of sadness washes over me as I feel the pain at the heart of this family. Centered around a wayward son and brother, whom they’re powerless to help.

After we’re done eating, Mason’s parents decide to go back to their hotel. “We have an early flight out tomorrow,” his mother explains to us with a smile. “Mason, you let us know as soon as you can about your plans for Thanksgiving and Christmas.”

“I will, Mom,” he says, kissing her on the forehead.

“It was lovely to meet you, Anna,” she says to me, a twinkle in her eye. “Thank you again for helping Mason.”

“It was nice meeting you, too,” I reply sincerely, looking from her to Mason’s dad.

We watch as they get into their rental car, waving as they turn out of the parking lot in the direction of their hotel.

“Your parents are really nice,” I remark.

“They like you,” he grins down at me.

I snort. “They like that I’m helping you salvage your career.”

“Nah. It’s more than that. They like you.” He leans down and nips at my earlobe with his teeth. “I don’t blame them.”

I suppress a moan and try a shaky laugh. “I don’t think you’re judging me by the same criteria they are.”

“Probably not.” He puts his arms possessively around me. “So. Are you going to come back to my place with me, or are you going to make me argue with you?”

“I thought you said there was a team party tonight,” I protest, trying to ignore the flush of pleasure that ignites inside me at his words.

“Right now, I’d rather have my own private party with you.” He slides one hand to my ass, cupping it and pulling me to him. I feel the hard length of his erection against me, and instantly a familiar ache begins between my legs. “There’ll be other parties. C’mon, doll. You know you want to.”

I hear Harriet’s voice in my head clear as day: You are an idiot, Anna.

“I’ll follow you in my car,” I whisper.