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  “It’s a date,” Frankie repeated, mirroring Hawk’s wide smile.

  And just like that, nothing else mattered. Not Stephen or Corbin. Not contracts or non-disclosures or paparazzi.

  Just this time—this moment, this day, this week—with Frankie.

  Just the chance for a little bit of happiness without an agenda.

  Chapter 12

  Frankie

  Frankie had been to Harrisonburg plenty of times before, but the closest he’d ever been to the country club outside of town was the nearby Costco. He hadn’t even known exactly where they were heading until they pulled up in front of the large iron gates.

  “You have a membership to the country club here?” Frankie couldn’t quite picture Hawk—tall, broad-shouldered, football star Hawk—playing golf, and especially not in Harrisonburg, but… maybe?

  “Nope,” Hawk grinned, reaching over to take Frankie’s hand. “Golf bores the hell out of me. But this is one of the few times each year that they’ll let us in anyway—as long as we pay, of course.”

  Frankie reached for his wallet. “You should let me pay this time. You got dinner last week, and—”

  Hawk shook his head and pulled Frankie’s hand up to his lips. “No way,” he said, his lips moving against Frankie’s knuckles. “I’d pay whatever price these snobs asked to spend this night with you. Any amount of money would be a bargain.”

  Frankie smiled. He never knew how sincere Hawk was—whether he truly meant all the super-sweet things he said, or whether it was part of the whole arrangement, kind of like method acting—but he never wanted to question it too much, either.

  Even if it wasn’t all completely real, or even if it was some combination of the truth and really good acting, it was still nice to hear.

  Really nice, actually.

  “You’re such a flirt,” Frankie finally said as they pulled into a parking space and opened the car doors to the warm July night.

  Hawk shot him a quick grin and shrugged while walking around the car to take Frankie’s hand again and guide him toward the golf course where a sizable crowd of people had already gathered. “Can you blame me? I can barely keep my hands to myself.”

  The thought of Hawk touching him—or even just wanting to touch him more—made Frankie’s whole body go hot, and he had to struggle to keep from sounding as breathless as he suddenly felt.

  “Nobody said you have to keep your hands completely to yourself…” He squeezed Hawk’s hand for emphasis. “But I have to warn you—I might start to get used to it.”

  If Hawk wanted to play the flirting game, then Frankie was more than happy to play along. He hadn’t been joking about getting used to it, though. It was becoming more and more difficult to separate the fact that they were both playing a part—something they were both contractually obligated to do—from the reality that Frankie was genuinely attracted to his fake boyfriend.

  Hawk was just about as perfect as a person could get. Not just his looks—although there was no denying that his chiseled face, broad shoulders and washboard abs were beyond hot—but everything else about him, too.

  The way he adored his parents and treated everyone around him with respect, the way he held the door for Frankie and held his hand, even when nobody was watching. The way he looked whenever their eyes met, like he really meant all the crazy-sweet things he said.

  It was all just… perfect.

  Except for the part where it was all just pretend, of course.

  Oh, and the part where it would all have to end.

  “Are you ready for some fireworks?” Hawk asked, smiling down at Frankie and looking so damn good that it was almost easy to push all of those other thoughts aside. “We might have trouble seeing from over here, but I bet we can work our way through the crowd and get closer to the front if you want.”

  Frankie stood on his toes and tried to peek over the heads of people in front of him. Yeah, that wasn’t going to be an option. Although he doubted Hawk—who towered over most of the crowd—would have any issues seeing the fireworks, it was still nice that he was trying to be considerate of Frankie.

  “We can stay here if you want,” Frankie said, finally. “I can sort of see.”

  It was a little bit of a half-truth, but whatever. He wasn’t really there for the fireworks anyway. He would’ve happily gone to sit through a lecture on quantum physics if Hawk had asked him to. With Hawk next to him, there really wasn’t anything that sounded too unbearable.

  “Sort of isn’t good enough for you, Frankie.” Hawk pressed through the crowd, pulling Frankie near until they had moved past the initial throng of people and closer to the front, where people had already started to sit down and spread out. “See? This is already better. You shouldn’t ever have to settle for sort of.”

  “Thanks,” Frankie said, grinning up at Hawk. “You’re right. I appreciate it.”

  He sucked in a sharp breath and watched as the first fireworks of the evening rocketed into the sky with a colorful explosion.

  Hawk had been right, of course. This was better. But even if they’d stayed in the other spot, it would’ve been okay. Nothing about being with Hawk felt like “settling” to Frankie.

  Not even for a sort-of-boyfriend.

  The fireworks were even better than Frankie had anticipated. Or maybe it was the fact that Hawk—true to his word—hadn’t taken his hands off Frankie since they’d arrived. In fact, with Hawk standing behind him, arms around Frankie’s waist, Frankie never wanted the night to end.

  Once the big finale finished, they stood there just like that while everyone around them moved to leave.

  Frankie certainly wasn’t in a hurry, though.

  “I’m glad you invited me out tonight,” Frankie said, leaning his head back against Hawk’s shoulder so he could almost look up into Hawk’s eyes. Well, into Hawk’s jaw, at least—close enough, in the darkness that surrounded them. “I had a really nice time.”

  “Me, too,” Hawk’s deep voice rumbled against Frankie’s back and sent a shiver down his spine. God, everything about the man was sexy. “I have fun with you, no matter where we are.”

  Frankie nibbled at his lip. He wanted to be the one to invite Hawk to something for a change, but… there were only a couple of big events in his life coming up, and he wasn’t sure how Hawk would feel about attending either one.

  There was really only one way to find out.

  “So, I was wondering,” Frankie began, pausing to clear his throat when his voice came out barely above a whisper. “I was, um, wondering if you had any plans this weekend?”

  “Nothing yet.” Hawk loosened his grip around Frankie’s waist a little, just enough to turn him around so they were facing each other. “I’ve got a trip to Atlanta planned soon, but that’s not for a couple of weeks. Why? What’s up?”

  Being close to Hawk always made Frankie’s body react, but facing him, and just inches apart? Yeah, it was hard to concentrate on anything besides the beating of his heart and the heat that was quickly spreading from his head to his feet.

  It was only after several seconds had passed that Frankie remembered Hawk had asked him a question.

  “Oh, Atlanta sounds fun. But… right. So…” Frankie took another moment to get lost in Hawk’s smile before continuing. He really just couldn’t help himself. “Ethan and Jack are getting married this weekend, and… I know I mentioned it before, and you said yes, but I wasn’t sure if you were just being nice or maybe you have other plans now, or…” Frankie took a deep breath. “I guess what I’m trying to ask is… if you really don’t have anything else going on… will you be my date?”

  “Absolutely,” Hawk said without hesitating. “I remember our conversation perfectly, and I’m definitely not too busy. Never too busy. On the subject of invitations, though, you’re totally invited to Atlanta when I go. But was that Jack Davis you mentioned? From the flower shop?”

  Frankie nodded. “Yep. And my other boss, Ethan. I didn’t want to make official pla
ns until I’d actually like, confirmed with you, so I already told them you’d probably be busy. They’re gonna be really excited that you can make it, though.”

  “Yeah, that sounds great.” Hawk sounded genuinely happy to be invited. Re-invited. Whatever. “We’ll have to be careful not to let anything slip about our… uh… you know, me and you.”

  “What do you mean?” Frankie cocked his head to the side. “I haven’t said anything to them, just so you know.”

  Frankie felt his stomach tighten as a dozen questions popped into his head. Did Hawk really think that Frankie would “out” the two of them as a fake couple? Seriously? Or was the comment just his way of hedging his bets in case something else came up and he wanted to cancel at the last minute?

  “No, I don’t worry about that at all, honestly,” Hawk said. “I trust you, Frankie. I just know that it’s sometimes awkward when people start asking questions. My agent has been riding my ass about all of these endorsement deals he’s lining up… I’m sorry. I just can’t afford to make any wrong moves.” Hawk sighed. “I probably should’ve phrased it better, but yes. I would definitely like to go to the wedding with you… if you still want me to.”

  “I do,” Frankie said, feeling a little silly that he’d started to feel so defensive in the first place.

  Of course Hawk was just being cautious. He had every right and every reason to be. For all the time they’d spent together and all the ways it felt intimate and special, Frankie had to—had to—remember that it was just part of the agreement.

  Part of the act.

  And he had to remember that no matter what they did in public, at the end of the day, he wasn’t Hawk’s boyfriend. He didn’t get to be defensive or jealous.

  That wasn’t in the contract.

  Frankie watched from across the worktable as Ethan’s smile widened until he was positively glowing.

  “I knew he’d come to his senses and not send you to my wedding alone,” Ethan said. “Was his team or coach or whatever okay with the news when he said he couldn’t make it this weekend?”

  Frankie shrugged. He’d already told a little white lie about Hawk rearranging his schedule to attend the wedding. He didn’t particularly want to pile another lie on top of it.

  “We didn’t really discuss the, um, particulars.” Frankie matched Ethan’s grin, eager to change the subject back to what was really important. “But you’re okay with the last minute addition? It’s not gonna screw up your seating plans or anything, is it?”

  He knew that Ethan and Jack had been obsessing—well, Ethan had been obsessing, Jack had been a little more low-key—about their upcoming wedding, but now that it was actually happening in less than forty-eight hours, Frankie knew that it was definitely not the time to try and make changes.

  Still, Ethan seemed to be taking the news really well. Almost too well, if Frankie was being honest.

  Ethan waved a hand dismissively. “Of course not. You know I would’ve been happy to make the changes anyway, because I love you and you’re the best…” Ethan gave a little half-shrug, “but the truth is that I figured this would happen, so I sort of planned for it all along. It honestly would’ve been more inconvenient if Hawk hadn’t decided to go. It would’ve thrown off the number of people at the main table.”

  Frankie laughed. So that was why Ethan was suddenly as calm as a cucumber over the “changes,” when he’d been freaking out all week about every other minor detail. Frankie should’ve guessed his best friend had had something up his sleeve.

  “Well, as much as I hate to admit it, your compulsive planning has saved the day,” Frankie said. “And now I’ll at least have someone to dance with at the reception while you and Jack make out.”

  “We’re not gonna be making out all night,” Ethan said. Then a hint of color crept into his cheeks as he added, “Well, I mean… not the whole night. Probably.”

  “Right.” Frankie rolled his eyes. “But anyway, thanks for making this happen. You’re the best, honestly, and you and Jack are going to be so happy. I really can’t wait.”

  Seeing his best friend find the love of his life had been almost as fulfilling for Frankie as it appeared to be for Ethan. Not in all the same ways, of course. But after the rocky start that Ethan and Jack experienced, seeing them come together and now finally get married just reaffirmed Frankie’s long-held conviction that good things happen to good people, and that love would find a way to thrive in even the most unlikely of circumstances.

  “I can’t wait, either.” Ethan smiled again. “I feel like I’m about to marry my best friend.” He wrinkled his nose a little and shook his head. “Well, not exactly like that, since that would be you… but you know what I mean. Jack is perfect for me, and every time I think about the fact that we’re actually going to be married in a couple of days, I just… I can’t help but smile.”

  “You both deserve all the happiness in the world,” Frankie said, meaning it. “I don’t think I’ve ever seen two people look so in love.”

  Ethan shrugged, then winked. “I don’t know… I think I’ve seen a little bit of that love-sparkle in your eyes lately.”

  “Oh, um, no—” Frankie swallowed hard. God, did he really look like that? Did Hawk think that Frankie was in love? Was it love? OhmyGodohmyGod. That’s not even something he could think about. Not now. “I mean… not love… not yet… It’s only been—”

  “Relax,” Ethan said, laughing. “I didn’t mean to put you on the spot. I just meant that I hope you find the same kind of happiness that Jack and I have… and I think you might be on the right track.”

  “Maybe. I like your optimism, though.” Frankie smiled even though he felt like he might actually double over from the ball of nerves churning in his stomach.

  Frankie wanted love—he wasn’t going to deny that—but it had to be real.

  What would Ethan think if he’d known that Frankie’s “relationship” with Hawk had been spelled out in a contract?

  Would he still feel like Frankie was on the right track?

  And even though Frankie would be a fool to deny that he had feelings for Hawk, did that really even matter?

  Probably not.

  Because he was pretty sure that in order to have the kind of relationship that Ethan and Jack had, the person Frankie ended up falling in love with would sort of need to love him back.

  Chapter 13

  Hawk

  The officiant’s voice rang out clearly, but Hawk barely heard the words she was saying. He was too focused on the men standing at the altar—Jack and Ethan—as they prepared to say their vows.

  As far as looks went, Jack hadn’t changed a bit since high school, and even though Jack would’ve been the last person Hawk would’ve pictured marrying a man back then, Hawk had to admit that Jack looked so full of life and love and happiness that he honestly couldn’t picture it any other way now.

  “Do you, Jack, take this man to be your lawfully wedded husband, for better or for worse, for richer or poorer, in sickness and in health, for as long as you both shall live?”

  “I do.” Jack’s voice was low but determined as it rumbled through the nearly-silent church. His eyes were bright with emotion as he looked at his husband-to-be and continued. “I’ve loved you from the moment I met you, Ethan. I promise to never stop loving you, never stop cherishing every moment we get to spend together, for the rest of our lives.”

  Hawk swallowed hard and blinked quickly to try and hold back the happy tears that were threatening to spill over. Damn, he hadn’t thought he’d actually cry at the wedding, but… he hadn’t been prepared for the way he’d feel after witnessing the love that these two men clearly had for each other.

  The officiant turned to Ethan. “And do you, Ethan, take this man to be your lawfully wedded husband, for better or for worse, for richer or poorer, in sickness and in health, for as long as you both shall live?”

  “Yes.” Ethan nodded, brushing a tear from his cheek before taking Jack’s hand. “I do.
With all of my heart and soul, my mind and my body, I absolutely do want to spend the rest of my life loving you, Jack.”

  Hawk had to look away quickly and swipe at his own eyes again as they exchanged rings. As happy as he was for the couple, he was also glad the ceremony was almost over. If there had been any more talking or any more emotion, Hawk would’ve likely ended up in a ball on the floor, crying like a baby.

  The flood of feelings surprised Hawk. He’d never really thought long-term before as far as relationships go, but seeing the kind of forever love that Jack and Ethan had found made long-term seem really appealing.

  Damn, maybe he was getting old.

  The officiant was beaming as she spoke the next words. “Then by the power vested in me by the state of Virginia, I now pronounce you husbands for life.” She looked from Jack to Ethan, but they were already lost in each other’s eyes. “You may kiss your husband.”

  Hawk wasn’t sure when he’d reached over to grab Frankie’s hand, but as he watched Ethan and Jack kiss, then walk back down the aisle together as a married couple—all blissful smiles and happy tears—it made him want to be close to someone. To hold someone.

  To have someone to love.

  He looked over at Frankie as they stood up and waited for the crowd of people to follow Ethan and Jack outside. Frankie beamed up at him, his warm smile so radiant and bright that Hawk couldn’t help but lean in and give him a quick kiss.

  “It’s really nice seeing them like that, isn’t it?” Frankie asked, still smiling as his eyes darted from Hawk’s face to the happily married couple and back again. “So in love, I mean.”

  “Yeah, it really is.” Hawk pulled Frankie closer and slowly started to walk with him back toward the church entrance. “It’s made me feel… happy.”

  More than happy, but he couldn’t find the right words. Maybe something bigger than “happy.”