Just Chance Page 6

  “A business… what?” he blurted, having failed to shush himself because… what? “You and me?”

  Were they even speaking the same language? Nothing about Hawk’s words made sense, and Frankie sat down on the edge of Hawk’s bed and rubbed his temples.

  “Are you okay?” Hawk asked, sounding concerned.

  “Oh my God, I’m sorry,” Frankie said, jumping back up once he realized what he’d done and where he was and that it was—somehow, crazily—still a business visit. “I just… I still don’t get it.”

  “Well, you were talking yesterday about how boring it is here, right?” Hawk asked, patting the bed next to him. “And please do sit back down. I don’t mind, and I don’t bite.” He winked, then added, “Not unless you want me to, anyway.”

  “See,” Frankie said, shaking his head. “You say you wanna talk about business, but then you say things like that, and… I mean, I haven’t dated a lot, but I’m pretty sure that counts as flirting. Especially if it’s someone famous doing it.”

  Hawk laughed and held his hands up in a mock surrender. “Okay, okay. I’m sorry. You’re right, though. Well, maybe not about the famous thing… I don’t think that’s actually a rule? About the flirting, though… yeah, I keep trying not to, but actually, it does tie in to what I was going to ask you—the business thing—I swear.”

  Hawk patted the bed again, looking endearingly hopeful, and Frankie eased himself back down, careful to avoid sitting on Hawk’s legs, or even too close, because… well, because he wasn’t sure what in the world Hawk was talking about, honestly. And as much as he’d like to sit a lot closer—he was still sort of reeling from the fact that Hawk had just admitted that he had been flirting—Frankie didn’t trust himself to pay attention when all he could think about was how he could actually feel the heat radiating from Hawk’s body through the thin hospital sheets.

  “O-kay,” Frankie said, drawing the word out as he tried to focus on something that wasn’t being in bed—well, on the bed, at least—with Hawk-who-had-been-oh-my-God-flirting-with-him.

  He searched Hawk’s eyes for any hint of what the man was thinking. Frankie hadn’t been to a lot of business meetings in his life, but if that was what this really was, it would definitely qualify as the most bizarre.

  Hawk grinned at him, and Frankie nodded, adding, “I’m listening.”

  “So, I haven’t scared you off yet?” Hawk gave a little laugh and what might’ve been a sympathetic look, at least it would’ve been if the man himself hadn’t been the sole reason for all of Frankie’s confusion.

  Frankie shook his head. Scared was so not what he was feeling.

  “That’s good,” Hawk said, suddenly looking a little bit nervous. “I guess I should just cut right to the chase, then.”

  “Yes, please,” Frankie said. He was more than ready to be on the same page with Hawk, to discuss… whatever it was they were supposed to be talking about.

  Hawk took a deep breath and slowly exhaled. “Right. So… Frankie Moretti, will you be my pretend-boyfriend?”

  Frankie blinked, then cocked his head to the side, then blinked again.

  It was almost like the little daydreams he’d been having—the impossibly ridiculous, stupidly sweet, happily-ever-after ones—and he felt his heart start to race again. His breath hitched in his throat as he opened his mouth to speak, because he wasn’t dreaming this time. Hawk Hawkins had really, truly asked Frankie to be his boyfriend.

  Well, sort of.

  Maybe?

  There had been that bit about “pretend" thrown in there. Still…

  “Yes,” Frankie said, finally, blurting out the only reasonable answer to Hawk’s crazy question—the only answer he could imagine ever giving Hawk, to any question. “But… what?”

  Hawk laughed again, and Frankie felt himself blushing again. At least he was giving the man his comedy fix for the day.

  “Was that a yes?” Hawk asked, looking a little more relaxed and a whole lot more sexy, if such a thing was even possible. “I didn’t think it would be that easy to strike a deal.”

  “It was a definite maybe,” Frankie said, shrugging but still managing a smile in spite of his confusion. “I’m just… not sure what it is I’m agreeing to? What does it mean to pretend to be your boyfriend? And… why?”

  “Okay, good,” Hawk said, leaning forward eagerly. “I was gonna be worried if you didn’t have any questions. So… I’ll just lay it all out there, and you can tell me what you think, okay?”

  Frankie nodded, not sure what else he should say—or what else he could say, given that everything Hawk had told him up to that point was as clear as mud. Besides, his mind was still reeling from the whole boyfriend thing.

  And the whole sitting-next-to-a-superstar-hottie thing.

  Oh, and the fact that Hawk kept looking at him like he could see right into Frankie’s soul.

  So… not exactly a normal Tuesday in Frankie’s life. Maybe he really had been body-snatched?

  “You’d be doing me a huge favor,” Hawk said. “And it would just be for a few weeks, until I have my new contract and can get through the pre-season.”

  “Mhm,” Frankie furrowed his brows, trying to put the pieces together. “And this is just for… the press? Publicity?” He might not know anything about football contracts and pre-season whatever, but Frankie had seen enough E! True Hollywood Stories to know what a publicity stunt sounded like.

  “It would mostly be for that, yes,” Hawk confirmed. “But also for the team—the owners and the coach. My entire career and everything that’s important to me is riding on this, Frankie, so it’s not something I’m asking on a whim. I just felt like we clicked yesterday, like there was a spark there that would be believable.”

  “Yeah, I thought that, too,” Frankie said, his voice cracking on the last word as he remembered the way he’d felt the day before as he’d left Hawk’s room. It was the same way he was feeling now, in fact—light as a feather, like he was floating above his body watching the whole surreal scene as it unfolded below him.

  “Good,” Hawk’s smile seemed genuine as it spread across his face. “I was hoping you’d say that. So… you’ll do it? It would have to be a complete secret—you couldn’t tell anyone. But other than that, we can sort of figure it out as we go? I think it’ll be an interesting way to pass the next few weeks while I recover, at least.”

  Frankie still wasn’t one hundred percent sure what he was getting himself into, but Hawk’s smile was reassuring… and the thought of spending a few weeks as Hawk’s boyfriend?

  Um, yes, please.

  Besides, Frankie had been in actual relationships that hadn’t lasted that long—so he’d at least be on familiar ground when it came time to be single again once the fairytale was over. Until then, though, he was going to be able to live out a real-life fantasy, starring the Adonis next to him.

  It was a once-in-a-lifetime kind of thing, and a deal that was really too good for Frankie to refuse.

  “Okay,” Frankie said, finally. Then, mirroring Hawk’s smile and his optimistic tone, “Yes, I’ll do it. I’ll, um, be your boyfriend.”

  Just getting the chance to say those words to Hawk Hawkins had made all the weirdness and uncertainty more than worth it, and Hawk didn’t even call him on the fact that he’d left “pretend” out of his boyfriend statement. And to see the look of excitement that his “yes” put on Hawk’s face, lighting it up so he looked just like a kid on Christmas morning? Yeah, Frankie would’ve agreed to just about anything for that.

  “Perfect,” Hawk said, saying the word that completely summed up the way Frankie was feeling. “This will be great. Thank you, Frankie. You might not know it, but you’ve saved my career. I really owe you one.”

  “I think it’s probably something anyone would’ve agreed to,” Frankie said, shrugging nonchalantly even though a warm fuzzy feeling was spreading throughout his entire body. Hawk was thankful, grateful… Frankie had saved his career. That was pretty huge
stuff. But okay, maybe still not the main reason for the warm fuzzies.

  The way Hawk looked at him… maybe someday he’d have a real boyfriend who looked at him like that, too.

  “Well, I don’t know if anyone would’ve, but I’m glad you did,” Hawk said, reaching out and taking Frankie’s hand. “And I can’t think of anyone I’d rather have as my boyfriend for the next few weeks.”

  And when Hawk lifted Frankie’s hand up and brushed his lips against the palm in the shortest but most perfect kiss Frankie had ever felt?

  It didn’t matter that it was all fake, or just for publicity, or whatever. In that moment, Frankie was with the man of his dreams, and the sensations shooting through his body were very real. Hawk had been right about that spark between them, and Frankie had felt it again and again, the entire time they’d been talking.

  Every look Hawk gave him made it burn brighter.

  Everything he said lit Frankie up, from the inside out.

  And the way Frankie’s heart tripped when Hawk smiled, making it feel like it wasn’t business at all? Like it was just for him?

  He might have agreed to Hawk’s proposition to pretend, but the spark…

  There was no faking that.

  Chapter 5

  Hawk

  Hawk looked over at the passenger seat where Frankie was sitting quietly, looking nervous and apprehensive and so fucking cute that it could actually be considered dangerous, given how distracting Hawk found it. In fact, having Frankie in the seat next to him was making it so Hawk had a really hard time remembering to keep his eyes on the road.

  Ever since they’d agreed to The Plan, it was all Hawk had been able to think about.

  Well, no. That wasn’t exactly true. Frankie had been all he’d been able to think about.

  Frankie had been on his mind since Hawk had left the hospital earlier that week, and their little fake boyfriend agreement was an easy justification for the way he’d been thinking of the flower delivery guy every time he’d let his mind wander.

  And if he was being honest with himself, not just “thinking about.” Thinking plus… feelings.

  Feelings which were only more intense, now that he actually had Frankie within arm’s reach again.

  Hawk didn’t normally get butterflies in his stomach—had always rolled his eyes at the expression, in fact.

  Draft day jitters? Okay.

  A little anxiety before a big game? Sure.

  But butterflies? No. Nope. Never in his life.

  Except that every time Frankie looked over and caught his eye, every time that bright, wide smile passed across those generous lips, there was no other word to describe the way it made Hawk feel. Just… butterflies. Butterflies on steroids, doing backflips. Doing one of those over-the-top touchdown dances Terrell Owens was famous for.

  Yeah, that was pretty much it.

  “Are you as nervous as I am?” Frankie nibbled at his lip after he asked the question, as if debating whether he should’ve said anything at all.

  “Nope.” Hawk grinned, meaning it. “And don’t worry. I promise there’s nothing to be nervous about tonight.”

  Sure, there were flaws in The Plan and things they’d need to figure out at some point, but nervous? About spending time with Frankie, pretending to be boyfriends and doing the kinds of things boyfriends do?

  No, not even a little bit nervous.

  In fact, as far as Hawk was concerned, he felt like he’d just won the lottery. Everything that Frankie said and did just confirmed to Hawk that he was the real deal. Not some groupie or star-fucker, but a genuine, down-to-earth guy.

  A cute-as-hell guy with an easy smile who just happened to tick all of Hawk’s boxes.

  Hawk cut his eyes over to look at him again, grinning at what he saw. Nerves looked good on Frankie.

  Hell, so far, everything looked good on Frankie.

  Frankie was shaking his head in response to Hawk’s attempt at reassurance, and before Hawk could go for round two, he blurted: “Nothing except meeting your whole family and spending time with them, and—”

  Frankie’s rapid-fire burst of words cut off abruptly as he took a deep breath and shook his head. He clearly hadn’t been exaggerating when he’d said he was nervous, and Hawk didn’t know exactly what to say that might ease Frankie’s mind. He was damn sure going to try, though.

  Frankie had his hands clasped tightly together in his lap, and Hawk reached over, tugging gently at Frankie’s arm and smiling when Frankie let him take his hand.

  So far, they were off to a good start.

  “First of all,” Hawk said, still grinning as Frankie’s gaze flicked back and forth between their entwined fingers and Hawk’s eyes. “It’s not gonna be my whole family, just my parents. I wouldn’t spring the whole group on you at once—not even on someone I didn’t like.”

  He snorted a little at his own joke, and was relieved when he saw the corner of Frankie’s mouth twitch. Almost a smile. Good.

  “And second,” he went on, giving Frankie’s hand a reassuring squeeze, “you already know my parents, remember? They freakin’ love you, Frankie. Seriously. You’re the only thing they’ve been talking about for the past two days.”

  “Oh my God.” Frankie’s eyes went wide. “Really? The whole time? Now I’m even more nervous.”

  Hawk laughed. “No, not like that.” He gave Frankie’s hand another little squeeze. “I promise tonight will go well, okay? You have my word.”

  Frankie still looked adorably terrified, and Hawk was torn between laughing and kissing him. Although… was Frankie too nervous? No matter how much Hawk needed The Plan for purposes of his career, Frankie’s feelings mattered, too.

  “If you’re seriously having second thoughts,” he added. “I don’t want to force anything that doesn’t feel right. If you want me to take you home, Frankie, just say the word and I’ll do it. No questions asked and no hard feelings.”

  That last part was a little bit of a stretch. Not that Hawk would have hard feelings, of course, but while he honestly wouldn’t have blamed Frankie for deciding the whole thing was simply too much, he definitely wouldn’t have been happy to turn around and wave goodbye to the ray of sunshine that had just burst into his life.

  In fact, if Frankie was still in, Hawk was seriously thinking that he’d do a lot to hold onto it.

  “No,” Frankie said, shaking his head. “I’m okay. I mean, yeah I’m nervous, but… I’m not having second thoughts or regrets or anything.”

  “Good.” Hawk paused and slowly exhaled a breath he hadn’t realized he’d been holding. Then he grinned. Sunshine it was. “Me, neither,” he added emphatically. “No regrets.”

  At last, not about spending time with Frankie. He did regret, tough, that he couldn’t ask the guy out on a real date.

  If they’d lived in the same city, or if the season had just been ending rather than beginning—if it hadn’t been for the contract negotiations and tabloid headlines—Hawk would’ve already done his best to get some real one-on-one time with Frankie. But as things stood now? It just wouldn’t work. Hawk’s career—and, by extension, his ability to take care of himself and his family—had to be the priority. It would be selfish and inconsiderate to try and start a relationship with someone when such a defining part of Hawk’s life was up in the air.

  Frankie deserved a guy—a local guy, a normal guy—who had more to offer than just putting Frankie’s name in the tabloids. Not that Hawk enjoyed thinking about that… but at least he could pretend things were different for a while. For tonight and for the immediate future, Frankie was his. The two of them could be together, fake boyfriends in a fake relationship. They could have all of the fun without any of the strings attached.

  Hawk grinned. Saying yes to Corbin’s plan was probably the best decision—and the easiest one—he’d made in a long time.

  “So…” Hawk gave Frankie’s hand another squeeze but resisted looking over at him this time, partly because he wanted to sound as nonchalant
as possible, but also because he really did have to concentrate on driving. “Nothing left to be nervous about, right? Are we both on the same page?”

  “I guess,” Frankie said, still sounding nervous as he clutched Hawk’s hand tightly. “But what are we gonna do when they start asking questions? Your parents, I mean.”

  “I don’t know,” Hawk said, unable to resist a quick peek. Frankie did still look nervous, but he was smiling now, too. Good. “What kinds of questions?”

  “Like… how did we meet?” Frankie said after a brief pause. “And how long have we known each other? Have we been keeping this a secret for a while? What’s your favorite color? What’s my favorite food? What’s your middle name? Do you even know my last name?”

  Once he got going, Frankie rattled off the rapid-fire questions so quickly that Hawk genuinely worried the man might have a medical emergency if he didn’t take a breath. But okay, he also had a point. Hawk really hadn’t given much thought to any of those things, but he still wasn’t worried. His parents weren’t going to be looking to poke holes in their story. On the contrary, as enthusiastic as they were about Frankie—and about Hawk having a boyfriend in his hometown—he was entirely sure that his mother, at least, would be too busy secretly planning their happily-ever-after to pay attention to any discrepancies.

  Still, Frankie was right. They should come up with a game plan.

  “Okay,” Hawk said, careful to keep his voice calm and even so he didn’t get Frankie worked up any more than he already was. “Let’s just think this through. We can do this.”

  “But how?” Frankie asked, starting to sound a little more relaxed.

  “We just need to practice,” Hawk answered decisively, kind of liking the trust in Frankie’s voice. “We’ll run some plays. Come up with a good plan, one that still let’s us be flexible so we can react to whatever happens when we talk to my parents. It’s no different than being on a football field, really.”

  Frankie made the cutest "eep" sound Hawk had ever heard, his hand tightening on Hawk’s. “You want me to use football tactics?” he asked, sounding incredulous. Then, almost under his breath, “Oh my God, we’re gonna be so screwed…”