THREE
Brendan
Why is it that when Scarlett Rossi is ticked at me, she’s the most beautiful woman in the world? Maybe it’s her pink lips that remind me of our kiss back in high school. Or her scowl defying me to change her mind. All I know is that I’m not letting her leave until she listens to me.
“Scarlett, stop,” I call out to her.
To my surprise, she actually does. Maybe for the first time in my life—and likely, never again.
She spins toward me. “What?” Her dark eyes warn me not to take another step.
“I…” My voice falters because she’s standing there in just a hoodie and jeans, looking like she just rolled out of bed, and she’s somehow still stunning. Her long, brown hair escapes from her bun, framing her face with dark wisps and accentuating her long lashes and wide eyes.
This is exactly why I can never get the courage to ask her out. One look at her, and my brain turns to mush.
“Well?” She bites her lower lip impatiently.
As a former Marine, I’ve been trained to compartmentalize my feelings, to stay focused under pressure. It works well for me as a coach. But put me within three feet of Scarlett Rossi, andsuddenly I’m a fumbling idiot who can’t string two coherent thoughts together. The faint scent of her shower gel—something floral that reminds me of high school summers—is making it impossible to think straight.
“Let me explain.” I hold my hands out like I’m approaching a spooked animal. “Please.”
“What exactly is there to explain, Brendan?” She props her hands on her hips, and the gesture pushes her hoodie up just enough that I can see the curve of her waist and the light-wash jeans that show off her hips.Great.I’m having a dating crisis, and my brain decides now is the perfect time to notice how her jeans fit.
“Your mom thinks we’re dating.” Her brow lowers. “But I’m pretty sure that requires both parties to be aware of the relationship status.”
“This was not how it was supposed to go.” I’d had a whole speech prepared—something more polished about how this could benefit both of us, how she’d get to network with potential investors, and how we’d just go as friends.
But my mom ruined that plan, and now Scarlett’s looking at me like there’s nothing I could say that would make this situation better.
“Everyone misunderstood.”
Scarlett’s eyes narrow. “What exactly did they misunderstand? Because from where I’m standing, you told your family we were together without bothering to mention it to me. That’s not a misunderstanding, Brendan. That’s just you acting like a coward.”
I drag a hand down my jaw. “I can’t stand my sister’s maid of honor. We went out once before, and by the time our entrees arrived, she was planning a destination wedding in Tahiti and I had to pretend I had food poisoning so I could bail early.”
“Come on, Bren,” Scarlett chides. “You couldn’t handle her for a single wedding?”
“She talksconstantlyand has the most annoying laugh—high and nasal, like she’s been sucking helium. Plus—” I don’t knowhow I’m going to explain this. “She’s slightly obsessed with me. Like near-stalker level. If I took her to the wedding, she’d probably tell everyone we’re engaged.”
“Why couldn’t you just tell your mom you’re fine going alone?” she continues with a shrug. “Or better yet, why couldn’t you ask one of the dozen women who throw themselves at you every time you walk into Boots and Buckles?”
“You think women throw themselves at me?”
“Ohplease.” She rolls her eyes. “You’re Brendan Marco. Former Marine, assistant coach to the Crushers, heir to the Marco empire. You probably have a waiting list of women who’d pay to be your wedding date.”
I huff out a laugh. “I don’t, actually. And why would I want to go with a stranger, especially someone who wants to date me?” I meet her eyes. “I need someone who doesn’t see me that way. Someone who’s completely immune to the Marco name. That way, there’s no pressure.”
Her eyes widen slightly. “And I’m the only woman in your life you think is incapable of being attracted to you?” She shakes her head. “Your ego is astounding.”
“That’s not—” I start, but she’s already turning away. “Look, my family’s been on my case about settling down ever since Carmen got engaged. If I take Laila, she’ll read a whole future into it. And I can’t even stand one minute with her, let alone an entire week.”
Scarlett scoffs out an unsympathetic laugh. “Oh no. Poor Brendan might have to actually find a suitable date off a dating app. What a terrible fate.”
“Scarlett, it’s too late to find someone else. And if I show up alone, Laila will attach herself to me like a leech. I thought bringing you would keep her away.”
She lifts her chin. “So I’m a defensive strategy? Is that right,Coach?”
I scrub a hand down my face, trying to focus on the point I was making. “That’s not what I meant. Honestly, I thought you’dmake it easier. It wouldn’t be this whole…” I wave a hand in the air. “…production.”