Catching the Billionaire

by Elizabeth Blakely

  I nodded, though I was far from okay. I was a ball of nerves. I’d decided I would tell my entire family at once that I was dating Brandon and just get it out of the way. Totally normal conversation, right? But it wasn’t, and I had no idea how to approach it. Had it really only been yesterday that I told Aunt Karen the rumors absolutely weren’t true?

  “Actually—” I swallowed, glancing around the table. Uncle Steve was seated at the far end, his head bent in conversation with Ellie. Amy was slipping food to the dogs when she thought no one was looking. Mama was staring at me expectantly, while Aunt Karen gave me an encouraging smile. “I have some news.”

  “Did you get a record deal?” Amy asked, nearly bouncing in her chair.

  I scrunched up my face. “Um, no. But wouldn’t that be nice?” I laughed.

  There had been a surprising number of views of my video with Will, but I chalked that up to curiosity about #Brandon’sAngel. Which reminded me, I needed to call Will. We were supposed to meet up to film another video, assuming he’d still want to after he found out I was dating Brandon.

  I tapped my fork against the plate, not realizing I was doing it, until Mama placed her hand over mine. I stopped, but then my knee started bouncing.

  Brandon had assured me this plan would work, and I had to trust him. Because really, what experience did I have to go on? None. Besides Brandon was older than me, worldly, and, most importantly—a guy. Who better to know what guys would want than one of them?

  “What is it?” Mama asked. “You look flushed.” She lifted her hand as if to hold it to my forehead to check my temperature, but I batted it away.

  “Mama, I’m fine. Honestly. I’m actually better than fine.” I took a deep breath, trying to steel myself for their reactions. “I’m dating someone.”

  “Oooh,” Aunt Karen said with a knowing smile. “Anyone we might know?”

  I’d already spoken to her earlier in the day. Though I’d worried she’d see right through me, she didn’t question it at all. If anything, she was pleased that I’d taken her advice to be more open-minded when it came to dating.

  “It’s Will, isn’t it?” Amy asked, bouncing in her chair. “I really like him.”

  I cringed, but tried to smile anyway. “No, um, it’s Brandon James.”

  Ellie started coughing. Someone dropped a fork, and it clanged against their plate.

  “Who?” Amy asked, but I ignored her and studied my plate with an intensity I usually reserved for new sheet music.

  My cheeks had to be the shade of the spaghetti sauce on my dish. They certainly felt like they were on fire.

  “Brandon James as in the Eagles tight end?” Uncle Steve asked, and I nodded.

  Mama glanced between him and me. “What’s he talking about? Who’s Brandon James?”

  “My boyfriend,” I said, though the word sounded foreign to my ears. I needed to get used to it though. We were going to be dating for the next two months.

  I swallowed hard. Two months. Two months of lying. Why on earth had I ever agreed to this?

  Oh yeah, because I’d felt sorry for him. It wasn’t so much what he said, but what he didn’t say. I sensed his desperation, his passion for the sport. He was doing what he loved, and someone was trying to take that away from him. If I could help him continue pursuing his dream, I would. And I could only hope someone would do the same for me if I were ever in that position.

  Everyone started asking me questions at once, everyone except Ellie. I knew she was saving them up, waiting until we were alone to ask what she really wanted. It wasn’t until we were in our room, getting ready for bed, that she finally broached the subject.

  “What happened to Will?” Ellie asked. “I thought he was the one for you.”

  “Nothing. We’re still friends. If he’d asked me out, I would’ve said yes. But Brandon asked me first.”

  “Brandon.” I could hear the skepticism in her tone. “The man you couldn’t stand a few days ago. I believe you referred to him as old and arrogant. Cold-hearted.”

  “And I was wrong,” I said, turning my attention to my closet.

  Brandon had invited me to attend his game later this week, and I had no idea what to wear. I had limited options, but he’d assured me anything I chose would be fine. He’d even offered to send me some Eagles apparel, though I’d declined.

  “Something still doesn’t add up. What aren’t you telling me?” Ellie asked.

  Could I really do this? Could I lie to Ellie? The idea of it twisted my stomach in knots. Ellie and I never kept secrets from each other.

  I closed the door, my sister’s watchful eyes following me from her perch on the bed. I had to talk to someone; I was ready to burst. Though Brandon and I agreed not to tell anyone, I trusted my sister. She was the only person I trusted.

  “Can you keep a secret?” I asked.

  “Of course. You know I can,” she said. “You can tell me anything.”

  I sincerely hoped that was true, because I wasn’t entirely sure how she’d react to what I had to tell her. Though I questioned the ethics of a fake relationship, I didn’t think my sister would be so open-minded. Where I saw it as a gray area, thinking the ends justified the means, Ellie was more black-and-white. Still, I knew she wouldn’t judge me, even if she didn’t agree.

  “We’re not really dating,” I said. “It’s all for show.”

  She blinked at me owlishly. “Come again.”

  “Brandon’s contract is up for renewal at the end of the season, and the team doesn’t like his current image.”

  “As a playboy.” She stared me down, forcing me to heed her unspoken warning.

  “Right.” I swallowed.

  I hated hearing that word associated with Brandon. He didn’t act like a playboy with me. He didn’t act like a flirt or a heartbreaker. Despite coming off as gruff, he could actually be very kind. Like when he’d visited with Mrs. Stanton, or when he comforted me at the hospital. I’d been surprised by how gentle he could be, especially considering how muscular he was. His bicep had to be the size of my thigh.

  “So, you’re pretending to be his girlfriend so the team will think he’s cleaned up his image.”

  I nodded.

  She frowned. “Why?” I shrugged, not sure how to answer her. “Is he paying you? Because if it’s about the money, you don’t have to do this.”

  I shook my head. “He’s not paying me. And I wouldn’t have agreed to it, if I didn’t want to.”

  “So now you want to date him?” she asked, and I could tell she was struggling to understand.

  “No,” I huffed. “I want to help him. He’s so passionate about football, his career. Why should he have that taken away just because he’s got a reputation as America’s Heartbreaker?”

  She seemed to consider it for a moment, and then said, “No offense, but why you?”

  I shrugged. “His agent suggested it after people started posting those pictures of us at Leith’s.”

  “I see.” She pursed her lips. “I don’t like it.”

  “Like it or not, you’d better get used to it. I’ll be dating him for the next few months.” I didn’t like disappointing my sister, but I’d agreed to date Brandon. I would hold up my end of the bargain.

  “I think it’s nice that you want to help him,” she said, uncrossing her legs. “Though…really—” She shook her head, her brow furrowing. “What are you getting out of it? Is this a publicity stunt to boost your visibility on YouTube?”

  I scowled. “No. I’m not using him.” Not like that, anyway.

  I didn’t know why, but the idea of admitting the truth was mortifying. I didn’t want Ellie to know that he was my dating coach. I didn’t ever want anyone to know.

  “It sounded like an adventure. And it’s not like I’m dating anyone else.” I shrugged.

  “Just be careful,” she said, softening her tone. “I don’t want you to get hurt.”

  I frowned. “Why would I get hurt? We’re fake dating.”


  And I didn’t like him, not like that at least. Sure, he had a gorgeous smile, on the rare occasions when he actually smiled. And he could be nice when he wanted to. But he wasn’t the guy for me.

  “To be convincing, you’re going to have to pretend it’s real,” Ellie said. “And at some point, it may be difficult to distinguish between what’s real and what isn’t.”

  “It isn’t real, and I know exactly what’s expected of me,” I said, crossing my arms over my chest.

  What did Ellie know about relationships? She’d only been in one for crying out loud. Besides, this wasn’t a relationship, not a real one anyway. I was helping him with his image, and he was giving me dating advice. Plus, it was good practice for when I finally did have a relationship. Most importantly, we both knew exactly where the other stood.

  “Okay,” she said, pushing off the bed. “But don’t say I didn’t warn you.”

  “I was going to invite you to the game this weekend, but now I think I’ll ask Amy,” I said, only half-joking. “I have pretty awesome seats. Or at least, that’s what Brandon told me.”

  “Why don’t you invite cousin Charlotte?” Her tone was so blasé, it stung. “She’ll be home this weekend. And she’d probably enjoy it much more than I would.”

  “You know what?” I went over to my bed and jerked the covers back with more force than was necessary. “Maybe I will.”

  “Staci,” Ellie said, and I could hear the hurt in her voice. But I couldn’t find it within me to look her in the eye before I turned out the lamp on my nightstand.

  I lay in bed for a long time, tossing and turning as I wrestled with my thoughts. For the first time in my life, I had a boyfriend. I should be excited. But how could I be when everything about our relationship was fake?

  It didn’t matter. I was helping Brandon, and he was helping me. When it was all over, he’d get to keep playing for the Eagles. And I’d, hopefully, get to date Will. This was a solid plan. It would work. It had to.

  The next afternoon, I followed Amy inside Aunt Karen and Uncle Steve’s, wondering if I’d ever get used to living in such splendor. And I wondered what it would be like when they finally kicked us out. Where would we live? How could we possibly afford it?

  Perhaps I’d been foolish not to accept Brandon’s offer to pay me, but it felt wrong. Icky. And it was a line I refused to cross.

  I could hear laughter coming from the kitchen, and Amy and I headed that direction. When Aunt Karen spotted us, she stood from her chair and gestured us over.

  “Amy, Staci, come meet your cousin, Charlotte.” Aunt Karen’s smile was brilliant, and I knew she was happy to have her daughter home.

  Charlotte stood and turned to face us, and she was even more stunning in person than on her YouTube videos. She was dressed in designer jeans and a gorgeous pale pink sweater, and her makeup was flawless. She looked like a celebrity, and in my eyes at least, she was one.

  Charlotte smiled and said hello to Amy before giving me a big hug. “Staci, it’s so nice to finally meet you.”

  “You too. I love your YouTube videos,” I said, hoping I didn’t sound like a stalker. “The contouring and product reviews, and just wow.”

  She laughed. “Well, thank you. I love makeup. I’d love to become a professional makeup artist or have my own cosmetics line down the road.”

  “That would be awesome,” I said. “I know I’ve learned a lot from your videos.” I laughed. “Though you probably wouldn’t guess that from my complete lack of makeup.”

  “I think you’re gorgeous,” she said, and I knew she meant it. She radiated authenticity and affection, and I liked her even more now that I’d met her in person. “And apparently, I’m not the only one.” She leaned in, sharing a secret smile.

  “Oh yeah.” Amy rolled her eyes. “Everybody at school was all aflutter that my sister’s dating Brandon James.”

  It was kind of weird and amusing that everyone seemed to refer to him by both his first and last name. I knew he was a celebrity, a star football player. But to me, he was just Brandon.

  I laughed, fiddling with my bracelets. Would I ever get used to this?

  “Actually,” I said, turning to Charlotte. “I was wondering if you’d like to go with me to the game this weekend. Brandon gave me tickets.”

  “Really?” She nearly squealed. “I’d love to.”

  “Awesome,” I said. “I think there might be an after-party too, though I’m not sure if we’re going yet.”

  “I can’t wait,” Charlotte said. “Thank you for inviting me. My boyfriend isn’t a huge fan of football, so I don’t go to games very often. Well, that and the teams up north aren’t nearly as good.”

  “Well, then, I’m even more glad I asked you. I need a crash course on football.”

  She laughed before her expression sobered. “Wait. You’re dating an NFL player, and you know nothing about football?”

  I gave her a rueful smile “Nope. Football virgin here.” I raised my hand before I realized what I’d said, and my cheeks turned a bright shade of red.

  “Come on,” she said, wrapping her arm around me and guiding me in the direction of the stairs. “We have a lot of ground to cover.”

  I nodded, marveling at how good she smelled. Maybe I needed to start wearing perfume. Perfume, makeup, curling irons, my head was spinning with all the things I felt clueless about. Not to mention football and guys. I was so out of my league.

  “Can we start with what to wear?” I asked.

  She laughed, but I didn’t feel like she was laughing at me. “Of course.”

  As we headed up the stairs to her room, I felt a bit like Cinderella getting ready for the ball. Except if the ball was a football game and my cousin was my fairy godmother. I only hoped I’d get my prince charming in the end.

  Chapter Twelve

  Brandon

  “Is that her?” Tristan asked. His gaze was focused on where Staci and her cousin were chatting near the wall of windows overlooking the backyard.

  After the game, we’d headed to a party at one of our teammate’s houses. It was smaller than my home, but most were. Some of the guys on the team made good money and leveraged their brand and investments, but they weren’t billionaires.

  “Yeah. That’s her.”

  He turned his attention back to the makeshift bar, where I’d requested two waters and a glass of wine. “Who’s the other blonde?” he asked.

  I raised an eyebrow. “Why? Is the Monk considering breaking his vow of celibacy?” I teased, though we all knew it was true. Tristan was completely devoted to football.

  He shrugged. “Just curious. She looks more like your usual type.”

  “And what’s that?” I asked, though I didn’t really care. All I wanted was to talk to Staci, to steal a few moments with her.

  “Well, she looks like the perfect arm candy, the perfect trophy wife.”

  I frowned. “And that’s my type?”

  I marveled at the difference between the two women. Where her cousin was airbrushed to perfection and wore the latest designer clothes, Staci was down-to-earth and comfortable in her natural beauty. Her cousin Charlotte might fit the profile of the women I’d been photographed with in the past, but Staci was actually closer to my type.

  “Honestly,” he sighed, “I’m not sure what your type is since you never date anyone for real. But with the way you’re looking at Staci, I’m thinking she could be it.”

  I grunted, tipping the bartender. While most of our teammates were drinking alcohol, Tristan and I weren’t. So, what if we’d won the game? This wasn’t the time to party; it was time to buckle down.

  The only reason I was even here was to make sure they didn’t get themselves into too much trouble. And it was an excuse to spend time with Staci. Though I was beginning to question the wisdom of my decision. I didn’t like how many guys had approached her or offered her drinks in the short time I’d been gone. First of all, she was underage. And second, she was mine.

  I
closed my eyes and pinched the bridge of my nose. What was wrong with me? When it came to Staci, it was like she triggered some instinct in me to go all caveman. I felt completely out of control, and I absolutely hated it.

  “You okay?” Tristan placed a hand on my shoulder.

  I shrugged him off, more annoyed with myself than anything else. This wasn’t part of the plan. I wasn’t supposed to fall for her.

  “I’m fine,” I said, grabbing the drinks. “Let me introduce you.”

  I pushed my way through the crowd, the music thumping and the bodies shaking.

  “Staci,” I said, ambling over to her.

  She smiled when she spotted me, and I felt some of my earlier stress fade away. I wrapped my arm around her waist, surprised by how natural the action felt. And I was pleased when she didn’t tense or attempt to pull away. Encouraged by her reaction and needing her closer, I pulled her in, dropping a kiss on her forehead. If she was surprised, she didn’t show it.

  I made the introductions, and Tristan and Charlotte soon struck up a conversation. I was grateful for a moment alone with Staci, even if we were surrounded by other people.

  “Did you enjoy the game?” I asked.

  She nodded. The noise level grew, some of the guys running through the house as they chased a group of girls toward the pool. Staci burrowed further into my side.

  “Come on,” I said. “Let’s find somewhere quiet to talk.”

  She peered up at me with those expressive blue eyes. They appeared even brighter tonight, and I found myself getting lost in them.

  “Can we?” she asked, and I sensed some hesitance on her part.

  “Why not?”

  “Well—” She ducked her head. “You know—I thought the point of coming to the party was to be seen.”

  I frowned. “Yes, but it’s more important to me that you’re enjoying yourself. If you want to leave, just say the word.”

  Her gaze was questioning, but then she shook her head. “I don’t want to go home. But I do like the idea of going somewhere more quiet.”

  In the past week, we’d gone on a public date, and she’d attended my game. I remembered standing on the fifty-yard line, and glancing up to the section where my reserved tickets were. Typically, I gave them away to fans, but tonight, Staci had been sitting there…cheering for me. When I’d spotted her, I’d felt a swell of pride rise within me that I hadn’t expected.