I winked at the little girl and shook her tiny hand. “I wish I could, sweetheart, but it has to be a surprise.” Then I lifted my gaze to the thousands of fans in the stands and waved again. “I hope you all like it. Goodnight, everyone.” They went wild and I laughed as I ran backstage.
Waiting for me at the edge of the stage with a huge smile on his face was the love of my life, Nick Meyers. No one could resist his tousled, chocolate brown hair and gorgeous green eyes. The ladies loved him, almost as much as they hated me for having him.
“You were on fire tonight,” he shouted.
Rushing off stage, I jumped in his arms and squealed. “What are you doing here? I thought you weren’t going to be able to make it.”
Cameras flashed and he grinned, his eyes twinkling mischievously. “I can leave if you want,” he joked, releasing me from his grasp.
I gripped his arm and pulled him back to me. “Definitely not. What would the press think?”
Chuckling, he bent down to kiss me, knowing the reporters were taking note of our every move. “Was that a good enough kiss, or do I need to make it more convincing?” he asked, whispering in my ear.
Rolling my eyes, I playfully pushed him away. “I think you need a cold shower.”
“Care to join me?” he quipped, waggling his brows.
“Right now, we have work to do. Get your head out of the gutter.” We faced the reporters and he held me close as questions were thrown at us in rapid fire. A lady with bright red hair and huge glasses, pushed through the crowd and held out a recorder. “Miss Rivers, we’ve heard rumors you and Mr. Meyers are engaged. Is that true?”
Nick smirked down at me and I held back a snicker. It was crazy how rumors got started out of nowhere. The next thing I knew, we’d be married and having a baby. “If she was engaged,” Nick began, “I would definitely be letting the world know.”
We answered several more questions before it was time to go. I knew I was going to have a gazillion autographs to sign on the way to the dressing room. Relaxation was something I needed to schedule now, or it would never happen. I had to get home and get rested up before my early flight to Texas.
Nick was always patient with me when dealing with the press, but I did the same for him too; he was just as famous. I was a rising, country starlet with one of the best hockey players in the country as my boyfriend. Unfortunately, our romance was all for show, but we played the parts beautifully.
Once we were behind closed doors, I breathed a sigh of relief. “The questions keep getting more outrageous don’t they?”
“Same shit show, different day.” He helped me pack up my things and stuffed them into my bag.
“I thought you were busy with the team tonight?”
“I was, but I made sure to get away early. I missed my buttercup.”
I rolled my eyes, nudging him with my elbow when he pulled me into his arms. “You have a life too, Nick. I don’t want you sacrificing everything to be with me. You should’ve stayed with the team.”
“Trust me, baby, I’m not sacrificing a single thing. I enjoy every minute of it.”
“Even if you don’t get anything in return?” I asked, lifting my gaze to his.
For the last four months, he was mine, but not really. It was his and his sister’s idea for him to be my fill in boyfriend. His sister, Felicity Myers, was also my agent and the one who’d introduced Nick to me. I guess they were right, it was safer for people to see me with someone, instead of single and living alone. And I enjoyed having him with me, but I didn’t want to drag him into the danger surrounding my life.
His smile faded, his gaze serious. “I get plenty in return, Hadley. I’m happy where I’m at, even if I have to steal your kisses. It’s not that bad being with me, is it?”
“Are you kidding? You’re gorgeous and could have any woman you want, but yet you choose to be stuck with me. It makes no sense.”
“It does to me,” he murmured.
“I’ve asked you this before, but I need you to be honest with me.” He sighed and nodded for me to continue. “What did Felicity promise you? Surely you didn’t just agree to be with me for nothing in return.” I had often thought about what it would be like to take things further, but I didn’t want to ruin our friendship. When I met him two years ago, we instantly clicked. I considered him more of a best friend than a lover.
Grazing his finger across my cheek, he answered, “My sister didn’t promise me anything. I offered to do this. Believe it or not, I like being with you. At least it’s gotten that fucking psycho off your back.” And there it was, the sole reason for the mess I was in.