FAKE DATING MY EX'S TEAMMATE

Chapter Twelve

Maya's POV

At 4 PM, Lina abandons her usual duties and helps me into the black velvet gown.

Eva's gown.

The one I have to return in perfect condition or we're both screwed.

I turn slowly in front of my mirror, taking in my reflection.

The waist is snatched so tight I can barely breathe. The off-shoulder neckline sits lower than I'd like. Not revealing, exactly, but close. The train pools around my legs like dark water. One wrong step and I'll face-plant in front of Chicago's elite.

Perfect.

"You look..." Lina gasps behind me.

"I look what?" I glance at her in the mirror, smiling slightly. "Come on. Say it."

"Alright." She reaches for the zipper and pulls it up the rest of the way. "You look good."

I give her a pointed look. "Are you joking with me? Be serious, Lina."

"I am serious!" She giggles. "Just make sure nothing happens to it, or…"

"We're both screwed." I finish her sentence. "I've got this. Don't worry."

I pair the dress with silver earrings. Knockoffs, but they catch the light nicely.

My hair is pulled into a half-up, half-down style. I tug it a bit too tight, hoping for a makeshift facelift.

Lina helps with the makeup. I attempt a smoky eye.YouTube tutorial style. And pray it doesn't look like I got punched.

I don't want to seem like I'm begging for attention. Rich people have a way of misunderstanding things.

I reach for my phone to call an Uber. A conventional taxi won't work. Not in this dress. Not when I'm supposed to look sophisticated.

Leo runs past me, making dolphin sounds at the top of his lungs.

"Leo, stop!"

He giggles and keeps going.

Then it hits me.

Damn. I'm an idiot.

Jax is supposed to pick me up at six. I gave him my address. That was the plan from the start.

What am I even thinking?

"You're not calling the driver anymore?" Lina notices I've set my phone down abruptly.

"No." I smooth my hairline. "I just remembered I have other plans."

"Other plans?" She raises her eyebrows.

"Someone's coming to pick me up."

"Oh.okay" She nods.

"A work mate. One of my work mates."

"Okay." She nods again.

I didn't have to explain myself. It wasn't necessary. But I'm too flustered to stop talking.

I grab my purse and slip two extra sanitary pads inside. Just in case. I can't risk staining anyone's furniture at the gala. Or worse.Jax's car seat.

I'm about to meet a long line of judgmental people. I need to be prepared.

But wait.

Lina has seen Jax before. On my phone. I remember the day our photos went viral. She knows he's a star player. Everyone knows that.

But I can't risk her seeing him pick me up. I already lied about him being my "work mate." I don't want her getting the wrong idea about us.

"Mommy, where are you going?" Leo appears beside me, wide-eyed.

"It's a work event, sweetie."

"Can I come?"

"No, baby. There won't be any kids there. You'll get really bored."

He stares at me with those big green eyes.

My phone beeps. Exactly 6 PM.

Jax: Come out. I'm outside.

Me: I'll be there soon.

So he actually keeps to time. Interesting.

I slip into my silver heels. "Take care of Leo, okay? My work mate is here. I'm going down now. Thanks, Lina."

"How many times do I have to tell you?" She laughs. "I'm feeling bad already."

"And I'm seriously thankful." I smile. "Come here, Leo."

He walks over, and I plant a kiss on his forehead. "Aunty Lina is here, okay?"

He nods.

I kiss him again and step out, closing the door slowly behind me.

A black sedan is parked outside.

Jax steps out and actually opens the door for me. Playing gentleman.

That wasn't necessary.

I move to get in, but he doesn't step aside. Just stands there, staring.

"What?"

"Wow." He scans me from head to toe. Then whistles. "PR Girl cleans up nice."

"Shut up, Jax."

"I'm serious. You look incredible."

"Forget it. I didn't ask."

He slides into the driver's seat, grinning. "Just say thank you when someone compliments you. You look great."

I sigh and look out the window.

The rest of the drive is silent.

The black sedan pulls up at the venue.

Words can't describe the tower in front of me. Floor-to-ceiling windows. Sophisticated. Beautiful and Intimidating.

Jax steps out first, then opens my door. His hand finds the small of my back as he leads me inside.

I know I look good. But I still feel like an impostor.

Cameras flash. There will be a thousand photos after this.

"Get yourself something to drink." Jax's voice is low in my ear. "I'll be back in a minute."

He walks toward a group of elites and mingles effortlessly. Laughing at unfunny jokes. Shaking hands. Playing the part.

I stand alone, scanning the room.

Everything here seems to interest me. Maybe because I've never been to a place like this in my entire life.

My eyes dart around…and lock on Finn.

He's standing across the hall with Celeste. She's wearing an ice-blue gown that flows like water. Effortlessly gorgeous. She looks like winter royalty.

Finn's eyes find mine. He holds the stare.

Celeste notices. Her grip on his arm tightens.

"Finn, darling." Her voice carries across the space. "Let's go mingle with the others."

She pulls him away. But not before shooting me a bitter stare.

She should just go die if that'll end her hatred for me.

I raise my wine glass to my lips.

Someone grabs my waist from behind.

"What's up, baby?

"Oh my God!" I almost drop the glass. "You startled me, Jax."

"Did I? Oh, my bad." He grins. "Hey, loosen up a little. You're too stiff."

He rubs slow circles into my back.

"I'm not stiff. I'm just... getting used to this place."

"So, Mrs. Boring." He tilts his head. "Do you want to keep standing here? Or do you want to do something fun?"

"What are we going to do?" I raise my eyebrows. "I hope it isn't something stupid. Because if you try to pull anything funny, I'll just go home."

"I promise." He puts his hand on his chest and grins like an idiot. "Deal?"

Jax grabs my hand and half-drags me toward the bar.

"Champagne," he tells the bartender.

"Coming right up." The bartender smiles. The wide, practiced smile of someone in his profession.

Jax downs a glass in one gulp.

"Jax."

"Huh?" He sets the empty glass down.

"You didn't tell me what kind of game we're playing."

"Chill, PR Girl. You're too impatient." He grins. "I thought you weren't interested in the game."

"Whatever. If you won't tell me, then get lost."

He spins me around suddenly. My back presses against the bar.

He steps closer. Too close. Looking me straight in the eyes.

I hear giggling from somewhere in the hall.

For a split second, I think he's going to kiss me.

Then he leans in. His lips brush my ear.

"Tonight," he whispers, "we give them a show they'll never forget.”