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“She wanted it,” I say again.

“That is some lame datin’ behavior. I thought I raised you better than that.”

“You barely raised yourself,” I say.

“You want to keep a woman like Cass? You better up your game.”

“Game-day tape is her love language.”

“Love?”

“Love language,” I clarify. “I feel strongly about her, but I’m not using that word yet.”

“Feel strongly. What is this, a commercial for car insurance? Delaney. Bro. I see how you look at her. You watch her every move. She makes you laugh. She challenges you. You feel strongly, alright.”

I shrug. “You finished with that?” I point to his plate.

“Yeah. Thanks for feeding me.”

“You’re welcome.”

I pick up his plate and he stands to leave.

My phone rings.

“It’s Kate,” I tell Trey.

“I’ll see myself out. No kissing me goodbye. Only that beautiful girl of yours.”

“Watch who you call beautiful.”

“Yeah. Feeling strongly, QB?”

I shake my head at him. The truth burns my tongue. I’m so tempted to tell him she’s not my girlfriend, but I do feel more for her than I’ve ever felt for any other woman. I’ll tell him. When we’re done faking, he’s the first person I’m going to tell.

Trey walks out of the kitchen.

I answer my phone. “Hey, Kate. What’s up?”

“Marcus, my long lost pet project! How are you?”

“Good. Endorsements, interviews, and games are keeping me busy.”

“Well, I’m calling to take something off your plate.”

“Oh?”

“You’re good,” she says like a pronouncement. “I got busy and almost forgot to tap the brakes for you and Cass. I know you were ready to call it off after the morning show. But that timing wouldn’t have been ideal. Now? She’s in the box at games either way. She stays in the box. We got it for the season. But you two don’t need to do any other public appearances. Your popularity is skyrocketing. Everyone’s like Last year’s playoffs? What even happened? And your endorsements are off the charts. You’ve not only recovered your image, you’ve made it to being a household name. So, you two are free to go your separate ways.”

I’m so stunned I don’t answer.

“We have to plan for your breakup with some strategy,” she says when I don’t speak. “People are loving the way you point to her after touchdowns. You’re going to have to stop that or a breakup won’t sell. I’m thinking you say you haven’t been able to spend much time together due to the season being in full swing. Football became too much to ask of her.”

“No,” I say. “That’s not good. I want to fall on the sword, Kate. This can’t look bad for her.”

“Oh, really?” Kate sounds honestly shocked.

“Yes. That’s not negotiable.”