He turned and took in the linebacker-sized man eyeing him, his thick hand outstretched. Except he wasn’t any player Chase had ever faced on the field. “Have we met? I’d remember you.”
“I get that a lot.” The man shook Chase’s hand. “We spoke on the phone. I’m Drew Harrington.”
“I should’ve known.” Chase grinned and enjoyed having to tilt his head to look into Drew’s eyes. It was rare he encountered someone taller than him who wasn’t playing for the opposing team. “The press hasn’t exaggerated your presence. And I’m suddenly glad we never met on the football field.”
Drew laughed. The sound, genuine and natural, transformed his entire face from imposing to teddy-bear approachable. “I have to agree.”
Chase followed Drew away from the crowd. Drew rubbed his hand over his short beard and glanced at Chase. “I would’ve called sooner, but I’m waiting on one more contact to get back to me.”
Chase scanned the crowd, spotted Nichole surrounded by his family and her friends on the far end of the patio. “Is Fund Infusion legit?”
“It’s a real, functioning company.” Drew frowned and studied the deck as if he’d stepped in a red ant hill. “If Nichole had any other product, I’d let her sign a contract with them.”
Chase straightened, suddenly more alert, and eyed the former DA. “What’s wrong with her app?”
“Fund Infusion already represents Nichole’s biggest competitor in the market.” Drew lifted both eyebrows and allowed Chase to fill in the rest.
Like a serious conflict of interest. Glenn and Vick wanted In A Pinch but most likely not to launch it nationwide. “She could still take the deal and the money. Build a different app.”
“She could.” Drew accepted a glass of champagne from a passing waiter. His voice remained noncommittal.
“Except she’s already worked years on this program. It’s personal to her. She believes in her product.” Chase scrubbed his hand through his hair. “Killing it would be like destroying a part of herself.”
“We’re looking too serious and drawing attention.” Drew tapped his glass against Chase’s and smiled. “I’ll put together my findings and you can tell Nichole.”
“Why me?” Chase forced his smile wider. Nichole and Chase’s deal had been until both contracts were signed. Now he was going to ruin her deal with Fund Infusion and there’d be no contract to finalize. He’d have his contract signed, his life reclaimed on the football field and his freedom. Nichole would have bad press from their sudden fake divorce and an app that never launched. The last of his optimism deflated inside him, lowering his shoulders. Regret seeped in.
“I don’t envy you.” Drew drank his champagne and shuddered. “I never could handle disappointing a woman. Something about their tears always gets to me.”
This was about much more than tears. This was Nichole’s future. And Chase had promised to protect her. He had given his word to her grandparents. His gut clenched as if wanting to be wrong. “Thanks, Drew. Wish I could say it was good to know my intuition was still sharp.”
“Hey, at least she’ll have you to lean on.” Drew set his palm on Chase’s shoulder, supportive and encouraging. “Bad news is always better with someone you love beside you.”
Love. The word lodged in Chase’s throat like an elbow thrust to his windpipe. If he’d loved Nichole, he’d never have fake married her. Never have convinced her of the brilliance of his plan. Never have entwined her in his world of schemes and slanted press. If he’d loved her, he would’ve walked away.
“Looks like you’re wanted.” Drew angled his chin toward the tables situated near the beach entrance of the pool.
Nonna sat at one of the rectangular tables and motioned to him. The Pioneers’ general manager, Keith Romero, and Travis talked to her. From her position at the head of the table and her regal bearing, Nonna appeared to control the conversation and every decision being made. Perhaps he should’ve requested she join Travis for his contract negotiations. His grandmother could be a formidable opponent or valuable ally. Chase shook Drew’s hand, thanked him again and headed toward his grandmother.
Nonna removed her glasses—something she only ever did when she wanted to see a situation clearly, or so she always claimed. A thread of apprehension trailed through Chase. He intercepted Nichole on his route, wrapped his arm around her waist, suddenly needing her by his side. “Having fun?”
“Would you be surprised if I said yes?” Her arm curved around his waist and she leaned into him.
He’d miss that connection—simple yet so very settling. He said, “I like your friends.”
“Your teammates are funny and kind.” Nichole grinned; delight colored her voice. “Your sisters and I already have lunch scheduled for next week.”
“If your schedule is open, you can join Nonna and me for lunch.” Chase leaned over and kissed his grandmother’s cheek. The tension creasing around her eyes wrenched Chase’s calm, knocking his composure askew. He shook Keith’s hand, worked the kinks of worry out of his words. “My grandmother and I haven’t missed our weekly lunch in over two years.”
“It’s quite the streak.” Nonna patted the seat beside her and smiled at Nichole. “Sit, my dear.”
Chase dropped into the chair beside Nichole, noted Nonna’s slight toward him and pushed his shoulders down against the unease.
“But it seems all streaks must be broken.” Nonna touched her ear as if signaling Chase to listen well. Her mild tone rendered her voice all the more grim. “The surgery on your shoulder and neck will certainly disrupt our weekly lunch plans.”
Surgery. Chase froze in the chair, wouldn’t have been surprised to watch his body wilt onto the deck. Now he understood that phrase, world crumbling. Understood how it felt: numbing and disorienting. And him: powerless.
“So, it’s true.” Travis rocked back in his chair, betrayal thick in his voice.
Keith shook his head. Anger lit his dark gaze.
“Chase.” Alarm rattled Nichole’s voice.
He locked onto her and stumbled over the pieces of his broken future. Guilt paled her skin. “Who...who told
