Accidentally Checked By My Brother’s Best Friend (Accidentally In Sports #3)

19. Chapter Sixteen

Chapter Sixteen

Ava

Best fake boyfriend ever?

“Ava,” I groan, slamming my palm against my forehead, blowing out a big breath. Flopping back against the couch I grind out, “Why did you say that?”

There was nothing fake about what I felt when Duncan kissed me last night or the way my body responded. The moment his lips touched mine, my heart nearly leapt out of my chest and my entire body came to life.

I know the kiss was for show, but when it was over I wanted more. One kiss wasn’t enough. And from the look in Duncan’s eyes I’m positive he felt the same.

The car ride home was quiet, the tension thick, and every inch of me was aware of the man beside me. When we arrived at David’s, Duncan pulled into the driveway and parked the car. My senses were immediately on high alert.

Would he kiss me again?

Looking over at him, his hands resting on the steering wheel, his gaze facing forward. I took a moment to admire his profile, before letting my gaze linger on his lips. When he glanced in my direction any emotion was masked. I knew there wasn’t a chance of that happening.

Disappointment dripped off me in waves, my heart in my stomach. I softly said goodnight and started out of the car. The response that followed was a husky ‘Goodnight Ava’ that had my heart skipping a beat.

When I reached the door I turned back to look at Duncan. Through the windshield, I could see his eyes on me, watching and when our gazes met the intensity in them sent a flutter through my body and made my breath catch. He stiffly lifted his hand, and I did the same, a wobbly smile crossing my face, then walked into the house not looking back.

The emotions I had felt from the last few hours were all over the place, and I was left questioning everything.

“Hey,” David acknowledged me as I walked into the room. “How was the game?” he asked from the couch, watching TV.

“Fast. I missed my Hockey for Dummies professor.” I chuckled, doing my best to act like my entire world wasn’t turned upside down because of his younger brother. “It’s been a long day. I’m gonna head to bed. Night.”

Concern lined David’s forehead but he didn’t say anything other than, “Okay. See you tomorrow.”

When I walked away I could feel his eyes on me making me wonder what David was worried about. Is he concerned about my situation with Nathan? Or was he more concerned about the situation with Duncan?

David had never said anything to me about how Duncan felt all those years ago but Fiona did a time or two. I can’t help but wonder if his concern was for his brother.

“You know he’s in love with you right?” Fi asked, as I was finishing up packing for my flight in a few hours.

“Who?” I innocently asked, trying to play dumb. Putting my hand out without lifting my head, I waited for her to give me the shirt she was holding.

When the shirt didn’t hit my palm I was forced to look over at her. Her eyes were wide and her head tilted. The look thrown my way was loudly saying ‘don’t pretend with me little sister.’ I ripped the shirt out of her hand and quickly looked away trying to act like what happened wasn’t a big deal.

But it was. Duncan is David’s brother. His baby brother. I would never want anything to come between me and David. Breaking his brother’s heart would definitely fall under that category.

“He told me how he felt at your wedding,” I said softly. “I told him there was someone more suited for him out there. That he would meet her one day.”

Silence greeted my words and I looked up to find Fiona’s eyes full of sadness as they searched my face.

Till this day I don’t know what that look was about and we never talked about Duncan or his feelings after that. Especially once I started dating Nathan.

David still hasn’t broached the subject of Duncan being in love with me all those years ago, but if Fiona knew how Duncan felt, it’s guaranteed he did, too.

Once again my thoughts turn back to the feel of Duncan’s lips on mine. It was the first thing I thought of when I woke up; I can’t remember the last time I had this sense of excitement where a man was concerned.

I even powered on my phone early, hoping he would reach out. And when he does, I say, ‘Best fake boyfriend ever’?!

Idiot!

Looking at my phone, I see that there’s still no response from him. I start to type a message but delete it.

What can I say to fix this?

Even if I’m questioning how I feel about Duncan, the reality is that right now our ‘relationship’ is fake. But the drama surrounding my life isn’t. I hate dragging Duncan into the chaos, but now that his team is getting involved I feel worse.

My phone buzzes and my heart jumps, then thuds into my stomach when I realize it’s only Caroline.

“Ava!” Caroline declares before I can even say hello. “Are you okay?”

Now both Duncan and Caroline have asked that question. I’m starting to get worried about what Nathan has been saying.

“I was feeling good, but now I’m not so sure,” I say, my throat tight. I’ve been keeping off social media but I’m beginning to wonder if keeping my head in the sand was a bad idea.

“Why just now?” Caroline asks, her voice hesitant.

“Because I got a text from Duncan a little while ago asking the same thing,” I say, rubbing my thumb against my fingers. “He also mentioned that his PR team wanted to talk to him.”

“Well after that kiss is it any surprise?” My face heats at Caroline’s words. “I’m surprised the ice didn’t melt. It was hot !”

“Caroline!” I bite the inside of my lip to keep the grin that I’ve been fighting off all morning from my face. “It was just for show.”

“Suure, it was.” Her chuckle sounds through the phone and my stomach flutters as I recall when Duncan’s lips touched mine. “I’ve seen what you playing a part looks like, remember? There wasn’t any of that between the two of you. The only thing I saw were sparks!”

“How did you see this?” I ask, my eyebrows drawing together. I don’t remember anyone around us taking photos, but then again, once my eyes landed on Duncan the entire room blurred.

“Nathan’s team posted a video.” My stomach churns. “Duncan’s team is calling a press conference tomorrow morning before the Wolverines head out for their series against the Hurricanes. They want both of you there.”

“Damage control,” I mumble, shaking my hand through my hair and taking a deep breath as I sink further into the couch. “This is bad.”

“It’s not bad,” Caroline says, her voice dripping with scorn. “It’s Nathan. He always acts like a child when he doesn’t get his way. This temper tantrum is just one of many.”

“How did I not see this?” Shaking my head I think back to all the years I spent with Nathan. How did I miss this huge character flaw?

“Because you were working. Building a successful career. He loved how the two of you looked together and kept the majority of things to himself,” Caroline sneers. “The only thing he couldn’t keep contained was his jealousy. His ego wouldn’t let him.”

Thinking back over the years I was with Nathan it’s easy to see how I missed it. Our schedules were like two ships passing in the night and the time we spent together was limited due to ongoing shoots. The majority of it was spent at events and Nathan was always on his best behavior.

“I can say this now because you’re not together anymore.” Caroline has always been honest with me when I asked her for advice, but she has never overstepped any boundaries about my life unless she thought it would hurt my career. “I think you were enamored with who you believed Nathan was.”

Her words steal my breath as I hear the truth in them.

“You’re a good person, Ava,” Caroline says softly. “You look for the best in people. Nathan is an amazing actor for a reason. He also has a horrible reputation and has fooled many people.”

“Thanks Caroline. I don’t feel like a good person at the moment.” I sigh, and switch the conversation over to the press conference. “Can you tell me what you know about tomorrow?”

Getting up from the couch, I head to the kitchen for a drink.

“I talked with Duncan’s agent, Finn. He told me that the team is just looking to get ahead of what Nathan is accusing the two of you of.”

The cup I’m holding stops midway to my mouth and I lean against the counter. “What is Nathan accusing us of?”

She lets out a big sigh but doesn’t say anything.

“Caroline?” I push off the counter and head back to the living room.

“He’s saying that you and Duncan had this planned the entire time.” I plop in one of the chairs by the dining table and put my cup down. That isn’t a surprise; he mentioned it when he saw us together. “And that you cheated on him with your co-stars.”

A gasp flies out and tears burn the back of my eyes. “He wouldn’t…”

“He did,” Caroline retorts angrily. “But I want you to know that Sean and others are already coming out and saying that isn’t true.”

Resting my elbow on the table I lean my face on my hand. Tears run down my face. This is a nightmare. “Duncan!” Panic courses through me at what this could mean for him.

“Duncan is aware of exactly what’s going on. Finn filled him in.” I wipe a tear from my cheek and take in a shaky breath. “He’s angry that this is happening to you.”

“He should be angry at me. This is all my fault. How could I put him in this situation?” I get up and start pacing.

“Ava, this isn’t your fault. This is about Nathan needing to be the center of attention.” Caroline says softly. “Duncan’s job isn’t in danger, they just want to get ahead of the gossip.”

Relief floods me at her words. I don’t think I could ever forgive myself if I was the reason that he lost anything. “Thank goodness.”

“Finn also mentioned that Duncan is determined to set the record straight tomorrow.” A tendril of calmness wraps around my heart spreading warmth through my chest. “He’ll do whatever you need him to do.”

I have no reason to doubt a single word she’s saying because that’s who Duncan is. Pushing out a breath I feel some of the tension release.

I don’t have to do this alone. I have Duncan.

Duncan. The one I’ve been running from my entire life.

“Thanks, Caroline. I’ll talk to you tomorrow.” Hanging up the phone I sit for a moment in the quiet house, my elbows resting on the table and I let myself enjoy the way it feels to know I have someone who will stand by me.

Picking up my phone I send him a text.

Me: Thank you.

Duncan: No problem. Duncan: I’ll see you tomorrow morning.

I’ve run from this my entire life, not just Duncan, but love. I don’t know if things will work with him after everything I’ve put him through, but I know one thing for sure.

I’m tired of running...