Page 15 of The Writer’s Block

Hell is a warm place. Scratch that. It’s a molting hot pit.

It is.

And it’s where I’m heading if I don’t control these thoughts of her. Fuck, just one taste and she’s beginning to unravel me.

“Caleb, are you ready for the season to start?” Josephine’s dad, Calvin, asks. He’s a huge football fan and is one of the biggest reasons I got to where I am. With his guidance, he made sure no one screwed me over when I was getting drafted.

“Yes, sir,” I reply without thinking. They all turn their heads to look at me, confused, and Josephine kicks me under the table. I narrow my eyes at her, and she looks down at her plate, trying to hide her smile.

He gives me a look. “Sir? Caleb, I thought we did away with sir how many years ago when Josie brought you home from college.”

I try to think of anything but dirty thoughts of JJ. I didn’t think this plan out. They are going to kill me when we tell them we are dating. Yes, it’s fake. But they won’t know that. It’s too late to back out now.

“Of course. I’m just a little tired from practice, pops. That’s it.”

“Make sure you are getting plenty of rest,” he says.

I nod. “Of course.”

“Josie, dear, when are you going to start dating again? Should I set you up with someone?” her mom interjects. I press my lips together to hold in my laugh. JJ hates when her mom brings up her love life.

“No, Mom. I’m good.”

“Josie, you are a beautiful young woman. You will find a great man to date and one day marry,” her mom pushes.

The mere thought of someone else touching Josie has me tightening my grip on my fork. I take a deep breath, reminding myself this is just temporary. Of course, she’ll have to date after we finish our agreement. I’ll have to do the same. Just not anytime soon. Maybe I’ll start getting serious when I’m satisfied with where I am. My career will be long established by then.

“You know what, a friend of mine has a son. I’ll set you two up on a date.”

“I have a boyfriend,” JJ blurts out. The look of regret instantly surfaces on her face, and I cover my mouth to hide my chuckle. I know she’s going to hate every second of explaining that.

“Well, tell us about him,” her dad demands.

“Um, he’s, uh, tall,” she stutters. She might as well tell them now. The more we go out, the higher chance of them seeing it on social media.

I smirk. “Do tell more. Is he handsome?”

“You haven’t met him, Caleb?” her mom questions.

“I have. He’s a great guy. Super good-looking. Right, JJ?” I taunt.

I feel a painful pinch under the table and grab her hand, interlocking them to stop her from trying to cause me more pain. Her pinches are the absolute worst.

“I guess he’s good-looking. He’s like a six point five out of ten,” she jokes. She’s going to pay for that one.

Her mom crosses her arms. “Bring him over during our next Sunday brunch.”

She presses her lips together. “I can’t.”

“And why ever not?”

“Because he will be busy.”

“How do you know that?” her mom shoots back.

“He will be busy at practice getting ready for the season to start.”

Her mom gasps, but her dad chuckles. “He’s a football player? Is he on Caleb’s team?” her mom asks, surprise coming from her voice. Her mom glances at me with an arched brow, trying to get me to confirm.