Single And In Love With My Fake Boyfriend (Single Girls Club #1)

Chapter Eighteen

Lincoln

I smile and wave to Callie, who’s watching me practice. The team has been going at it for a while and we’ve all been stressed out because we’re up against stiff competition. But the second Callie sat down and sent me a warm smile, I instantly felt better.

Jett spots her and raises a brow as he pokes me in the rib with his elbow. “You lovebirds still can’t get away from each other, eh?”

I slap his chest. “Focus on practice and less on my love life, okay?”

He snorts. “Dude, we’re doomed.”

“No, we’re not. We just need to work hard.”

He shakes his head.

“Lincoln, Jett, did you come here to chit-chat or to play?” Coach demands.

“Sorry,” I call before Jett and I join the others.

Practice is improving, but we’re still not where we’re supposed to be. I glance at my fake girlfriend and find her eyebrows furrowed, as if she’s trying to understand what Coach has a problem with.

It’s cute that she’s trying to understand the sport. And that she came to support me when no one asked her to. It’s not like we planned for her to come. As soon as I saw her sit down, I did a double take because I couldn’t believe she was here.

Someone crashes into me and we both topple to the ground.

“Dude, why were you just standing there?” Chris complains.

Callie’s hands are over her mouth, eyes wide. She must think I’m hurt.

Getting to my feet, I hold my hand out to Chris. “Sorry, I wasn’t here.”

He grumbles as he slaps the dirt off his clothes. “Better keep your head in the game unless you want Coach to bench you.”

I rub my forehead. I don’t know why I’m so distracted. Is it because Callie’s here?

Coach marches over to me, placing his hand on my shoulder. Before he says anything, his gaze floats over to Callie, who’s still watching with wide eyes.

“You okay, Linc?” he asks as he looks at me.

“Yeah.”

“You good, Chris?”

“Just bruised my ego.”

“Take five, everyone.”

My teammates walk off while Coach and I remain. He focuses on me for what feels like hours before glancing at Callie again.

“Look, I get it,” he says. “Young love and all that. And of course your girlfriend can come here, but not if she distracts you like this.”

I puff up my cheeks, then release a heavy breath. “I know. I’m a little off today, but I’ll try harder.”

He nods slowly. “I already told you I’d hate to bench you, but this is more than you. You might be the most popular and talented player, and everyone might love you, but you’re part of a team.”

“I never considered myself better than anyone else.”

He claps me on the back. “True, but things sometimes go to our heads and we can’t stop them. I need you present and focused and ready to win.”

“Of course, Coach.” Giving him a sheepish smile, I say, “I was just surprised to see my girl here, that’s all.”

He smiles as he looks at Callie. “I’m happy for you, Linc. You know you guys are more than just my players. You’re like my kids.” He rubs my arm. “There are two minutes left to the break. Go spend them with her.”

“Thanks.”

I rush over to Callie. “Hey, beautiful.”

“Hi. Is everything okay?”

I smile. “Yep. Just got in some trouble because I was distracted by my girlfriend.”

She tucks some hair behind her ear. “Sorry. I should have asked you first if it was okay for me to come.”

“Nah, that’s okay. You’re always welcome here.”

She raises her brows. “Even if I distract you?”

I chuckle. “Even then. Truth is, I was feeling a little crappy today and your coming here brightened my mood.”

“I’m happy to hear that my services are working,” she jokes. “Actually, I finished work early and wanted to go to the bookstore here in Atlanta. I was passing by and figured I’d drop in and see how you were doing before I head to the bookstore.”

“Nice. We’ll probably practice for at least another half hour. You don’t have to stay if you don’t want to.”

“Want to come to the bookstore with me?” She squeezes her eyes shut. “Never mind. You probably have plans.”

I hold up my hands. “No plans other than maybe take a nap or watch something on TV. Maybe go for a drink. I’m totally game to go to the bookstore. I can’t say I’ve set foot in a bookstore in years.”

She tsks. “Lincoln Walker, shame on you.”

I laugh. “Maybe I just never had the right person to introduce me to books.”

She sits forward. “You want to buy a book?”

“Why not?”

Her eyes light up. “Cool. Wow. I need to do some research and find you the right book. What genres do you like?”

I shrug. “No clue.”

“Okay, we’ll go to the bookstore and you can read the descriptions.”

Coach blows his whistle, calling for us to resume practice. I scowl at Callie. “Duty calls.”

“Work hard and no distractions.”

I salute. “Will do.” After giving her another smile, I jog to where the others are.

I look at Callie from time to time, but I mostly focus on practice. We’re doing great now and I know we’ll own our opponents at the next game.