Heart of Thorns

As the number one quarterback in college football, my only dream is to make it to pro.

My richer-than-sin parents have a different goal.

Their plan is for me to score a trophy wife whose trust fund can hold its own against mine, then join the family empire after graduation. The latter half of that plan means giving up my dream of professional football. The first part means sitting through excruciating dates with girls who already have their wedding vows written.

In an attempt to free myself from one of my perpetual nightmares, I announce that I'm already in a serious, long-term relationship.

Which is a great excuse to get out of a date-if it were true.

To save the lie, I talk the intriguing campus black cat, Briar Hart, into pretending to be my girlfriend. She has a prickly heart, and she's made it clear that she hates jocks.

But after I offer her something she can't refuse, we're suddenly faking our happily-ever-after to everyone.

If I'm not careful, I may start to believe it too.