Game On!. Dani Jace

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СКАЧАТЬ don’t go back on promises.” Her face brightened in the morning sunlight.

      A stocky, black man wearing a chef’s coat approached and smiled. “Jordan, who is your new friend?”

      “Heath Lancaster.” He stood and extended his hand.

      “Heath, this is Reggie. He’s the owner.”

      The man offered a firm handshake. “Your name sounds familiar.”

      “I’m new to the area.” Not a lie, but not the whole truth either.

      “Yep. And the same face I’ve seen on the Tidewater Tritons’ website. Just read they have you practicing as tight end.” He grinned.

      Round-eyed, Jordan leaned forward in her seat.

      A second strike five minutes into their meal. He took his seat hoping she’d allow him to explain. “A fan of the team already?”

      “I’ve got season tickets,” Reggie said. “And with the big boys on strike, you guys might be the only football we’ll get this season. Enjoy your meal and good luck to you, Heath.” He nodded. “Jordan, thanks for bringing your new friend.”

      Wearing a you-lying-shit glare, she plucked her napkin off the table and flung out the utensils. “When were you going to tell me?”

      “Judging by the look I’m getting now?” He leaned back, wondering why his being on the Tritons pissed her off. “Never.”

      “So, is Dugan on the team, as well?” She crossed her arms.

      Thankfully, their server arrived with drinks.

      “Give us a minute, will you, Patty.” She smiled and waited until the waitress turned to the next table. Squinting she said, “That pass of his wasn’t off the mark the other day on the beach, then?”

      “In his defense, he’s not a quarterback.”

      “But he’s been playing ball long enough to aim and fire without knocking someone silly.”

      Heath raised his hands in surrender. “Do you have something against football players?”

      “No. Only people who try to hide their real identity.” Her gritty tone could have sanded away his beard stubble.

      He sipped his iced tea, guessing that would be the same ass who made her hate being called darling. “I’m not hiding anything. But I’m also not broadcasting or bragging about my place on the team because I could be gone tomorrow. Is it wrong to want to meet people on my own merit?”

      She glanced over the menu she probably knew by heart. “I can see your reasoning. So while you’re coming clean, are you married or in a relationship?”

      Damn big rat in her past. “Never been married or engaged and it’s not something I’m planning in the near future. Haven’t even been on a date since arriving here a few weeks ago for tryouts,” he said unfolding his napkin. “What about you?”

      “What’s a date?” She rolled her eyes.

      Probably her choice, but he understood a guy backing away from Jordan. A challenging date thus far, but he was determined not to go down in flames after calling her darlin’ and now for being obscure about his career. “What do you do for a living?”

      “Guess.” She brushed her hair back from her shoulder.

      He visualized the coppery strands fanned over his white sheets. She played sports and probably worked out regularly. A large canvas bag of organized file folders and papers sat on the back seat of her car. He went for a combo. “Teacher? And the way you catch a football, I’d say a physical education teacher.”

      Her amber eyes sparkled with mischief. “What was your clue?”

      “Maybe I can read minds.”

      Jordan smirked as their server returned for their orders. “Okay, Carnac the Magnificent, tell me what I think of you.” She challenged with a smile.

      When he was a kid, he used to watch the old Johnny Carson shows on DVD with his father. He smiled and pressed his hand against the top of his forehand, to mimic the late night comedian’s gesture, minus the turban. Smiling, he said, “You’re wondering if I’m a jerk, or a stalker. But either is better than the stuffy business types you’ve grown tired of.”

      She grabbed a sweetener. Very introspective for a—”

      “Jock.”

      “Tight end.” She stirred her tea slowly. “And a perfect description of yours.”

      Whoa, a witty woman. His blood heated. “So, are you interested in any of my other attributes?”

      “One body part at a time, Mr. Lancaster.” She batted her eyelashes. “I don’t think either one of us is looking for a relationship.”

      Hmm. He drummed his fingers against the table. “Are you suggesting—”

      “A game of sorts.” She snagged his hand.

      Her fingers felt cool but strong. A woman of determination, but surely she wouldn’t follow through on what she proposed. “Go on.”

      “I’m winging this. Can you tell?” She quirked a suggestive smile.

      Sunny side up eggs with bacon cooked to perfection landed in front of him. He nabbed a piece of bacon and chewed. “Are there only physical levels in such a non-relationship?”

      She arched a brow then peppered her quiche. “No, even sex buddies need a measure of trust.”

      He nearly choked. No woman had outright propositioned him as a fuck buddy. Brunch had far surpassed his expectations. But why him? “Oh—kay, what do you need to know?”

      She licked her teaspoon. “For starters, what’s your favorite dessert?”

      He wished he were her damned spoon. “It’s girly. Tiramisu.”

      Jordan giggled. “Maybe, but it’s delicious.”

      Just how he imagined her. Layers of sweet making his mouth water. “Next question.”

      “Do you have siblings?”

      “Ashley. She studied pre-law before getting married. I’m the dumb jock.” He cut into his eggs.

      She laid aside the utensil that sent his fantasies off and running. “You’re a protector.”

      “You think?”

      “You were upset when Dugan threw the ball at me. He was only concerned with being noticed. I doubt you’d approach a woman like that. Plus, you apologized when you realized I didn’t like being called darling.”

      A woman who liked the good guy? Only after she’d had a spin with a bad one. He smiled. “I might be protective, but he’s better with the ladies.”

      “Maybe СКАЧАТЬ