Centre Spot (Enemies to Lovers #3), page 1
Centre Spot
Enemies To Lovers
She’s off limits.
I have NONE.
BOOK THREE
Gracie-Mae Harding
gracie-mae.com
Copyright And Disclaimer
This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places, and incidents either are products of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously. Any similarity to actual events or locales or persons, living or dead, is entirely coincidental.
No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in or introduced into a retrieval system, or transmitted, in any form, or by any means (electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording, or otherwise) without the prior written permission of the copyright owner. The author acknowledges the trademarked status and trademark owners of various products referenced status and trademark owners of various products referenced in this work of fiction, which have been used without permission. The publication / use of the trademarks is not authorized, associated with or sponsored by the trademark owners.
Copyright © 2021 Gracie-Mae Harding.
All rights reserved.
For more information: gracie-mae.com
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Table Of Contents
Chapter One
Chapter Two
Chapter Three
Chapter Four
Chapter Five
Chapter Six
Chapter Seven
Chapter Eight
Chapter Nine
Book Four Preview
About The Author
Other Books By The Author
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Chapter One
James:
The world is definitely a more charming and appealing place when you have positive elements all aligning in perfect harmony. These elements can be of many things such as work, health, spiritually, and best of all, love. Especially the love of a wonderful woman. The idea of being with Katie just settles me in a way I’m not sure I can explain logically nor rationally. Truth be told, I had felt nothing like this before I met her again. Not even with Maggie. It just proves that meeting the right person at the right time can make so much of a difference in life.
I left a generous tip for the saleslady at the counter before I turned and walked out of the mall wearing a big smile. Recently, we have been spending more time together. I always look forward to seeing her every day. I feel like a teenage boy who is falling in love for the first time.
When I think about how giddy I have been feeling, I can’t help but laugh at myself. Here I am, head over heels and ready to give my all for a woman– quite foolish some may say, but I am happy and that I am 100% sure that she is worth it.
Katie:
I stared in the mirror at my face for a rather long time, lost in thoughts and memories of my tryst with Charles. When he had invited me to have dinner with him, I had expected a normal date– table reservation at a classy restaurant, wine, and laughs. What I hadn’t seen coming was a Limo arriving to pick me up from my house, the full reservation for a four-star hotel restaurant, and the VIP treatment that came with it. For one evening, I had felt as if I was a wealthy individual.
Charles looked different too, much more serene and calm. He still had the same magnificent aura I hadn’t regarded the night I met him at the lodge. He sat patiently at the table, rising as soon as he noticed me approaching. He pulled out a chair for me and apologized for not choosing a better restaurant and rambling on about the short notice and a lot of stuff that frankly didn’t bother me or that I gave a second thought about.
Suddenly, all of my skepticism and worries of whether I had made the right decision by agreeing to this date had vanished completely on the spot. I can’t deny that my thoughts had drifted to James more than once, but I had willed myself to enjoy the night.
The night had been a sweet and memorable one. Throughout dinner, it had felt like the rest of the world had paused. We laughed, had good banter, and shared lots of fun and fascinating stories to get to know one another better. It was refreshing how easy it was to talk with Charles.
There had also been no awkward moments, and at the end of the night when he had escorted me to my front door, it had felt as if we had known each other for much longer than we did. There had been no drama or spectacles. He had just been a perfect and respectable gentleman.
My doorbell rang and I opened the door– to my utmost surprise– to my sister standing there with a travel bag, wearing a wide grin.
“Lauren!” I exclaimed, pulling her into a big, warm hug.
“Hi Katie,” she replies, still grinning as she returns the hug for a few seconds before pulling away uncomfortably.
“I don’t do bear hugs any longer, Katie. That’s such a kids’ thing. Gosh,” she said playfully, flipping her hair.
I laughed quizzically. Once, she used to be the biggest advocate of bear hugs in the family. How swiftly they grow up.
“I’m so thrilled to see you, Lauren. Why didn’t you call to tell me you’d be coming today, though? What if I wasn’t home?” I asked matter-of-factly, as I led the way into the rest of the house.
“I just wanted to surprise you. Plus, it’s the weekend, sister; everyone’s always home. Besides, it’s still relatively early in the morning. The only way you’d be out at this time is if you went clubbing last night and crashed at a man’s place, which is extremely unlikely since I know you to be too uptight to go partying without your boyfriend. And according to Mum, Burke’s out of the picture. So you see? I’m smarter than you remember, big sis.” she rambled, tapping her index finger against her temple as she finished.
“Not entirely. It’d have just been perfect if you talked a little less,” I said, nodding my head in mock seriousness.
“Oh, please,” she replied with a pout, and we both laughed.
“I’m hungry, though. Please tell me you have my favorite crackers at home. Puh-lease,” she said with pleading eyes as she walked towards the pantry.
“Nah, baby. I ran out of those. But while you’re at it, you could fix us both some breakfast. Honestly, I wouldn’t mind,” I shouted as I turned to look at my phone screen to see why it had alerted me. Glancing at my phone, I found a text from Charles, but before I could open it, the doorbell rang again, distracting me.
Opening the door, I discovered a bouquet delivered by the local florist. I thank the delivery man, smiling widely before heading back into the house. I searched through the flowers for a note, and soon enough, I found it. I read it aloud. The flowers had come from Charles, clearly, and the note expressed his appreciation for the date and asked if we could meet again.
“What’s making you blush so hard?” Lauren asked. She was staring suspiciously at me as she bounced onto a chair with a box of chocolate cookies in her hands.
“Nothing,” I said, clearing my throat. “Also, I think you’ve had enough of those cookies. They’re my favorite, and that’s the last box. Unless of course, you wouldn’t mind dropping by the grocery store to pick up more.”
Dropping the box on the floor with a grunt, she rolled her eyes. Then, she eyed the flowers.
“Oh. Pretty flowers. Who sent them? A secret admirer?”
“None of your business,” I replied flatly, tucking the flowers away.
“Let’s not do this, sis. You know me well enough to know I’d keep pressing until you spill. So please save me the stress and just tell me what I want to know,” she said, wearing a mischievous smile. “Spill the beans then, what’s his name?”
“Charles,” I replied in defeat. I know my sister well enough to know that she is relentless. If I don’t tell her, she would follow me around all day, pestering me until I’d give in.
“Whoops! Nice. I’m so proud of you, Katie. You’ve moved on pretty damn fast!” she said excitedly.
“Oh, no. It’s not like that. Charles is just a new friend,” I explained.
“Was he a client of yours?”
“No. We met at the lodge sometime ago,” I replied.
“Oh. So he’s super-rich too. Great! Is he a celebrity? Someone I might know?” she probed excitedly.
“No, Lauren. No, he’s not. And he’s not someone you need to know about either. Enough with the questions already, Miss. Now, go on and fix us both some breakfast,” I said, trying to end the topic.
“I’m the guest here, remember? I should be treated nicely. Whatever happened to hospitality?” she replied in a high pitched voice as she rolled her eyes and wore another stubborn pout.
“But that aside, I’d love to meet this Charles guy. Who knows? He could be your soulmate after all. I can’t wait to tell Mum,” she said, clapping her hands incessantly with eagerness as she winked at me.
“No, Lauren. First of all, there is no such thing as soulmates. Secondly, you’re not telling Mum anything. Don’t get her hopes up, please,” I pleaded.
“Alright, then. There’s only one way to stop me. Make me a pleasant breakfast,” she said, plastering on a wide grin.
“Okay, okay. Deal,” I said nonchalantly, hold
“Good. I’ll have chicken-fried bacon, thank you,” she said, widening her legs on my couch. I shook my head, that sneaky little girl.
Lauren could be a pain in the neck sometimes. Too many times, actually. But, she is my sister and I love her to bits. My love for her is the only reason I proceeded to the kitchen to make her breakfast.
Chapter Two
Katie:
“Oh, Katie. You could have just politely declined,” James said, trying to suppress his laughter.
“Don’t worry; you’re free to let it out. Just make sure to keep your eyes on the road. I know it sounds funny now, but it really wasn’t at the time. And if anything, I have learned to always put myself first. Always. I mean, I didn’t even get a thank you,” I said in a mild annoyance as he rounded a bend close to my house and slowed down.
I had decided to go to work by cab this morning. And after my meeting with James, which happened to be my last one for the day, he had offered to give me a lift home. I must say, it has been a pretty interesting ride.
Once at my front door, I thanked him for the ride and gave him a goodbye hug. The second he turned to leave, Lauren opened the door, catching me by surprise. I can’t lie, a part of me was expecting her to snoop on me anyways.
“Oh. Hi,” she started enthusiastically, feigning surprise at seeing us standing there. She then took a good look at James and her eyes widened in surprise. “I know you! You’re that footballer. Uh...James Reed. Oh my God. It’s so nice to meet you in person!” she said, smiling. “Oh, pardon my manners. I’m Lauren, Katie’s sister,” she said, extending her hand for a shake, which James happily accepted.
“It’s nice to meet you too, Lauren.”
“I see you just dropped my sister off. Aren’t you going to come in for a drink at least? Forgive my sister for being so inhospitable,” she said excitedly, with a mischievous tone in her voice.
I cleared my throat loudly and said, “Hello, I’m still here,” which made James laugh.
“No. I actually have to be somewhere right now. I’ll stop by some other time,” he replied, smiling.
“Alright. I’ll see you around maybe. Bye, James,” Lauren said, grinning while waving goodbye to James.
“Bye, Lauren, and see you later, Katie,” he finished as he walked back to his car.
“See you,” I replied quietly.
As soon as she took a step into the house, Lauren began to giggle.
“Cut it out, Lauren,” I scolded.
“So, who’s that?” she asked, referring to James.
“You just said you knew him a few seconds ago,” I said, looking at her skeptically, wondering what she’s up to.
“I know who he is, but I want to know who he is to you, silly.”
“Oh. He’s a client,” I replied.
“Last time I checked, you don’t get involved with your clients. The Katie I know would never ask a client to drop her off nor would she give her client that kind of hug. So, it’s clear you’re lying,” she explained.
When I didn't say anything, she continued, “Are you two-timing these men, Katie?”
“Of course not! Why would you even think that?” I exclaimed.
“First off, you were just blushing over Charles, and now another man is giving you a lift home and from the looks of it, you two have major chemistry. For someone who used to stick with one man and one man only, this is quite the change and I’m all for it. My sister is a player now,” she said dramatically, clapping her hands.
I laughed at her silliness. Lauren can be quite the drama queen sometimes, but she’s my sister after all so I have to put up with her dramatic flares whenever we’re together.
“No baby, you’ve got it all wrong. I am not two-timing Charles and James. Anyways, my dating life is none of your business.”
“Okay, I believe you,” Lauren said with every hint of sarcasm she can manage.
“Good,” I said, ending the discussion.
As I walked to my room, I thought over what Lauren said, but I brushed it off after a few minutes. I didn’t agree to any commitments, so there really isn’t anything to worry about. Right?
James:
“It’s nice of you to come by, Katie. I can’t imagine just how much you must have missed me,” I said as we settled down in my living room.
“Oh, don’t get your hopes up. I only dropped by because I was around the area, and I happen to have an announcement for you,” she replied.
“Ouch,” I said, clutching my heart in mock pain. “I, on the other hand, have missed you so much. I’m so hurt.”
“You are so dramatic,” she said with a small laugh, drawing more attention to her delicious looking glossed lips.
“Anyways, I recently received word from your physical therapist, and he’s going to be out of the country for a little while. He has some prior engagements he has to tend to. So arrangements have been made to transfer your files to his immediate associate, who is also a seasoned therapist. If you’re not cool with that, we could always work something out,” she explained seriously.
“Oh. Well, I’m going to have to meet this new doctor first before I can decide. I’ll make sure to reach out to you after my session tomorrow,” I proffered.
“That’s fine. Take your time. There’s no hu–” she paused as Chloe bounced into the room wearing a very familiar oversized t-shirt which has “GO REED” written boldly on the front. Katie’s eyes widened when she saw Erica following closely behind her.
“Please excuse me, Katie,” I apologized, as Chloe bounced over to meet me.
“Hey baby, how’s it going?” I asked, lifting her onto my lap as soon as she came within my reach.
“Fine, Dad. Erica and I played some games and she told me a few stories too. Guess what we talked about?” After she asked the question, she started giggling.
“Did it have anything to do with the t-shirt you are wearing?” I ask fondly.
“Yes!” she screamed. “She told me about the one-man fan club she once opened on your behalf, and that’s why I’m here.”
I watched affectionately as she paused to swallow before continuing.
“Erica said she doesn’t mind letting me have this shirt now, but I told her I needed to ask you first. I’d love to have it hung up in a frame and placed in your room, like the other ones. What do you think?” she proposed, looking up at me through her cute, large eyes.
“I’m on board with that idea,” I replied, running my hands through her hair.
“So, I can have it?”
“Yes. Yes, you can,” I said, patting her hair.
“Alright. Thanks, Dad,” she said in glee, giving me a gummy peck on the cheek.
“Before you run off to your room, say hi to Katie. You interrupted our meeting,” I said, scolding her gently.
“I’m sorry. Hello, Katie,” she called out, waving in Katie’s direction.
“Hi, Chloe,” Katie replied, smiling sweetly.
“So, you do remember the shirt after all,” Erica said, grinning at me.
“Of course, I do. Why wouldn’t I? It was really fascinating to have at least one person wear my name boldly on their chest. It gave me courage. The courage paid off well in the end. Didn’t it?” I said as I took a trip down memory lane.
“Yeah, it sure did,” Erica replied caringly. “Remember that one time, when the thought of all the support got you so emotional that you tried to kiss me?” she asked, laughing. She then faced Katie and continued. “You had to be there. He was such a helpless romantic. He did snap out of it quickly, but it’s a sweet memory nonetheless,”
“You have a lot of memories together, don’t you?” Katie commented, smiling uncomfortably.
I cleared my throat loudly, feeling the tension in the air as I tried to think of possible ways to change the topic without sounding awkward. But a few seconds later, Erica gave a solution as she rose to her feet.
“Leaving already?” I asked, trying to keep the relief out of my voice.
“Yes. I promised to help my dad out with some stuff today, so I’ve got to run.”
