Hard Count (Men of Fall Book 5), page 5
Our eyes meet, her vibrant greens looking forlorn.
I know why.
My brown eyes probably don’t appear too joyful, either.
Without saying it out loud, we both know it’d be a huge conflict of interest for us to get involved in any kind of way.
I can’t help it, though.
I still want to talk to her more.
So, softly, I ask, “Is it okay if we take a walk?”
I Think I Could Learn to Like Football
Mike asks if we can take a walk.
“Sure,” I reply, gesturing to the side of the building. “There’s a stone path over by that lake. You can’t see it from here, but I noticed it when my car service dropped me off.”
“Car service, huh?” He chuckles.
“Yeah. So anyway, we can walk on that path, if you want.”
“Sure. I do,” he replies.
As we start over to the side of the building, my thoughts are all over the place. Damn it all to hell, I can’t freaking believe Mike is a player for the Comets. Out of all the teams in the league, why does this one hot dude I want nothing more than to get to know better have to play for my freaking dad?
Crap.
My father would kill me if I ever dated a player. Talk about a conflict of interest. He’d be especially worried if it didn’t work out.
How uncomfortable would that be?
Plus, what would all the other players say?
They’d probably tease Mike to no end.
“This sucks,” I mutter as we reach the pathway.
As I slip off my heels, Mike asks, “What exactly sucks?”
Despite his question, I suspect he knows the answer and is thinking pretty much the same thing.
Softly, I say, “It sucks that you work for my father.”
“Oh, yeah, that…” He shakes his head. “True, but…”
We begin walking along the pathway, and I glance over at him. “What are you thinking?”
He shrugs. “I don’t know. I guess I’m thinking we can at least be friends, right? There’s nothing wrong with that.”
I get the sense he’s searching for a way to still see me.
Hey, fine, I want to see him too.
But I need to think about it.
I tell him that and, swinging my heels in my hand as we travel along the curve of the lake, I add, “Maybe.”
If we do go the “friends” route, it’s going to be hard not to want to kiss him again. And do lots of other stuff. I mean, just look at the man.
Sighing, I sneak in a quick glance.
Yeah, he’s a god.
And then there’s that electric pull we have when we stand close to each other. I think he feels it too, as I notice he’s keeping a decent amount of space between us at the moment.
Still, if I put all that out of my head, and he does too, friendship could potentially work.
We’re probably just fooling ourselves, but we could give it a go. I mean, it’s not like I never want to have any contact with him ever again. And I probably would anyway, especially if I appease my father and become more involved with the team at some point.
This may not be a good thing, but what the hell?
“You know what?” I say, at last. “I think it could work. I’d like to try and be your friend.”
I glance over at him, and he’s smirking.
Is that victory in his deep, dark brown eyes?
Quietly, he murmurs, “I’d like to try too, Lexi.”
Oh boy.
Looking away, I murmur, “Then I guess we’ll give it a shot.”
“We most definitely will.”
When I venture another glance over at Mike, he looks quite pleased.
Oh, hell, I feel pretty happy myself with this decision to try to be friends, even if we are setting ourselves up for failure.
When we reach the stone bench, he asks, “Do you want to sit down? Maybe talk a little longer out here where it’s nice and quiet?”
I nod. “Sure.”
We sit down at the same time, but both of us make sure to maintain adequate space between us. I even set my heels in the middle of the bench as a further deterrent to keep us apart.
Okay, time to start down this new path of friendship with Mike.
Awkwardly, since I’m not sure how to begin, I ask, “So how did you like your dinner?”
He laughs. “It was good. What about you?”
Trying to keep from laughing as well, I say, “I liked it. Everything was delicious.”
Mike, catching my eye, says, “Especially that cheesecake, huh?”
Okay, we’re loosening up some now.
Nodding excitedly, I reply, “That was the bomb.”
“Hey…” He twists to face me more fully, placing one arm up on the back of the bench. “I was wondering something.”
“What’s that?”
“Why were you racing out of the ballroom?”
I roll my eyes. “Oh, that. One of our corporate sponsors, a guy named Mr. Barney, was really creeping me out.”
His jaw twitches. “He didn’t do anything inappropriate, did he? If so, do you want me to rough him up a bit?”
“God, no.” I think he’s totally serious, so I’m quick to explain, “It wasn’t anything like that. He’s just kind of weird. No need to rough him up. That probably wouldn’t go over well with my dad. He’s a pretty big sponsor.”
“All right, no roughing up the sponsors.” Mike chuckles. “I guess that wouldn’t be a good idea.”
“No,” I confirm, “definitely not.”
There’s a quiet lull then with just the sound of the birds chirping up in the trees.
And then Mike asks, “So you really hate football, huh?”
“I wouldn’t put it that strongly,” I hedge.
“How would you put it, then?”
“Okay, I can’t lie.” I throw my hands up in the air. “I don’t really like it much at all.”
“Oof.” Mike places his hand over his heart like I just stabbed him. “Coming from someone who lives and breathes the sport, that hurts.”
“Stop.” I roll my eyes and add with a coy smile, “Don’t worry. I think I’m starting to come around to it. There is hope.”
“Yeah?” His eyes meet mine, and damn, if I couldn’t get lost in their depths. “How do you mean?”
Holding his gaze, and getting a little lost indeed, I tell him, “I think I could learn to like football. It may not be so bad after all. ”
Mmm-hmm, not so bad at all.
Building the Sport
Lexi’s stunning green eyes are locked with mine, and I can’t help but notice how they’re flecked with gold.
Beautiful.
How did I not see that on our night in the Dominican Republic?
I guess it was too dark.
Oh, and we were distracted by lust.
When she tells me she could learn to like football and that it may not be so bad, I start smiling.
It’s a good one too, pure and genuine.
Not to sound smug, but I’m pretty sure this change in attitude has something to do with me.
That’s fine. If I have to be the man to build the sport and turn non-fans into fans, then so be it, especially if it means changing this one woman’s current opinion. I want Lexi to like the sport I play and love.
Nodding approvingly, I say, “Good. Does this mean you may come to some of the games, then?”
Still holding my gaze, she raises a brow. “Will you be playing in any of them?”
Shit.
I shrug and answer truthfully, “I don’t know. I’m just the backup quarterback, so I’ll probably only get in if Graham gets hurt, or if we’re winning by a ton. Otherwise, I’ll be over on the sideline, helping call plays and stuff.”
“That’s an important role too,” she says helpfully.
Aw, she’s sweet.
Softly, I say, “Yeah, I guess it is.”
“Okay, so, cool. Whether you’re playing or not, I think I’ll come to a few games. I mean, you may get to play, and…” She bats her long lashes my way, and Jesus, help me now. “…if I’m going to learn to like football, I need to know more about the sport. Going to some games is the way to learn, right?”
“I think it’d be a good start,” I reply.
“Not to mention,” she continues, sounding more excited, “my dad will love it if I go to a few games.”
“Ah, ’cause that’ll mean you’re taking more of an interest in the business, huh?”
“Yeah…” She sighs as her eyes travel down along my body unabashedly. “…something like that.”
Shit, this “friends” thing is already going off-track.
Sneaking in a peek of my own and appreciating how damn good she looks in that teal dress, I murmur, “Sounds like a win-win all the way around.”
“It does,” she says, sighing.
Softly, I ask, “Maybe we could go to dinner after a game sometime? You know, just as friends.”
“As friends,” she echoes, her eyes darting off to the side. “I’d like that. In fact, I think I’ll come to the first home game. Maybe we can grab dinner after that one?”
“Cool, sounds perfect.” I’m pumped now, as this plan is turning into something real. “That’ll be the game right after we get back from camp.”
She smiles smugly. “I actually know that. My dad mentioned it during his speech.”
“Ah, right.” I nod. “He did.”
We smile at each other from across the bench, and despite the space between us, it’s clear we’re already looking forward to seeing each other again. And one not in a situation like this where we have to be discreet.
That’s why we need this plan.
Hey, I’m excited to embark on this friendship. The sooner, the better.
That prompts me to say, “We can also talk and text while I’m stuck here.”
Nodding exuberantly, she says, “Yes, and FaceTime too.”
“Sounds great.”
“It does,” she agrees.
Oh my God, we’re such dorks. But I’ll be a dork with her any day.
We share another smile, and damn, I wish I could kiss her right here and now. But that would blow the whole friendship thing all to hell. And we can’t have that, not when we’re just getting started.
Blowing out a frustrated breath, I say, “It’s getting kind of dark out here. I guess we should head back in.”
“Yeah, I think so.” She laughs. “Before people start to notice we’re both missing and assume we’re off somewhere together.”
Now it’s my turn to chuckle. “Uh, Lexi, hate to break it to you, but we are off somewhere together.”
“Hmmm, good point.” She stands, picking her shoes up from the bench. “We definitely better go back, then.”
“Okay.”
I stand as well. I’d like to offer her my hand, but that would cross the friends-boundary for sure.
Slowly, as I think neither of us is in any kind of hurry, we amble along the path.
We talk more, asking several questions as we strive to get to know each other. It’s like we’re rewriting the first chapter of our story. Speaking of which, I’ve noticed we’ve successfully avoided talking much about that night on the island, even though it was just a couple days ago.
But then, as we near the front of the building, Lexi slows and says softly, “Hey, I wanted to say I’m sorry.”
I’m confused as to what she’s apologizing for, so I ask, “What for?”
“For, uh…” She shakes her head, a small tendril of auburn hair coming loose. “I’m sorry for passing out on you the other night. I definitely had too much to drink.”
“Oh, that.” I wave my hand. “No worries. I think it’s happened to all of us at one point or another.”
She sighs. “Yeah, I guess. Still, thanks for understanding. And thank you for covering me with the comforter before you left the room.”
“Aw, come on.” I smile over at her. “That was the least I could do.”
We reach the building, and Lexi, balancing by using a railing, slips her heels back on.
“I guess so,” she says. “But thanks, nonetheless.” Motioning to the steps, she adds, “Shall we?”
As the sounds of the band playing some sort of pop song drift out, I sweep my own hand forward and say, “Ladies first.”
We Have So Got This
After slipping back into the ballroom undetected, Mike and I go back to our own tables. But not before we exchange cell phone numbers out in the lobby and let each other know we’re looking forward to going to dinner after the first game.
There’s also a renewal of our promise to text and talk over the next couple of weeks while he’s stuck at camp.
Finally, we decide to take a chance and commit to dance, just one fast song—the kind “friends” would sway to—before the night is over.
I’m really looking forward to that, as I remember dancing with Mike down on the island. He has great moves.
Thinking back to that night, I’m smiling when I return to the table and sit down next to my father.
My dad, glancing over, asks, “And where were you, young lady? You look mighty happy.”
“I am happy,” I declare as I make a quick sweep of the table, taking note that though Dr. Irvin and Ms. Jones are still seated and in deep conversation, the annoying Mr. Barney is nowhere to be found.
Yes!
I’m even happier now.
Smiling, I tell my dad, “I went for a walk.”
Narrowing his eyes, so vividly green like mine, he says, “Must have been some walk. You missed the band’s whole first set. And during the break, some of the coaches got up and spoke.”
Snorting, I retort, “Missing some boring speeches is a bad thing?”
“Lexi,” he chastises.
“Sorry, Dad. I’m just kidding…kind of.” I snicker, and he rolls his eyes. “Anyway, I went outside because I needed some air…and a break.”
Looking like he knows what I mean, he says, “Yeah, sorry about Mr. Barney. I saw he was, well, being his usual odd self while he was seated next to you.”
“Pfft.” I snort. “That’s putting it mildly. He is so strange. It’s not your fault, though.” Glancing around the ballroom, I ask, “Speaking of the smarmy dude, where is he now?”
“Gone.” My father shrugs. “He left right after the coaches’ speeches concluded and the band started back up.”
“That’s a relief,” I state truthfully. Placing my elbows on the table, I cover my face with my hands. “I was so worried he’d ask me to dance and I’d have to say yes.” I let out a shiver. “Ugh.”
When I lift my head, my dad’s peering over at me, his eyes filled with concern.
“Honey…” He places his hand on my forearm, still resting on the table. “You never have to dance with anyone you don’t want to dance with. I’d never expect that.”
“Thanks, Dad, but he is a corporate sponsor. I probably would’ve felt obligated.”
“Hell with that!” my father bellows, making Dr. Irvin and Ms. Jones glance over curiously. My dad waves them off, then, more quietly, says to me, “Nobody, Lexi, team sponsor or not, is more important than my daughter.”
My heart swells with joy that my dad loves me so much. That’s why I never want to hurt him. Mike and I are definitely going to have to stay in the friend zone. That’s all there is to it. Hard as it may be.
When a player comes over to talk with my dad, I excuse myself. I make a quick run to the ladies’ room to freshen up before returning to the ballroom.
The dance floor is rapidly filling up, as the band’s really getting the crowd going now.
When a fun, fast-paced song comes on, I murmur, “I love this song.”
It’s time to find Mike and see if he’s ready to put on his dancing shoes.
I scan the crowd, but he finds me first.
I actually feel him through our sizzling connection, even before he comes up behind me and murmurs in my ear, “Hey, you.”
I spin around, once again wowed by how good-looking he is.
“Hey,” I so eloquently mumble.
“Are you ready for that dance?” he asks, one dark brow quirked.
Nodding once, I reply, “I sure am.”
“Good. Then let’s do it.”
“Lead the way.”
It’s just one friendly dance, I remind myself.
We have so got this.
I hope.
Going Home
Training camp drags over the next couple of weeks. Being a backup, I don’t get a ton of reps.
That’s why I’m glad today is the last day. I’m ready to go home, get back to life, and get back to Lexi.
I think about her all the time, I swear. Even when we’re not texting, talking, or FaceTiming, she’s on my mind.
Maybe I’m just focused on her because camp’s been slow for me?
I don’t know. I think I just really like her, even though she is off-limits as more than a pal.
Hell, that’s probably why I am so obsessed with her—forbidden fruit and all that.
In my dorm room, as I pack up my belongings, I replay the time we spent together at the banquet. I can’t believe how much fun she made that night. I’d been dreading it so much, but it turned out to be amazing. Even though after our walk, Lexi and I were only able to dance to three fast songs.
It was supposed to only be one, but her dad got busy mingling with players, so we just stayed out on the dance floor.
Then a slow song started up, so we had to back off.
By that point, we’d been noticed anyway. Her dad was peering over at us from his table, probably wondering how we knew each other.
He wasn’t the only person giving us questioning looks. I think it was becoming clear we had a connection of some sort.
Zane asked me the minute I got back to the players’ table what was going on.
“Dude…” He shook his head.
“Is it that obvious?” I asked.
All the other guys were dancing or milling around the ballroom, so we were able to talk freely.
He laughed. “Yeah, it kind of is. So how do you know the owner’s daughter? I’m guessing you didn’t just meet her here. You two looked far too comfortable with each other out there on the dance floor.”
