Game On! (Seaside Heat) (3 page)

“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 some ladies.” She glanced about the restaurant.

“So, I’m safe for your game?”

“It’s a seasonal game.”

And temporary. Just what he was looking for. “I’ll probably head back to Texas when the Tritons’ season is done.”

“Thought you were from South Carolina?” Her eyes darkened.

“Last job was there.” At this point, he hoped he’d be called back, but that remained to be seen. No point in going into detail. “My turn.”

“Take a swing.” She relaxed in her chair.

“You love your brothers, but still compete against them. Probably for attention from your dad. I bet mom didn’t want you to play sports or become a PE teacher.”

Her smile bordered on tenuous. “I cheered for a year only because she wanted me to. It epitomized everything I wasn’t. I suppose I compete with my brothers on some level, but it’s more about striving to do my best. And after growing up with them, I usually relate to men better. Most of the time, I don’t wear my emotions on my sleeve.” She glanced out the window. “Your ‘darling’ struck a nerve.”

He didn’t want to make the same mistake, while playing their game. “Sorry. I didn’t mean to. I was surprised you came after me to explain.”

“Me, too.”

“So, you really want my body? Or is this about proving to GiGi that you’re over your ex?”

She frowned. “That’s a failing grade on your evaluation, Mr. Lancaster. I’m a take-me-as-I-am girl. The only people I attempt to impress or to prove my worth is my parents and my employer.”

“Duly noted, professor.”

“Back to your question. The answer is absolutely, but I’m not in any hurry. Anticipation is part of the fun.” She crooked a smile and winked.

Her flirtation lit him on fire. He took her answer as a free pass. “What’s today’s body part?”

“Your lips.” Her tongue glided across her own.

Dead man walking.

Heath’s baby blues consumed Jordan like the hottest flame. From there, their meal ended quickly.

Maybe it was his southern charm, but he’d put her at ease and stirred the temptress in her. She initiated the body parts game as a tease.

Unlocking her plain sedan, she couldn’t help drooling over his jacked-up four by four with tires almost as tall as her car. Maybe one day she’d have a vehicle that represented her personality. Could she talk him into taking the bad machine down to OBX for a ride on the beach? She’d be willing to do something special for him. Damn, she was getting ahead of herself. They hadn’t even kissed yet.

As she turned to say goodbye, she nearly bumped into him. “Oops, sorry.”

“I’m not.” He snaked a hand around to her lower back, and tenderly brought her against him.

The man smelled like the ocean and felt like a solid wall of muscle. One she’d like to climb up and ride. Eager to taste the day’s body part, she ran a finger along his jaw.

His eyes darkened.

Leaning closer, she rose on her toes and nibbled his mouth. He was like standing next to a mountain.

He cupped the back of her head. “So sweet.”

She melted against him and locked her fingers behind his neck. “Interested in more?”

“Can’t wait.” He chuckled and pressed her against the car.

The bulge against her belly and his hot exploring tongue made her shiver. Her feet left the ground as he continued his sensual assault.

For a year, she’d been in exile, avoiding this. Avoiding men. Heath’s sexy kiss awakened the woman she’d hidden from herself and the world. This man fueled her desire in a bad way.

“Wow, it’d be fun to work a little longer on that part.” He brushed her hair behind her ear.

Her cheeks heated while she tingled all over. Afraid she’d lose control without some contemplation time, she begged off. “I’ll call you. Show you some of the local sights.”

“Already liking what I see.” He winked. Lighting a kiss to her cheek, he smiled and squeezed her hand. “Can’t wait.”

One kiss and damn.

Without the aid of a footstep, he slid into the high Jeep.

As she drove on autopilot, white lines zipped past. A fucking football player? So much for keeping a low profile when the owner of her favorite local restaurant already knew him.

She licked her lips, enjoying the lingering taste of his masculinity. Why her? She’d snatched a football out of mid-air right in front of him and then he’d guessed her profession. Did he like athletic women or had he grown bored with the groupie types?

Funny thing though, she didn’t feel athletic around him. Every bit of his six-foot-plus frame and two-hundred-plus pounds of hard male made her soft. Feminine in fact.

A first for her.

Richard had made her feel intellectual, attractive but astute. Then he sold her down the river as his adulteress tramp. She doubted she’d ever feel worthy again.

Jordan punched on the stereo and cranked the volume to drown her negative self-talk.
Damn Good
by Nickelback blared through the speakers, forcing her to smile. She bet her blond football god would surely be better than damn good!

But could she follow through on the game she started?

* * * *

The center snapped the ball. Heath blocked a tackle then sprinted through the defensive line. The ball bulleted overhead. With outstretched hands, he snagged the pigskin, stutter-stepped to avoid the cornerback, and gained another couple of yards. A thick arm snagged him at the hips.

“Nice catch buddy.” Dugan heaved his weight off Heath, and then offered a hand.

“Didn’t know it was you dragging my ass down.” Heath accepted the help and wiped the grass off his pants. “Thanks for being gentle.”

The whistle sounded for a break, and Dugan snapped loose his chin guard. “That’s not what GiGi was screaming last night.” He smacked Heath on the butt.

“Gotta a second date?” Hell, he was surprised he didn’t already have a standard invitation.

“Turns out I’ve got more stamina than her musician lays.” He wiggled his brows.

“Yeah, and you don’t usually pass out in your vomit.” Heath turned for the water station on the sideline.

“You’re just jealous I got the easy one.” He grabbed a line and guzzled.

Hardly, but Dugan needed to be the star. Like Jordan said, he liked the limelight. “Maybe I like the thrill of the chase.” He grinned and gunned some water over his head.

“Just don’t get dragged into any of her games. I’ll catch you later. Got some afternoon delight planned.”

Heath laughed. “Got it covered, buddy.” If Dugan only knew the game had Jordan offered him.

* * * *

From his view on the deck, surfers bobbed on the high tide afternoon swells. Heath itched to join them but couldn’t risk an injury. He’d grown up on the coast of South Carolina near Folly Beach. Since college, he’d been deprived of the Atlantic, and a lake wasn’t the same for an ocean lover.

With stomach growling, he returned inside to the kitchen. After tossing mixed lettuce in a large bowl, he loaded the salad with grilled chicken and poured on his vice of peppercorn dressing. A few sundried tomatoes served as croutons.

While eating, he fired up his computer hoping to video chat with his sister, Ashley. No response. Even though her husband made plenty of money, she’d never been a girl satisfied to sit at home. She worked at a law office while Jeremy was in pre-school. At twenty-four she already had a career and a family. Chasing the elusive football dream had Heath far behind in both.

Curiosity drove him to Google his game girl. He typed Jordan Walker and clicked on the first link, a newspaper article.

Richard Branscome, CEO of Bodies, a sports equipment chain from Richmond, has been removed from the board for inappropriate relations with Jordan Walker, a teacher in Hampton Roads, and captain of a woman’s semi-pro lacrosse team sponsored by the corporation.

The fork fell from his fingers. Digging deeper, he searched Mr. Branscome. The man was a staunch supporter of women’s sports in the state. It didn’t take long to also surmise the man was a high-class hound and young female athletes were his prey. Somehow Jordan had gotten caught in his web. If he hadn’t been privy to similar situations while elbowing amongst pro football players, he might not have believed her innocent plea. He knew a player who kept a secret house where he and his friends and teammates invited ladies and partied hard.

He distinctly remembered Jordan scrutinizing his left hand at the café. She might have been gullible, but he didn’t believe her the type to knowingly carry on with a married man.

After lunch with more than food for thought, he drove to Sandbridge where he’d first met Jordan. The multitude of vehicles surprised him. Several teens unhitched surfboards as he passed. “No school today, guys?”

“Last day, early release, dude!” The lanky one grinned.

Heath found a quiet spot on the surfing side and planted his chair. Before long, the noise of beachgoers blended into the lulling surf while thoughts of Jordan filled his twilight sleep. Hopefully, with the school year finished, his hottie teacher would be free to play their little game over the summer.

* * * *

Jordan clicked save after entering the last grade and shut off the computer for the summer. While lying low after her legal troubles, she sighed in relief having made it through the school year. Her cell phone buzzed on the desk.

“You didn’t call me back on Sunday. Did you meet him for brunch?” GiGi didn’t even wait for her to say hello.

Crap, she’d hoped GiGi’s fun with Dugan and her trip to New York had dulled her memory. She grabbed a box and started unloading her desk. “Yep. It was nice.”