Play Date (Play Makers Book 3) (32 page)

“What did he tell you?”

Sean hesitated, then admitted, “He said he’s into you. And you’re into him.”

She knew she shouldn’t smile, but she just loved that so much. And it was so accurate. They were into each other, body and soul. Not just exclusive of other lovers, but of everything but their blissfully fun lovemaking.

“Oh, fine,” Sean muttered. “It’s worse than I thought.”

She laughed sheepishly. “Let me have fun with him, please? I know it can’t last. I accept that going in. But it’s so wonderful, Sean
. He’s
so wonderful. I’ve never met a guy like him.”

“You’re making my ears bleed,” he complained. “I didn’t realize it was this serious.”

“How could it be? He’s Bam Bannerman. I’m not an idiot, Sean. I know the score.”

“So you just let him do whatever he wants? Come and go whenever it suits him? And then when it’s over, it’s over?”

She wanted to insist that
yes,
that was the plan, and
no,
it didn’t bother her. Or at least it was a fair trade-off. But instead she checked on the soup, saw that the rice was tender, and ladled out a hearty serving for him, then fixed some for herself.

He was quiet as he inhaled the meal, pausing only to insist, “This is the best, Rachel. Where’d you learn to cook like this?”

She beamed, wishing she could impress her other NFL hunk this way. “If I served this to Vince, do you know what he’d say?”

“What?”

“That it’s good, but he wishes I wasn’t a vegetarian so we could have some real food.”

“A vegetarian? Even though you’re eating chicken?” Sean chuckled. “Yeah, that sounds like him. Oh, fine.” He dragged his chair back a full three feet. “You guys don’t do it on this table, do you?”

“Of course not.”

His gaze scanned the room, fixing on the butcher block cart. “You didn’t use
that
when you were making this, did you?”

“Stop it.” She squeezed his hand. “Have more soup, please?”

He returned to the table and had another huge serving. The color was back in his face and she sensed the healthy glow that had always been his trademark. Was it possible he just wasn’t eating well?

No. She had guessed right during that very first lunch with Kerrie. This affair was eating him up inside. It couldn’t go on, and she ached to tell him she knew about it. Counsel him. Baby him. Kick his ass a little. Anything to get him back on track.

But she couldn’t do that. Not without betraying Kerrie’s confidence. Unless he told her about it independently. Then she could walk the tightrope of being loyal to each of them.

“You know what the best thing is about my relationship with Vince?”

“Geezus, Rachel, I’m trying to
eat
here.”

She laughed. “It’s not the sex. It’s the complete lack of melodrama. There’s nothing at stake, so we can just be ourselves. Be casual. Go to the beach, hang out. No worries.”

She could see she had struck a chord. “Yeah, that sounds nice. I hate melodrama.” He arched an accusing eyebrow. “But you guys have been keeping it secret. Sneaking around. That’s drama, right?”

“Not really. We keep it secret because we know it’s bound to end. So why cause a stir? Plus, we’re trying to protect
you.
From Beth.”

“Right, I always catch the flak when he screws up. Typical Bannerman.”

She smiled. “Let’s change the subject. Tell me what’s going on with you.”

“Other than getting you all Bammed up? That’s how he described it, you know. Real classy, right?”

“All Bammed up?” She suddenly wished it was Friday. “That’s the perfect description.”

“You’re killing me, Rachel.” He gave her a halfhearted glare. “Just promise me it’s not serious.”

“How could it be?” she repeated firmly.

He stood, expressionless for a long moment, then nodded. “Can I buy you an ice cream cone?”

“I’d love that. Just let me put this food away. Go ahead and check the scores on TV while I do it.”

“You think I’d sit on that couch? God knows what happens in there.” He cracked a reluctant smile. “I thought you were a nice girl.”

“Be quiet.” She moved back to the stovetop, transferred the remaining soup into a medium-sized container, and popped it into the refrigerator. “I’ll clean up later. So come on.” She held out her hand to him. “I know a place we can walk to. And you can tell me all about
your
love life.”

• • •

He didn’t spill the beans about Kerrie, chatting instead about golf and fishing, then giving her more details about his talk with Patrick Murphy. He explained that the agent had coveted Bannerman for more than a year and was ready to make his move. So he had asked Sean what kind of women the halfback liked best because he was bringing some female agents on board and wanted to get a good match, personality wise.

And since Sean had still been reeling from the news about Bannerman and Rachel, he had declared that the halfback’s tastes had changed and now he liked intelligent, classy women, preferably kindergarten teachers.

“Murf made the connection right away,” Sean said apologetically as they strolled back with their half-finished cones. “I forgot he knew about John’s blind date. And
my
blind date. And he remembered you from the wedding because of the mermaid dress.”

“Oh, my God, Sean.
Stop
calling it that.”

He grinned. “You’ve got the worst temper.”

“I do not.” She glanced sideways at him, completely charmed. “I can’t stay mad at you, you know. I predict we’ll be friends until we’re old and gray.”

“No,” he told her, his mood drooping. “When Bam dumps you, you’ll blame
me.”

“He won’t dump me. He’ll let me down so gently I’ll barely feel it.” She winced and admitted, “I’ll be upset. Then I’ll cry on your shoulder and you’ll remind me there are other fish in the sea. Promise?”

“No. You need to break up with him now, honey. It’s the smart move.”

“Well,” she drawled. “We don’t always make the smart move, do we, Sean?”

He surprised her by nodding. “I should have married you when I had the chance.”

“You never
had
the chance.” She touched his cheek. “You know what I think? You’ll be married within the year. To an amazingly wonderful woman. The person you were destined to be with. And hint, hint—it’s not me.”

“Within a year?” His green eyes ignited with hope. “That sounds about right. I’ve been seeing someone. Don’t get jealous,” he added teasingly. “She’s great but there are problems. So I hope you’re right.”

She could almost taste the loophole in her vow of silence. “Talk to me, Sean. I’m a really good listener.”

“I can’t. Not yet. Even though I see now it would help.”

“Have you talked to Johnny? Or Erica?”

He shook his head. “They’d never understand.
You
might, though. So thanks again. If it gets worse, I’ll take you up on it.”

“Poor baby.”

She wanted to say more. To urge him to go for it. To get secretly engaged right away, so Kerrie would feel safe getting her divorce.

But she also wanted to caution him. Because his career mattered too. So did his friendships.

“I don’t think there’s a right answer, Sean,” she said finally. “It sounds so clichéd, but you need to follow your heart.”

“That’s what I tell myself. But it’s not that easy.” He pretended to glare. “Why are we talking about
me?
This intervention is for you.”

They were in front of her house, and she turned to face him. “He’s good for me. Don’t I seem happier? More confident?”

“You seem looser,” he said with a grin. “Does that count?”

She wanted to rebuke him, but his expression pleased her. He was almost his old self again, so maybe he really was just undernourished and missing Kerrie.

“Come on,” she told him, taking his hand again. “I want to show you something.”

• • •

They stood in front of the new tree and he admitted, “It’s cool. Pomegranates, right? Bam did all this?”

“He’s so sweet to me, Sean. So please don’t worry.”

“It’s like he wants you to remember him as a good guy,” Sean mused. “But it’s a message, too. That he doesn’t plan on bringing you to Portland. You get that, don’t you?”

She glared, remembering that her neighbor had said the same thing, although in a nicer way. That the tree was proof she’d be staying in the neighborhood, not running off with her stud boyfriend.

“You’re the worst friend ever, you know that?” she told him with a sigh.

“Yeah, I know.” He pulled her into a final hug. “Just call me anytime, okay? I’m driving up to LA to check on John’s dad. Make sure he’s not eating too much junk food. And get his thoughts on the draft.”

“Oh, bring him the rest of the soup. Please?”

“He’ll like that.” He touched her cheek. “Are you gonna be okay?”

“I was fine until
you
got here,” she reminded him with a sheepish laugh. “Just drive carefully.” Kissing his cheek, she insisted, “Call me soon. And do
not
tell Coach Spurling I’m dating Bam Bannerman, or I swear to God, Beth will be the
least
of your worries.”

• • •

By Thursday morning, she was panicking about the dinner with Patrick Murphy. Second-guessing her choice of outfit. Her choice of restaurant—the balmy Tex-Mex place where she had met Sophie and Beth for drinks. And especially her lack of preparation. Bannerman had mentioned performance bonuses as something Murf could get him, but she hadn’t asked for details.

Didn’t she
need
details? Or was she honestly just invited to flash skin, in which case, the pole-dancing dress and the cowgirl boots would work better.

A knock at the classroom door put her out of her misery, and for a wild few seconds she hoped it would be him, but instead it was the principal, smiling cheerfully. “Good afternoon, children.”

“Good afternoon, Mrs. Rayburn,” they chorused, predictably adorable.

“Ms. Gillette? Could I see you for a moment?”

Rachel gave the students a reassuring smile. “You can visit quietly while I talk to Mrs. Rayburn.”

Then she walked over to the principal, concerned. “Is everything okay?”

“I just got a call from Mr. Bannerman.”

“Oh, no! Is he hurt?”

“No, it’s nothing like that. But he’s been trying to reach you. Something about dinner tomorrow night.”

“Oh.” She felt her cheeks redden. “I blocked his number as a joke. Then forgot to take it off. I’m sorry he bothered you.”

“It’s fine.” She studied Rachel curiously. “I imagine he’s quite a handful.”

“He’s a tease, that’s for sure. Thanks for the message. I’ll call him as soon as I get home.”

“I can stay with the children if you want to pop outside for a few minutes. I love visiting with them.”

“Really?” She smiled, honestly grateful. “I’ve been stressing about that dinner, so if he’s canceling it, I really want to know. Thanks, Lynne. I’ll make it quick.”

She fished her phone from her purse, assured the children she’d be right back, then hurried to the play yard and called him.

“Hey, teach,” he answered cheerfully. “Did I get you in trouble?”

“No, but I only have a minute.” She smiled and added, “I’m sooo sorry I didn’t unblock you.”

“No problem. But I’ve got bad news, so brace yourself.”

She winced. “Okay.”

“The big dog called Murf’s office to check on his schedule, and some assistant told him he was having dinner with me and you—by name—even though Murf swears it was marked private.”

“Oh, Lord.” Rachel sighed. “If Johnny knows, then Erica knows. Which means Jason and Beth will find out.”

“No chance. They’re as scared of her as we are.” His tone softened. “John and Erica want to come to dinner, though.”

“You mean to the meeting with Mr. Murphy?” She smiled ruefully. “That’s actually
good
news. Now you won’t need me.”

“Everyone wants you there. Especially Erica.”

She shook her head, willing him to understand that this was a deal breaker. “It makes things too complicated, Vince. A high-powered agent
and
a hot sports couple?”

“We’re a hot sports couple too,” he reminded her. “And Erica thinks you
want
her there. For moral support. Because she swears you guys are already friends. But it’s your call.”

She didn’t know what to say to that, so she settled for, “Can Sean come too?”

“Sure. We’ll make him pick up the check.” He cleared his throat and added more sincerely, “I really need you there, Rachel. Will you do it for me?”

Her heart skipped a beat. “Of course.”

“That actually worked?” he demanded. “Man, I’ve been missing out.”

“I’m hanging up.
And
blocking you again. See you Friday?”

“Yeah. And don’t worry. It’ll be epic.”

“I just want to survive it,” she assured him.

And then, because she knew better than to give him the last word, she disconnected the call. But she didn’t block him, remembering her panic that he might be in a hospital bed with massive injuries from some daredevil stunt.

Especially since he didn’t have other girlfriends to minister him at the moment.

She melted in amazement at the thought. Then she remembered what was happening and her mood soured. Dinner with a hotshot agent
and
the ultimate power couple?

One thing was certain. Erica McCall Spurling wasn’t likely to wear a business suit. Which meant Rachel had to up her game as well.

Chapter 13

“Man, I needed that,” Bannerman declared, collapsing on his back and grinning at her less than an hour before their appointment with Murf and the McSpurlings.

Rachel smiled in defeat. Had she honestly hoped she could spend two whole hours getting ready for their dinner? Luckily, she had known the score the moment she looked into his eyes when he arrived at the classroom.

He had been hot to bang. And by the time she met him at her house, she was too.

Now he lounged on the bed, naked and gorgeous, and she wanted to relax too. But their schedule required action. Happy-hour drinks with John and Erica at six sharp, dinner with Murf at seven.