Page 4 of The Billionaire's Catch

She waited for the catchline, but he held her gaze with startling honesty. Was he saying what she wanted to hear, or did he mean it? She shook her head, refusing to be drawn in. No way could he be genuine. She was here to catch him acting badly, not portraying the part of sensitive man. “It’s okay to have fun and enjoy life. It’s not like anyone expects you to spend your days contemplating chemistry equations.”

“Actually physics is my field.”

She started. “I’m sorry?”

“My degree is in physics, not chemistry.” His voice remained serious. “Did you think I was one of those athletes with a big body and a small brain? I did go to college.”

She knew that actually. He’d been drafted right out of high school, but had made the unlikely choice to study at university first. She’d had no idea he pursued such a difficult degree.

“No matter how good you are, one injury can destroy a career in a snap.” He set his jaw, and his long lashes lowered. Was he remembering the accident that destroyed his friend’s career – and practically his life? “It’s something we live with every day.”

“I wouldn’t have thought you’d be interested in something like science.” Her cheeks heated. “Of course, I don’t really know you.”

“Physics is actually quite useful for a catcher. I enjoy learning about how the world works. I just have my Bachelor’s, but I might go back for a graduate degree after my baseball career.”

“Wow.” She didn’t expect that. “I find science fascinating, too. I was considering going into it, but my unc… family… convinced me to go in a different direction.”

He leaned forward. “You don’t seem the type of woman to be convinced to do anything.”

It was true. So why had she changed her mind when her uncle pushed her towards business school? Perhaps a small part of her wanted to impress him after all. “Usually I’m not,” she admitted. “You don’t always realize what influences you.” She stopped. She was not here to talk about herself. “At least you can enjoy learning about science even if it’s not your career.”

“True,” he agreed. “I even got to accompany a research mission to South America.” Dara was impressed, and even more so as Jason described his recent trip. When they were done discussing science, the conversation turned to other topics: current events, politics and local matters. Soon, they were conversing as if old friends, agreeing on most things, with spirited yet jovial disagreements on others. They spoke for more than two hours, and it was surprisingly – no astoundingly – enjoyable. When he finished a particularly hilarious story, she sat back. “You’re different than I assumed.”

He cocked his head to the side. “See what happens when you assume?”

“I never thought you were bad, just that you liked to have fun.” The thought was as sobering as a dip in the Arctic Ocean. Fun could lead to excessive drinking. Excessive drinking could lead to bad decisions. Bad decisions could lead to tragedy.

“Doesn’t everyone?” He met her gaze without blinking. “In fact, I wonder if you have a secret, too. A part you keep hidden.”

Her throat turned to sandpaper. Had he discovered her true purpose? Memories slammed into her, blazing somber similarities. He’d destroyed someone’s life, just as someone destroyed hers. She couldn’t afford to forget that, not if she wanted to accomplish the job for which she’d been hired.

“I don’t even know your name.”

She took another gulp of water. This was it. She could reveal her identity or continue the ruse. So far he hadn’t shown any of the behavior she’d expected – no rowdy theatrics, no excess alcohol. Maybe she should just be honest, and perhaps they could even work together.

“Hey sweetie!”

“I hope you don’t mind if we intrude.”

“Want to have fun?”

Dara winced as her newfound optimism vanished at the three women who’d invaded their table: blond, brunette and black-haired beauties with ample cleavage and far from ample skirts. A thousand invitations lit each gaze, annoying her far more than they should have. Yet their cargo was far worse, for each held several bottles of alcohol.

Jason’s smile seemed different somehow, emotionless, stretched like a mask without genuine humor. The ladies didn’t seem to notice. “Mind if we join you?” The blonde grinned fire engine lips, as she held up the alcohol. “I’ve got a liquid party.”

Dara narrowed her eyes. With no planned words, she opened her mouth, but Jason’s elite reflexes won. Instead of easily capitulating, he responded with a resounding shake of his head. “Not tonight.” He stared right at her, even as he spoke to the women. “I’m afraid I’m busy. But I have a few friends who might welcome some company.” He nodded toward a table in the corner, where his entourage had relocated.

The women pouted, but he turned down their protests with good-natured charm. With a promise to be available should he change his mind, they left for their consolation prizes.

Dara’s jaw ached with tightness. That he turned down the opportunity to get smashed was good, but he’d sent them right to his teammates. She was concerned with everyone’s behavior, not just his. If they drank all that alcohol, then got behind the wheel…

“You’re looking like I just committed a crime.”

She looked down. “I’m sorry. I’m not myself today.”

“Then who are you?” His gaze searched hers, as she fought not to squirm. “You never did tell me your name.”

“It’s Athena.” She just managed not to cringe at the ridiculous fib. She had just watched a documentary on ancient myths, and it was the first name that came to mind. No doubt her subterfuge was obvious.

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