Page 27 of A Game Plan for Love

“Will you go on a date with me? I checked with HR, and it’s not against our contracts, but if you’re not interested or uncomfortable—”

“Yes.”

He jerks back. “Yes?”

Is it potentially a horrible idea to date a player? Yes. Have I been burned by men in the past? Definitely, but there’s something abouthim. The way he wears his heart on his sleeve, and though he’s perceived as a playboy, he’s a stuttering mess trying to ask me out on a date.

I’ve seen the cocky, confident man, but this version of him—wholesome and shy—is a version I likemuchmore.

The fact that he’s consumed my thoughts since our picnic helps the decision.

“Does Friday work?”

It gives me sufficient time to ask Meagan to watch Nora and then freak the fuck out. The decision is settling, and I don’t regret it, but fuck, now I’m nervous.

“Yes. Friday. I’ll pick you up.” Declan begins to backpedal before he pauses, jerks forward, and places a soft kiss on my cheek. “I’m really glad you said yes,” he says quietly against my jaw.

Goosebumps pepper my skin as he steps away and opens the door I slammed shut.

A few seconds later, I hear a chorus of cheers and “I told you’s,” and a kernel of warmth lodges deep in my diaphragm as I hold the flowers.

So much for swearing off dating.

CHAPTER 8

Electric Love – BØRNS

Declan

I’msickwithnervesas I pace in front of Addie’s door, mustering up the courage to knock. When I knock this becomes a real date and, fuck me, I’m so nervous I could hurl. Didn’t think I could be more nervous than when I asked her, but damn, was I wrong.

The stems of the bouquet are battling against the brute force of my grip and losing.

Just knock.

Before I can lose my nerve, I slam my fist against the door with a loudbang!

I scatter away a few steps, my heartbeat thudding in my throat. Slowly, the door cracks open, and Addie’s head peeks out.

Her eyes are wild—surprised—as she rakes her gaze down my body. I suppress a shiver.

“You’re early,” she hisses, voice low, as she tries to slide out of the small crack between the door and frame.

She’s halfway through when footsteps patter toward the door, and her face drains of color.

“Declan, I can—”

“Mail?!” A small voice screams before Addie jolts to the side. A small girl with large, bouncy curls appears in the doorframe. Her deep blue eyes are wide as she stares up at me. “Do you have my box?” she asks, a slight lisp to her voice.

“He’s not the—”

Addie is cut off with a loud, sharp scream. The small girl squeals, jumping up and down. Her pink tuu-tuu flounces with the action, and I have to cover my laugh with a cough. I look to Addie, whose eyes are panicked as she darts between me and the girl.

“Mommy,” she whispers,loudly,“It’s Prince Eric. Look!”

I don’t miss the way Addie’s shoulders stiffen in response to herdaughter’swords. Her eyes harden to steel when they meet mine. She’s waiting for me to say something, watching me with a curious, yet guarded look. Half a dozen emotions swirl around my chest. Surprise. Desire. Worry.

A daughter. She has a child. A fucking adorable one.

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