Page 78 of Cocky Player

I bumped my shoulder into hers.“It’s not my job on the line, and besides, I’ve nailed my part.”

“Sassy young thing.In all honesty, you’ve done great work.When your father approached me about hiring you, I had some concerns.”

Ouch.That stung, but who could blame her.“It’s understandable.”

“But you’ve worked hard and you’ve excelled at everything I’ve asked of you.Especially the last few days working long hours.You and the rest of the department have helped me and I really appreciate it.Your dedication especially.”

Her praise melted over me and I beamed.“Thank you, Shelly.I promised I wouldn’t let you down.”

“And you haven’t.Go home, get ready and I’ll see you back here at four, okay?”

It was only noon.Despite working until the middle of the night, I’d met her at the stadium at eight this morning.I could use a nap, but adrenaline was racing through me, keeping me awake.

I only hoped it didn’t crash later tonight.

Gina pouncedon me as soon I walked into our apartment, her dark brown hair bouncing all over the place.“You’ll never guess who stopped by.”

“Chris Hemsworth?”

I mean, who else would make her so crazy.

“Hell no.If he was here, he’d be chained to my bed forever.”Her hand curled around her chin.“Actually, I don’t have anywhere to chain him to.I should figure something out, just in case.”

Her gaze went glassy and I playfully shoved her to bring her back to the present.“Focus, gingersnap.Who stopped by?”

“Oh.”She shook her head clearing away whatever fantasy she’d already pulled up.I should have known better than to mention Hemsworth.Bless her heart.“Connor.He dropped something off for you on the way to his practice.”

“That’s like twenty-minutes out of his way.”

“Yes.”She rolled her eyes and shoved me toward the bedroom.“What a hassle.A whole twenty minutes.Go.I want to see what it is too.”

Connor was full of surprises.He’d taken it to a whole new level after our date to the drive-in, like he was trying to make up for a lifetime of me not having many.It was unnecessary, but a thrill went through me, straight to my fingertips as I caught sight of the wrapped boxed sitting neatly on my bed.

“Come on, come on.”Behind me, Gina clapped, encouraging me on.

I almost kicked her out of the room.What in the world had he given me?It was a typical gift box you’d wrap clothes in for holidays and there wasn’t a card on it, not that it was necessary since I knew it was from Connor.The teal and blue bow, Rough Riders colors, gave me a hint.

“All right, all right.Chill out, girl,” I drawled to Gina.

I took off the bow, running the silk through my hands and I shoved it into my purse.Ever since we’d talked about tying me up some night, I hadn’t stopped thinking about it.Perhaps that bow would work.

“I don’t want to know what you did that for,” Gina murmured, plopping down on my bed with a bounce.

I laughed and unwrapped the box.I had no plans to tell her anyway.

Lifting up the top, I found a small note card and beneath it something wrapped in teal tissue paper.I flipped over the card.For now.

“What’s it say?What’s it say?”

I flicked the card toward Gina and grabbed the package.It was heavy and soft and beneath it, another package with another note.

Gina grabbed that note before I could.

“Oooh, this one says, ‘For later’.”

“What?”She handed me the card and reached for the package.I slapped her hand.“Don’t even think about it.”

I unwrapped the top one.My pulse was fluttering.Now?Later?I had ideas and heat was making the top of my thighs throb as they raced through my mind.

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