Page 75 of Matched with Her Athlete Boss

I give her a small smile. “That’s definitely the truth. The world needs this Kenzie.”

I pull up outside her house, surprised that there’s nothing crazy strewn all over the lawn. “Did the prank war end?” I ask.

With a shake of the head, Kenzie says, “No, word is there’s going to be a new nurse helping the guy next door. Maybe Mr. Richins has to train them to do that kind of stuff.”

“Maybe Owen will know the new nurse. Bookshelves tomorrow?” I ask as she’s getting out of the car.

“How about we get the furniture ordered first? Then no one will be lost to the giant hole in your sofa.”

“That’s a good idea. Then you won’t be surprised when you’re knee-deep in my childhood artwork and participation trophies.”

“You got participation trophies?” she says, laughing. “All I saw were medals and awards for being in the top three, usually first place.”

I laugh too. “I know it’s hard to believe that someone like me doesn’t excel in every aspect of life, but as you might’ve already put together, I’m lacking in several areas. My mom put me into a square-dancing club when I was ten and I was the only one not given ‘Most Improved’ or ‘Twirling Bird’.”

“I’m sorry, but picturing you in a square-dancing club is not something I would’ve imagined.”

“I told you my mom is a bit controlling. Very loving, but good at directing my life. She wanted me to be well-rounded. Piano, art classes, all of it. Some of them I barely squeaked by with the participation certificates.”

“You know how to play the piano?”

“Kenzie, I only know where middle C is. Other than that, musical notes might as well be pictographs.” I laugh and say, “Do you want me to pick you up at nine tomorrow? We can hit the furniture store when it first opens.”

“Sounds great. Good night.” She walks into the house, and I sit there for a few more minutes, trying to configure all the pieces and feelings I have for Kenzie. The woman is amazing and stronger than I took her for. I just wish the last date was out of the way so we could go on our “fun” date.

33

KENZIE

Trey is acting weird the next morning. He’s had an iron grip on the steering wheel since I got in with a box of pastries. Hillary had brought them home from a birthday party she’d gone to and he’s barely said a word.

“Did you get another concussion? Do I need to drive?” I ask, trying to make him smile.

He shakes his head, like he’s a million miles away. “No, I’m good.”

“Are you sure? You’re acting as though we’re driving to Mordor.” I crack a smile and he turns to grin at me.

“So, you’re not a total hater of the fantasy series.”

I shrug. “I’ve seen them a few times. My brother Damian is an avid fan.”

Trey pulls into the parking lot of the closest furniture store. “Are you ready?”

“Areyouready?” I ask, laughing. “What is it you’d like to look at?”

He frowns. “All of it?”

Blowing out a breath I say, “You can take me home then. I’m not going to sit in every recliner and lay on every bed in the place.”

His eyebrows cinch together and he says, “But how are we going to know if it’s the right one?”

“Okay, we’ll narrow it down. I’ll allow us to try out three of each.” I shake my head. “That makes me sound like I’m your mother. Maybe we should just go with what you want.” The guy already has a hard enough time choosing things, he doesn’t need me to be controlling on top of it.

He grins, and I’m pretty sure I could stare at that face for the rest of forever.

We walk in and are swarmed by people who work there, wanting to show us to the different pieces of furniture. Working on commission must be the worst thing in the world. Oh wait, that’s basically what I’m trying to do. At least I don’t have to compete with people to get paid for the same job.

“What kind of vibe are you going for in your front room?” I ask as we walk over to the couches.

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