Page 22 of Lucky Baller
I save his number. I have a feeling I’ll need to know who’s calling or texting me in the future and reply.
Me: Thanks.
I don’t want to give him the idea that we’re going to be texting back and forth all the time. I’ve thanked him several times today and this evening. He knows I appreciate it. It’s done. Time to let it go. Placing my phone back on the nightstand, I turn off the bedside lamp and surprisingly, fall right to sleep.
Chapter Six
Landon
I’m staring at the alarm clock when it rolls over to 6:29. One more minute and it will blare at me to wake up. Reaching over, I turn it off to prevent the annoying buzzer from sounding. I slept like shit last night. I kept replaying my day with Tessa in my mind. This thing between us started because she turned me down. And there is still part of me that wants that satisfaction of knowing I changed her mind. However, she’s unlike any woman I’ve ever met.
I love the banter, but more than that, I love that I’m just Landon when I’m with her. She doesn’t seem to care about my career or my bank account. Is she just putting on a show? I really don’t think that she is, but I don’t really know her well enough to form that kind of opinion. That’s why I want to get to know her. Yes, I want her to agree to go out with me, one date, but at the same time, is she really who she presents herself to be? This beautiful woman who is unapologetically who she is? A woman who loves animals and isn’t afraid to eat a juicy burger no matter who’s watching?
I want her to be real.
I want her to be that person.
My gut tells me she is. I’m usually not wrong on these things, but there’s a first time for everything. If this isn’t the real Tessa, she’s one hell of an actress. From what I know about her so far, she’s legit.
Climbing out of bed, I strip out of my boxer briefs and head to the shower. Normally, I would go for a run, but my ass is dragging from lack of sleep, and with a long practice ahead of me in the hot Californian sun, I know better than to push it. Maybe I’ll grab a nap when I get home, then go for a run this evening after the sun goes down. I could also hop on the treadmill, but I prefer being outside. Running on the beach is my favorite.
After my shower, I catch up on a few emails and watch ESPN until it’s time to leave. I hit the local bagel shop and grab us a couple of bagels with cream cheese and two large coffees. I don’t know how she takes hers, and for some unexplained reason, that irks me. So, I have them add cream and sugar to the bag just in case.
I pull up to her house ten minutes before eight. I see the curtain move, and that small gesture inflates my chest. She’s watching… waiting for me. I don’t try to contain my smile as I grab the bag of bagels and the carrier that holds our two cups of coffee. Miss Tessa is about to share her second meal with me. Juggling it all in one hand, I knock on the door. I know she’s close because she was just at the window, but it takes a long damn time to open.
The breath leaves my lungs as soon as the door opens. Tessa stands before me in a polo shirt that fits her nicely, showing off her slender frame and those incredible breasts, with the shelter’s logo on the chest. She’s in a pair of khaki shorts that are in no way sexy, but on her, they are. I can imagine those toned, tan legs of hers wrapped around me. Her hair is bunched up on topof her head, her curls wild, yet on her, they’re perfect. Her face is void of any makeup, and just like last night, the soft dusting of freckles on her cheeks is on display. It was a war I waged with myself to not pull her into my arms last night and trace them with my tongue. That urge is still there today, stronger than ever.
“Landon?” she prompts, and I shake myself out of my mental fog.
“Morning, Freckles,” I say, the nickname slipping past my lips before I can stop it. A frown appears as her forehead scrunches up. I fight the urge to reach out and smooth the lines with my thumb. “I brought breakfast,” I say instead.
“Come on in.” She steps back.
“How’s the ankle?”
“Sore, but I can put weight on it today.”
“Can you keep it propped up at your desk today?”
“For the most part. After cleaning cages, feedings, baths, things like that.”
“How about I come by after practice and help with those things?”
“That’s not necessary. I’ll be fine. I can’t baby it.”
“You need to rest it. Give it time to heal.”
“Oh, really. Tell me, Mr. QB, how many times have you played injured? How many times have you been out on that field when you wanted to be at home, propped up in bed? Or on the couch with a cold beer, nursing your wounds?”
“That’s different. That’s my job. I get paid a lot of money to be on that field.”
“This ismyjob, Landon. I might not make millions, but it’s my job. I love what I do, and I love those animals who depend on me.”
“I’m sorry,” I say, hearing the hurt in her voice. “I didn’t mean to offend you.” She turns to walk away. “Tess.” I reach outand gently grip her elbow. She stops and turns to look at me. “I’m sorry.”
She nods. “I need to finish getting ready.” She pulls away, and I let her.
“Can you eat first?” She stops but doesn’t turn around. “Please?” Her shoulders deflate, and I know that I have her. Who knew one simple word could have her agreeing so easily?
