Page 5 of Best Year Ever
He nods. “We have spots where we can chill without it getting crazy. And I did just go to one of the big amusement parks for the first time, for a Waves event. That ended up being a blast.”
“Oh, I used to be obsessed with the theme parks there when we had a break at our training academy,” I share, excitement in my voice as I remember my childhood passion.
A wide grin stretches across his face. “I bet you looked cute with those mouse ears.”
I smile back, and we just look at each other for a minute. Then the air in the room noticeably shifts with our prolonged connection—more intense, more tethered, more electric.
Another beat passes, and something flashes in his eyes as he looks at me. Like he made a decision. He starts slowly walking closer, and the four-foot distance between us shrinks.
“So, Gloria Reilly, what do you like to do for fun?”
CHAPTER 2
Landon
Itake Rori in as she stands in front of the window, the New York skyline shining through behind her. The lights reflect on her silver dress, and she’s shimmering all over. Cinnamon hair, tanned limbs, super fit body. She seems completely unaffected by how naturally beautiful she looks. Like a lot of athletes, you can sense her inner strength, too. She has that special confidence and sense of purpose that comes with success.
Our conversation has flowed easily so far, and part of me wants to keep talking. Keep getting to know her.
Unlike most women I meet at parties, there is no hidden agenda here, and it feels so different—we can be ourselves. Despite the fact that she just turned twenty (something else I clocked on Google), she has a maturity that often arrives early when you’re traveling the world and dealing with adults from a young age in elite competitive sports.
Still, there’s a strong physical draw to her too. She’s incredibly sexy without even trying. I felt a jolt of attraction when she walked into the party an hour ago, and the feeling is building as we speak more. Not only is she striking, but the sincerity and confidence radiating from her are surprisingly seductive in theirown way.
I’m not totally certain whether she’s interested yet, but I wouldn’t protest something happening between us tonight.
A pause in the conversation hits. I’m suddenly aware of our aloneness as she stands there, smiling at me.
I’m going to do something to test the waters.
“So, Gloria Reilly, what do you like to do for fun?” Whooph. Maybe a little strong. Definitely a little cheesy. But it’s been weeks since I made a move on anyone with the Trinity situation hanging over me, and my game is rusty.
I see her face momentarily freeze in surprise at my change in conversational direction. Then her expression smooths out.
“Probably something similar to what you do, superstar. With that reputation and everything.” She’s mocking me, but lightly, with a knowing look in her eye.
I take another step towards her. “I told you, I’m a better man than my reputation.”
I pause and then decide to push things even further.
“But there’s no denying that when you walked into the party, I had no interest in being a better man tonight.”Damn, I hope that lands.
Turns out, it does.
“Is that so?” she says intently, leaning toward me a little more, keeping her eyes locked on mine.
If I’m reading her movements right, she’s interested. My earlier question now answered.
“It is,” I say. “You look gorgeous, in case no one has told you. As soon as you walked into the room, I wanted to know more.”
“Resulting in that Google search,” she says, not breaking eye contact.
“And finding you as soon as you were alone.”
She smiles at my comment, her eyes bright from the light coming through the windows. “Well, I’m glad you did. Even if it’s the first time a guy has waited to meet me outside the ladies room at a party.”
I laugh. I like that she teases me, it’sdifferent.
“I apologize for our start, then,” I say. “But I hope I’m making up for it.”
