Page 23 of Blind Date with a #FORMERPLAYER
Layla seems like the kind of woman that wouldn’t turn someone away when they need her, even when she knows I have other options. It’s obvious she has a good heart now that I’ve opened my damn eyes.
Last night, although she let me rub her feet, she held me at arm’s length the rest of the short night. When she sent me home with a brief hug, and a light brush of her lips across my cheek, it took everything in me not to press her against the door and kiss her senseless. Something told me that a move like that would have her building impenetrable walls against me, but at the same time, I’m determined to prove her wrong. I’m not who she thinks I am. With her, I don’t want to be that man anymore.
Layla is the first woman I’ve wanted to chase since before I got moved up to the minors and everything in my life changed in aninstant. By the time I went pro, my reputation as a player shined in the media for better or worse, no matter what I did. Their claims may hold some truth, but they don’t know the real me. What they say about me will not impact what I want or who I want to be anymore. I just hope Layla takes that into consideration when she hears something about me because it’s bound to happen.
Taking a deep breath, I steel myself, and climb out of the car, making my way towards the football field, knowing that’s where I’ll find her after talking to the coach earlier. I spot her petite form almost immediately with her back to me, sticking her perfectly curved ass out to put her weight into what she’s doing. A smile tugs at my lips as I watch her stretching the arm of one of the players almost twice her size. Noticing me, the players turn, one by one. I grin, waving and nodding towards their coach in appreciation.
“Heads back on the play if you don’t want me adding to your suicides,” their coach yells, demanding his players’ attention.
The team’s chatter finally turns Layla’s head and her eyes widen in shock, but she quickly masks it and focuses back on the student she’s assisting. Staying back, I watch her work, her gaze continuously flicking up to me. Finally, she steps away from him and he smirks, glancing in my direction before saying something to her. Her cheeks brighten and she laughs awkwardly, shaking her head before he jogs away.
Her shoulders rise and fall as if taking a deep breath before she spins on her heel, her ponytail slapping her cheek as she faces me. Her steps falter before both of us close the distance between us. “Levi. What are you doing here? I thought you had to go to therapy.”
“I do.” Her brow furrows in confusion and I quickly explain. “The physical therapist my team scheduled for me is a half hour drive. She’s fine, but I asked her for my records and told them I had someone else in mind to take over my PT that won’t have me constantly driving.”
It only takes a moment before her understanding reflects back at me. Her eyes widen and she points to herself. “Me?”
“Of course, you.”
“I already have a job,” she emphasizes, flailing her hand dramatically towards the field.
“And helping me won’t take away from that. I’ll come to you and work around your schedule. Plus, you will be paid well.”
“This is crazy. I don’t understand. Why me?”
“Because I trust you, Layla.”
I hear her quick intake of air, but I pretend not to. “Levi, I work with high school athletes, not anyone at the professional level.”
“You have helped your brother.”
“Not while he’s been pro,” she mumbles, a flicker of doubt passing through her eyes.
Hearing the vulnerability in her voice, elicits a band of pinpricks to erupt on my insides. Maintaining my gaze on her, my tone softens. “I believe you can assist me. Please, Layla. I need you.”
She scoffs and looks around, as if searching for an out. Dragging her eyes to mine, she releases a resigned breath. “I don’t think this is a good idea.”
“This is the best idea I’ve had so far.”
Her eyes narrow and she crosses her arms over her chest. “Don’t you ever hear the word, no?”
I chuckle, rocking back on my heels. “Of course, I do. You sure as hell aren’t afraid to say it to me.”
She huffs a laugh. “You’re unbelievable.”
“Thanks.”
“That wasn’t a compliment.”
Smirking, I shrug. “So, are you going to help me with my PT?”
I see the glimmer in her eyes the moment she decides to relent. “Ugh, fine. Do you have your files for me to review before we start?”
A broad grin spreads across my face. “I can have everything sent to you right away. Text me youremail address.”
Layla pulls out her phone and sends me a message immediately, glaring at her cell as if she’s mad at the device she’s holding in a death grip. Damn, she’s adorable. Although, I don’t think now is the time to tell her. I have a feeling if I shared that with her, she wouldn’t be happy and I need her commitment before I step too close to the fire. Hesitating to bring up money, I ask, “We’ll be fair, but don’t you want to know how much it pays?” I hold my breath, anticipating her response.
“Send me the offer in your message. I have to get back to work,” she claims pointing behind her.
