Page 25 of Tempting the Player
A muscle in his cheek flexes. “Iwasa professional football player, but I was never a big shot. I played a couple of games my first year, got injured and then cut. I worked my way back onto the practice squad last season, so Brogan likes to tell people I’m on the team, but that’s not exactly the truth.”
“I don’t know what the practice squad is, but it sounds pretty important. Not a lot of people make it that far.”
“Yeah, I suppose you’re right.”
“So the thing about college and majors...total crap or are you going to Valley U now?” I try to think back to that day outside of the library. Was he carrying a backpack?
“I did go to the University of Washington for a couple of years before I quit to enter the draft, that was true.”
“And now?”
“I haven’t decided. I’ve thought about it, but I’m not sure if I can really see myself finishing my degree,” he says as he brings one hand up to my face and pushes back a strand of hair that the wind has blown across my cheek.
My breath hitches as his fingers drag along my skin, and he drops his hand quickly.
“Sorry,” he murmurs.
“It’s fine.” I wrap my arms around my waist, ignoring the tingles racing through my body, and lean forward. “Maybe this is a dumb question, but why did you decide to quit college early to go into the NFL?” I don’t know a lot about football or the NFL, but Felix is entering the draft this year, and he waited so he could finish college first.
“It’s a long story.”
“I have all kinds of time.”
He grins. “Talking about myself is not nearly as exciting as hearing about you.”
“So, you do think I’m exciting?”
I don’t get a response back, but it doesn’t matter. I can read it on his face right now. He’s feeling me too. But I don’t get why he’s so hesitant.
“Do you want to head back to the party?” I motion with my head toward the house.
“Honestly? Not really.”
“I have an idea.” I stand and walk back to the door while he stares after me. “Are you coming?”
He gets to his feet, and I hold the door open for us.
“Where are we going?” he asks.
“Trust me,” I say. “I’m your fun tour guide, remember?”
I head upstairs with him still following behind me, then lead him down the hall to my room.
“I have cards, board games, or we could watch a movie.” I turn to stand in front of my bedroom door facing him. I twist the handle behind my back and open it, still watching his reaction.
“You want to play a game?” His playful smirk has my heart beating wildly. “I don’t know if I can trust you. I saw your distraction technique.”
He has no idea just how much I want to distract him. Or maybe he does. His gaze drops to my mouth and the air feels charged between us. I take a step forward and his hazel eyes darken as his body tenses.
“Jane,” he whispers my name. The sound is somewhere between a plea and a warning.
I lean closer, bringing my lips to his. I stop at the last second and stare up at him. “Yeah?”
“I...” He starts and his throat works as he swallows. He tears his gaze away from my mouth and looks behind me.
Before I know what’s happening, Hendrick pushes past me and stands inside my room. “What the hell happened in here?”
I’m confused until I step into the room beside him. Gasping, I bring both hands to my face.
