Page 51 of Playbook
She wrinkles up her nose.
“It’s good.” That might be overselling it, so I tip my head to the side and say, “Okay, maybe not good, but it’s an efficient way to get protein, carbs, and fats, and I can drink it on the drive to the stadium.”
The breeze blows her hair into her face, and she pushes it back with one finger, still smiling at me. “I like my coffee for the same reason. I get my essentials, caffeine and sugar, in one delicious mug.”
Our laughter drifts off and we continue to stare at each other over the top of the door.
“So…” she says finally.
I’m finding I don’t really want to leave. I enjoyed hanging with her tonight, even if the circumstances were odd. We don’t have any other fake dates set up to see each other again and though I hadn’t planned on it, I find myself asking, “Do you want to come back to my place?”
Her lips part, then she closes them again. “As your fake girlfriend?”
“Just to hang. Nothing official.”
“Thank you for that.” She waves a hand toward the restaurant. “You were great. My sister and Ben loved you, and I appreciate that you were so chill about everything. Especially considering I was so nervous.”
“But?” I know she’s not coming home with me by the look on her face, but I still want to hear why. Maybe I can change her mind.
“I’m exhausted and tomorrow I promised to help Sierra with flowers for the wedding.”
“Ah,” I say, shoving my hands in my pockets. She’s blowing me off, which can only mean that she’s just not interested. Major bummer.
“When is your next team event?” she asks.
“A week from today. I’ll send you the details.”
“Great,” she says, but she looks nervous. “Do all your friends and teammates know about us now?”
“Archer is the only one that knows the truth.”
“Your brother and roommate?”
I nod. “Yeah. I tell him everything.”
“And everyone else?”
“Most of my teammates have heard through the rumor mill at this point.”
She presses her lips together to stifle another laugh. “I wouldn’t have thought football players liked to gossip.”
“Oh, they’re the worst,” I tell her. “Big fucking mouths, all of them. Especially my buddy Tripp.”
More of that sweet laughter trickles out of her.
I finally move away from her car and step back toward my truck. “Later, lover.”
“Oh, god no. That’s worse than baby.” She shakes her head as she ducks into the car. “Good night,honey.”
FOURTEEN
Holland Brother Love Hotline
Me
Yo, Knox, are flowers overkill for a day date?
Knox
