Page 78 of Sweeper
“Not awful,” Vi responds, wrapping her arm around Allie. “Reasonable.”
Allie smiles gratefully and then glances at me to say, “Zander did a great job filling in for him on that kick, though.”
“Complete genius,” Poppy adds. “They had no idea what to expect from Zander, so it was an ace move.”
Vi’s blue eyes lock on me. “It’s very nice of you to cheer on yourneighbor, Daphney. I see you’re even sporting his club colors.”
My cheeks heat with embarrassment. “Just showing the family some support.”
“Zander isn’t a Harris last time I checked,” Phoebe coos, and I have to refrain myself from smacking her arm.
Vi winks at me playfully. “Wearing green and white is very neighborly of you, Daphney.”
“Shut up, both of you,” I exclaim, hating how Vi always sees right through me. “Zander and I are just mates.”
“Wish I had more mates who looked like that,” Belle adds, and everyone starts to giggle at my expense.
“Oh, my God. I’m going to leave.” I make a move to do so.
“Keep your shirt on,” Vi whines and grabs my arm. “We’re just winding you up.”
I cross my arms and harrumph. “Where’s my brother tonight?”
“Home watching the child,” Vi laughs. “We’re having a tequila sunrise ladies’ night tonight. We’re just waiting for Indie to come out of the changing rooms.”
“There she is now!” Belle says and points over at the gated entrance where several players’ cars are all parked. “Oi, hot stuff! Were you peeping on your husband in the changing rooms? They’ll take away your medical license for that!”
Indie laughs and shakes her head, walking over to the chain-link fence. “Hush, you,” Indie chirps, toying with her mess of red curls piled on top of her head. “I’m just going to wait until Camden comes out to tell him good game, and then I’m ready for a drink!”
As if on cue, the doors open again, and I swear everything turns to slow motion as several footballers all come strolling out. They’re kitted out in various stages of posh and casual, but no less expensive with their fancy watches, trainers, and matching jogger sets.
I hear collective audible sighs from all of the females within eyesight. And let’s face it, males too. Footballers in England aren’t something you get to see close up every day, and after a gripping match like that, it’s really reminded me how God-like they all are.
I’m instantly snapped out of my fawning when I spot Zander’s Red Sox hat sticking out of the mix. I turn on my heel and eye Phoebe harshly. “Shit, he’s going to think I’m out here waiting for him like a WAG.”
“No, he’s going to think you’re out here waiting for him like a neighbor with benefits. A NeWB, if you will,” Phoebe murmurs.
I can’t help but smile. “You really are a cheeky cow.”
“Hey, Ducky.” Zander’s familiar voice sends chills down my spine.
Inhaling sharply, I brace myself as I turn around to face him. I open my mouth to reply, but nothing comes out. I’m sort of stunned by his appearance. I’ve watched him play on the telly a couple of times now, but after seeing him on the pitch, up close and personal like that, I can’t help but slip into a full-blown swoon.
Did he get taller? More muscular? And did his eyes always sparkle like that? It’s like they’ve been electrified with light, and he’s pointing them right at me, and I am fucking dazzled into silence.
He laughs as I struggle to find words and asks, “Why didn’t you tell me you’d be here?”
I swallow the lump in my throat and tuck my hair behind my ears. “I didn’t know until Phoebe came and sprung me from the pub. I have no clue how she got Hubert to let me off.”
“That will be a secret between Hubie and me.” Phoebe waggles her eyebrows playfully at Zander, and the immediate flash of my jealousy takes me off guard.
I roll my eyes and attempt to gain control of my emotions and then realize that Zander isn’t even looking at her. He’s looking at me. He bites his lip as his eyes move down my body, making everything inside me clench with desire. My God, when will I stop thinking about sex every time I’m around him?
“What are you doing now?” he inquires, his voice huskier than before.
“We’re headed to Old George for a drink,” Phoebe says, throwing her arm around me.
I bite my lip and wish I could ditch my best friend right now. Zander has that look in his eyes that makes it very clear he doesn’t feel like being social. I like that look. I think I could look in the mirror and see the very same look on my face.
