Page 114 of Hard Hitter
His hand found its way onto her ass. “I’m trying not to scare you, sweetheart. But you’re it for me. There isn’t anything I wouldn’t give you, or do for you. So have a croissant on me.” He pulled her in. And even though PDA was not Ari’s style, the kiss she received was worth it.
“Ahem,” Lola prompted. “Your coffees are ready.”
They broke apart, and Ari picked up her cup, not quite meeting the young woman’s eyes. “Thank you.”
She turned around to scan for an empty table, and her heart stopped dead.
There sat Nate Kattenberger at a table with his assistant, Lauren.
She must have made a sound of dismay, because Patrick turned to look. Then he chuckled under his breath.
“Don’t laugh,” she hissed, turning her face toward Patrick and away from Nate. “I told you I wanted to be subtle. That was less than ten hours ago and we’ve already blown it.”
His blue eyes regarded her kindly. “I’m sorry, baby. It’s all my fault, but now I’m going to say good morning to Nate now. Come with me, okay? There’s no point in acting guilty.”
She knew he was right. But heat crawled up her neckanyway as she followed him over to the table where the owner and his assistant had notes spread out. They were obviously in the midst of a morning meeting. Anyone who glanced at their table would be forgiven for confusing the corporate titan with the office manager. What a funny pair they made—Lauren in a killer suit, dark red with matching shoes—and Nate in one of his identical hoodies and a pair of his thousand-dollar designer skateboarding sneakers.
“Morning,” Patrick said as he approached.
“Good morning Patrick. Ariana.”
“Hi.” He had to have seen that kiss. It wasn’t subtle. She couldn’t blame Patrick, either. It takes two to play tonsil hockey in a bakery.
Lauren lifted her regal chin and gave Ari the once-over. “Nice show you put on over there. I didn’t know you were dating a player.”
Just like that Ari’s blood pressure doubled.Thanks, Lauren. What have I ever done to you?She wished the floor would open up and swallow her.
Patrick sighed. He set their tray down on a neighboring table and crossed his big arms. “Lauren, it’s always a pleasure to see you.”
She rolled her eyes.
“...But Ari is about to kill us both right now, because she’s skittish about spending time with a player.”
“She should be,” Lauren said, capping a fancy-looking silver pen. “Because that always ends so well. I’m heading into the office now. We’re all set, right, Nathan?”
Ari’s eyes cut to Nate, who nodded at Lauren. He wore the usual inscrutable Nate face—partly amused, a little smug, and only half present. “Have a seat, you two.”
Oh, goody. Face time with the big boss just after he saw you making out with his star player. She pulled out a chair and sat down.
Patrick grabbed their tray off the other table and put it down in front of her. She picked up her cup to give her hands something to do.
Nate drained his own coffee and watched Lauren depart. “She doesn’t pull her punches.”
“Never has,” O’Doul agreed calmly.
“She’s a great office manager,” Nate said. “Everyone has different methods, but Lauren rules through intimidation.” He chuckled, then met Ari’s gaze. “Try not to be too irritated with her. Lauren is out of sorts because I asked her to work in Brooklyn for the duration of the Bruisers season. She’s not happy with me.” He gave the famous Nate smirk. “But you should know that I don’t share her pessimism for whatever relationship you have with our captain here.”
“You don’t?” Ari asked a little too quickly.
Setting his cup down, Nate shook his head. “The people I employ work some of the longest hours in New York. I don’t mean just the hockey team right before play-offs—I mean everyone at my software company, too. What kind of asshole would I be if I discouraged my employees from finding a partner at work? Where else would my employees meet people? I’m not heartless, and I’m not stupid. If workplace romances were forbidden, I’d lose good employees to my competitors. Besides—the employees I want are the ones who know how to forge strong relationships.”
“That is a good point, sir,” Patrick said.
Ari studied the foam on top of her coffee. She liked the sound of Nate’s words, but she didn’t trust them. The rules for women were sometimes different than the rules for men. She’d seen the way he reacted to Becca’s flirting. Speaking of Becca, Ari’s consciousness stumbled over something. “Why did you ask Lauren to work in Brooklyn?” she asked suddenly.
Nate leaned his head in one hand. “Rebecca is going to be out for a few days, if not longer.”
“She is?” Ari broke in. “Why?”
