Page 12 of Once Upon A Player
Lucas
Violet releases my phone, but there’s a wary expression on her face as though she’s having second thoughts about the whole thing. Is she really that against seeing me again unless it’s strictly professional?
“Okay.” There’s a guarded note in her voice, and it’s like the laughing girl from a couple of minutes ago never existed. I step back to give her more space, even though I’m not sure why my comment made her react so badly. No way do I want her to think I’m coming on to her if it’s the last thing she wants.
Is my chick radar screwed?
“Sorry, Violet. I seriously want your advice, no strings attached.”
Not unless you want them.And if she’s not a football fan, why would she?
She lets out a ragged breath, and her shoulders relax. “No, I’m sorry. It’s not you, it’s—”
“Don’t say it.” I have the insane urge to laugh, and when her lips twitch in response, I shake my head. “You really were gonna say it, weren’t you?”
She grimaces. “Yeah. Sorry. I didn’t mean it that way. It’s just…” She chews on her bottom lip, which is sexy as hell but also a little sad, like she needs a hug. I shove my hands into my pockets before I do something stupid. “Well, the thing is, I dated a footballer for a while. It didn’t end well.”
Lightbulbs flash, along with a fair degree of relief that my chick radar hasn’t turned rogue. “Anyone I know? Want me to sort them out for you?”
“I’ll pass, thanks.” She’s smiling again, and the frosty vibe has totally vanished. “I just promised myself I’d never date a player again, that’s all. No matter how casual.”
“Fair enough.” Fuck, that sucks. “If you change your mind, give me a heads up.”
She laughs, like she thinks I’m joking. “In any case, I’m not into open relationships, so I guess that rules anything out, right?”
“You’re breaking my heart here, Violet.”
“You’re the heartbreaker, Lucas.”
I slap my hand over my chest and stagger back toward the kitchen. “You shouldn’t believe everything you read in the gossip pages.”
“I don’t. And I’ll have mine white with no sugar, please.”
As I pour the coffee, I can’t stop watching her as she takes her equipment out of the room. What would she say if I told her I’m tired of casual, and open relationships are the only ones I’ve ever had because that’s all that’s on offer?
She’d probably think I was spinning her another line.
Chapter Five
Lucas
Two Weeks Later
Today, I officially move into the penthouse. The place is now full of my personal crap spread across a showcase interior. Violet will either be ecstatic when she sees the mess she has to work with, or she’ll have a fit.
Right at eight p.m., there’s a rap on the front door, and I’m still grinning as I stroll across the hallway. Violet’s been here four times during the last two weeks, when we discussed the redesign of the room and she showed me various configurations on her laptop. She never stayed longer than a couple of hours, we haven’t touched, her smile is driving me crazy, and I can’t wait until we see each other again.
I’m fucking doomed.
“Hey,” I greet my twin brother, Harry, as I pull open the door, and he steps inside, a six-pack hanging off his finger. He pauses and sweeps his glance around the hall.
“This is nothing like your old flat.”
Nothing like his apartment, either. “It’s not a Grade II listed property, but I have it on good authority it’s a great investment.”
Harry grunts in apparent approval, and I slap him on the shoulder and lead the way into the kitchen, where a dozen recently delivered cartons of takeaway Thai are spread across the worktop. Harry pulls the lids off a couple of cartons, and the aroma of the spicy stir-fry makes my gut grumble.
“You expecting anyone else?” He hands me a beer, and I know what he’s really asking.
