Page 37 of Once Upon A Player
I grab a drinks menu, and we scrutinize it together. Over the years I’ve tried just about every alcoholic combination known to humankind and have the scars to prove it. Now when I’m out with the lads, I tend to go back to my roots and stick with beer, unless it’s a special occasion when I break out the champagne.
Tonight is not a beer night.
“Champagne cocktail?” I suggest.
“That sounds good.”
I order our drinks, and we stroll to the outside terrace. The tables are all taken, so we stand by the glass wall, and Violet rests her hand against the safety rail. “This view is amazing.”
“Sure is.” Not that I’m admiring the London skyline. Violet’s gorgeous hair falls over her shoulders, and tiny glittery flowers are twisted through her curls. Her lashes are longer than usual, her eyes are smoky, and her lips…
Her lips are going to haunt my dreams tonight.
Our cocktails arrive, and we clink glasses. Violet downs half of hers in one long gulp. I stare, entranced, as her lashes sweep over her eyes. She’s clearly relishing every bubble. Her tongue slides over her bright, glossy lips, collecting any stray drop, and myno stringsvow mocks me from afar.
Strings, like rules, are meant to be broken…
Chapter Twelve
Lucas
“This isseriouslysublime.” Violet gives an irresistible smile before tasting her salmon. I don’t remember the last time a girl was so artlessly enthusiastic over something so simple. Except Violet doesn’t inhabit the same circles I do, where everyone takes the A-list life for granted.
She’s like a breath of fresh air, and damn if she isn’t more addictive than any champagne I’ve tasted.
“My dad’s going to besojealous when I tell him I’ve been here.” She shakes her head as our second course arrives. “It’s just as well they’re away this weekend, otherwise he’d expect me to take them home a doggy bag.”
“It’s good,” I concede. “But not as good as your picnic.” It’s the truth. Not that she seems to think I mean it, by the dramatic roll of her eyes.
“I might be able to cook, but I’m not a chef. Can you imagine the pressure working in a commercial kitchen?” She gives a big fake shudder and takes a sip of the champagne I ordered with our meal. “Talk about deadline hell.”
“I don’t have a problem with working under pressure.”
“That’s just as well, considering what you do for a living.” She takes another longer sip of her drink, and I can’t tear my gaze away. How does she make something as simple as drinking so bloody sexy?
“I like the adrenaline rush.” Right from the first time I kicked a football, although it was a few more years before I got serious about it. By the time I was eleven, I knew what I wanted to do with my life, but playing sport as a career didn’t even register on my parents’ radar.
She sighs. “I hope you get the all-clear soon, Lucas. It must be driving you bonkers, not knowing.”
I’m not supposed to say anything until the official announcement early next week. Obviously, my agent and coach know, but the truth is, the first person I wanted to tell when they gave me the news was Violet.
It’s not like I’m contractually bound to keep my mouth shut.
I lean over the table and thread my fingers through hers. “Guess what? The medics gave me the all clear earlier today. I can start training again.”
Her smile lights up the room. “Oh, that’s fantastic news. I’m so happy for you.”
“It’s not common knowledge yet. But I wanted you to know.”
A delicate blush heats her cheeks, which is…fuck, it’s irresistible.Strings? What strings?
“I won’t tell a soul,” she whispers. “You can trust me.”
I know I can, and I’m this close to telling her about the transfer, which is now a done deal except for all parties signing on the dotted line. Sod it, Iamgoing to tell her. Who’s gonna know?
Before I can say anything, she picks up her glass and taps mine. “Congratulations.”
“Thanks.” I take a mouthful to keep her company, and when she goes to pick up the bottle, I take it from her and refill her glass. I don’t know what distracts me, since the place is packed and people are coming and going all the time, but from the corner of my eye I see a couple ushered to their seats three tables behind Violet.
