Page 30 of The Comeback

“Yes.” I step back and offer her my hand. Thankfully, she didn’t call me by another name–a guy Charlotte wanted to date before she met me. “It’s a pleasure to meet you. This place is stunning.”

“Thank you.” She drops her arms to her sides and puts some space between us.

“You did a great job putting this together,” Charlotte says while running a hand through her hair. The guy checking us out has left the pool and is talking to someone at the buffet.

“So, is this a thing?”

“Charlotte has agreed to go out on one date with me. That’s all I’ve gotten out of her, so this is a trial run to see if I’m deserving of a second date.”

Tara laughs. “Ri-i-i-i-ght.”

“What’s that supposed to mean?” Charlotte crosses her arms over her chest, and I congratulate myself on not being a lustful teenager and ogling her impressive cleavage.

Okay. I looked. I’m not a saint, and I’m not even going to pretend like I am. I fully intend to get up close and personal with those tits as soon as I can get her away from here.

“I could tell how much you liked him the second I saw you together.”

I wink. “It was the leg humping, wasn’t it?”

“Weston!” Charlotte glares. “I didn’t hump your leg.”

“But you were thinking about it.”

“Just because I was thinking about it doesn’t mean I did it.” Her eyes light up with humor under the muted lights above the patio.

“I think I like you. You seem to have a good sense of humor. That’s always a pre-requisite in a marriage.”

“Tara.” Charlotte’s eyes widen. “Don’t scare him off. I just met him. If you bring up the M-word, he’ll block my calls, and I’ll never see him again.”

“I think it’s too late. She already said the dreaded word.” I wrap my arm around her waist because not touching her is impossible. Even when we’re vaguely discussing the M-word.

Tara gives Charlotte a look. “It appears like he’s sticking around.”

“I’m not going anywhere.”

Instead of anxiety at the thought of a long-term relationship with Charlotte, I’m excited by the prospect. We get along great–once we got past that initial not-so-cute meet. We never run out of topics to discuss. My sister likes her, and she hates everyone right now. And her best friend throws an awesome neon pool party.

Tara waves at a man a few yards away. “That’s my husband, Dylan.” He nods at her and weaves through the crowd. “We have two kids who’re with family tonight. We rarely take a moment for ourselves, but the weather has been superb, and we couldn’t pass up the opportunity to have an outdoor event.”

Her husband cocks his chin out and eyes me up and down. “Don’t I know you?”

“Weston Summers.” I shove out my hand.

“Weston Summers?” His face lights up. “The Weston Summers in the flesh. It’s great to meet you. I have one of your photographs on the wall of my man cave.”

“That explains a lot.” Tara giggles.

“Wench,” he growls and pulls his wife to his side with his arm around her shoulders. “I heard the team picked you up. How’re things going?”

I shove one hand into the pocket of my swim shorts while keeping the other wrapped around Charlotte. “I love the team so far. It’s the best one I’ve ever been on since I was drafted into the pros. And with any luck, I’ll remain on the team when training camp hits.”

Charlotte’s body stiffens against me. Talking about my position or lack thereof on the team brings up all the reasons she doesn’t want to be with me. Relocating–again. Talk about putting a damper on a party.

“Is there doubt?” Tara’s eyes dart between mine and Charlotte’s. As her best friend, she’s likely been well versed in Charlotte’s concern about a wandering football player popping in and out of her life.

“Hopefully not.” I shrug. “At least, I don’t expect there to be. I’ve been working with the trainers and therapists since an Achille’s injury. And a couple of weeks ago, I was challenged to meet with Charlotte and learn ballet to increase my strength and balance. She’s helped me a lot. I’m almost back to pre-injury speed times.”

“That’s great to hear.” Dylan slaps my shoulder. “We have season tickets, and I’d love to see you play for our team. It would be a treat.”

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