Page 16 of The Game

“We fly out tomorrow morning.”

“Be careful. Your dad and I’ll be watching.”

“I will. Take care and see you next weekend.” As annoying as she is, I love my mom more than anything. Both her and

my father. They’ve been my biggest supporters. My family attended all my college games and make as many of my pro games as possible.

“I love you, Gunner.”

“Love you, too. Tell Dad, I love him.” I click off and rest my head against the headrest.

What am I going to do about the wedding? If I don’t bring a date, my mom’s going to be hellbent on setting me up with someone. And, her choices are more like getting a pair of argyle socks when you’re hoping for a pair of thigh-high stockings.

Would Dani go with me? My eyes pop open. The streetlight in front of the Jeep makes the interior of my vehicle bright enough to read inside.

We get along well, and we’re kind of friends. Never mind. After Tony’s stunt tonight, she’s never going to talk to me again.

I groan. Maybe I should try one of those dating apps and forget all about my celibacy pact. I put the vehicle in drive and back out of the parking lot.

Chapter Nine

Dani

The lights are off when I open the gym door, and my heart dives to my feet. The team flew in last night, so I’d hoped Gunner would come in early to workout. Great. He must be taking the day off with the rest of the team.

Pathetically, my little girl fantasies had conjured up a scenario where he couldn’t go another second without seeing me. Right. That so isn’t going to happen.

I unlock my door and shake my head. There’s no reason for him to be in today. Most of the players avoid the stadium like the plague on an off day. They prefer sleeping in or having sex. Who wouldn’t?

There will be a few stragglers throughout the day. Those who got hurt during the game or ones who are rehabbing from previous injuries will meet with their trainers. But it won’t be Gunner.

I slide into my chair, roll backward, and close my eyes. I’ve turned into such a fangirl with a crush. I watched every second of the game and experienced a rush of adrenaline each time the camera panned onto him.

My dad probably thinks I’m going through menopause at this point. Not that my dad wasn’t doing his fair share of Gunner gushing. If there are openings in his fan club, we would get top honors.

“Hey, Dani.”

“Oh!” I squeal and jump in my seat. Gunner. Shit. My face heats as I twist to face him. “Sorry, you scared the shit out of me.” Shit. I just said shit to Gunner. What’s wrong with me?

He bites his bottom lip, and his chest heaves as he stares at the ceiling.

“It’s fine. You can laugh. I’m sure I sounded like someone threw a snake in the room.”

“You might have.” He chuckles and crosses his arms over his chest.

My gaze follows his movements. Damn. He’s so sexy. His pecs twitch as he rotates his head from side to side. Fuuuck. “Good game yesterday.”

“You watched it?”

“Of course. My dad and I always watch the game.”

“Awesome. I knew you said you guys were fans, but I didn’t know if your dad stuck with his first team or not.”

“Kansas City gave him his last chance to play, and we’ve been here ever since. He loves the city and the team.” I shrug. “There were some hard feelings with his old team when he was traded, but it’s all resolved now.”

“That’s good.” He nods.

“Yes, it is. Dad’s got a soft spot for his old owner. They go out at least a couple of times a year to play golf and catch up on old times.” I scoot back.

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