Page 19 of The Game

“A perfect pain in the ass.” She shakes her head and blows a raspberry on Joselyn’s neck, who giggles and claps.

“I can’t wait until you get this friend of yours knocked up and have a little shit running around.” Veronica nuzzles Joselyn’s cheeks. “God, I could eat you up.”

“Shit.” I pivot on my heel and open the door to my bedroom.

“What?”

“Condoms.” Not that I’m going to be lucky enough to get into Dani’s panties, but I’d hate to get the opportunity and not be able to follow through.

“Hell, yes.” She punches me in the arm. “I can’t wait to meet this friend, who’s only a friend, that you’re wearing an Italian suit for, while going to a family wedding, and needing multiple condoms for.”

“Don’t say anything.” I glare at her. Way to go. Stepped right into that one. “I’m serious, Veronica. I don’t think I stand a chance with her.”

“What the fuck? How could you not stand a chance with someone?”

“We’re friends. She’s a trainer for the team, and we get along great. But she’s put me in the friend zone.” My face heats. “When we met, I thought she was a lesbian.”

“Seriously?” She rolls her eyes. “Because a woman doesn’t throw herself at your feet, you think she’s into girls?”

“No, because I really like her and…” Double shit. I’ve said too much.

Veronica moves Joselyn from one hip to the other. “Oh, my gosh. You’ve got it bad. You think she’s ‘the one?’” Her eyes dance with amusement.

“I don’t know.” I shrug. “If she is, I’m probably screwed.”

She cuffs my chin. “You’re Gunner Sinclair. The hottest guy on the football field. If you like her – woo her. Girls eat that shit up. She won’t stand a chance.”

“You think?” Could I have a shot with Dani? My heart skips a beat as overwhelming hope floods through me.

“Yes, I think.” She winks. “Grab the whole box. Get a hotel room and blow her mind. At this point, you’ll probably blow your own mind.”

“Funny.” A whole box of condoms. Holy cow. I’m not sure I’m up for that. Well, fuck. I’m up for that.

“When I get to the wedding, I’ll look for you. You can hold Joselyn for a minute.”

My eyes narrow into slits, and I wrinkle my nose. “Why?”

“Don’t be a dumbass. Girls love babies. If she doesn’t want to rip your pants off and polish your knob in this outfit, a toddler will seal the deal.”

“God, you’re crude.” I laugh. As stupid as this conversation is, I’m strangely glad I had it.

Veronica holds out her arms and makes faces at Joselyn. “You’re going to have a little baby cousin before you know it, little one.”

“Veronica, stop.”

“What?”

“Don’t get carried away. She might not be interested.”

“If she knows you’re bringing an entire box of condoms, she’ll be more than interested.”

“Shit. What about the team? I’m supposed to stay focused until the season is over. We were so close last year.” I study the space behind her. The open floorplan leads to the main floor.

“Argg, don’t. Get laid. Football is a game. Sex and romance are – real life.”

“I know that, but the guys depend on me to stay focused. Coach. Hell, the entire town and state. They’re all depending on me.”

She places a hand on my chest. “Falling in love might be exactly what you need to be the best player you’ve ever been.”

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