“Didn’t even cross my mind.”
She smiled before looking away quickly. Well, well... I had a hunch that Ms. Friendly-Not-Friends here had troubles sticking to her own rules. Behind those black-rimmed glasses was a flirty woman. I couldn’t wait to uncover her.
The parking lot was empty as we headed to Brooke’s car, a Honda SUV. The flat tire was at the front. I immediately set to work. Brooke brought me the jack, and while I lifted the car, she brought the spare tire. We made small talk while I changed it.
“You often train in the evenings after everyone’s gone?”
“Checking if you should avoid the gym in the evenings?” I looked up, winking at her to let her know I was joking. She still became flustered.
“Jace... no, of course not. I meant to talk to you about the other day. I’m sorry if I came across as rude.”
“You didn’t. You were just making yourself clear. Don’t worry. And to answer your question, yes. I am often at the gym in the evening. I like the quiet.”
“Wouldn’t have pegged you for the type who enjoys the quiet. Especially with the attention you’re getting.”
“The job’s not as glamorous as people think. Lots of training, restrictions on food and drinks.”
“Parties are also part of the package.”
“I don’t enjoy those as much as I used to,” I said honestly.
“Why not?”
“Easy there. That question crosses the line from friendly to friends.”
Brooke pressed her lips together, looking away. We spent the next few minutes in silence, which was a pity. I liked talking to her. It was easy.
After I finished placing the last lug nut, I rose to my feet. Unfortunately, either the tire or the jack had had grease on it, and I’d transferred it all to my shirt.
“You got it all dirty,” Brooke lamented.
“It’ll wash off.”
“I can wash it for you.”
I knew what she’d meant, but I couldn’t let the opportunity pass.
“Very creative way of asking me to take my shirt off.”
Brooke blinked a few times, playing with the end of her ponytail between her fingers. “I thought you only took off your clothes for the calendar or your sister’s campaigns.”
“I make exceptions.”
She blushed. “I’m not used to being surrounded by so much testosterone.”
I touched her chin, lifting it up a notch, wanting to look straight at her. She drew her lower lip between her teeth.
“How do you like it?” I challenged, resting my thumb on the dimple at the right corner of her mouth. Brooke cleared her throat, and I lowered my hand.
“I’ve never been around soccer players before. It’ll take me some time to get used to it.”
“Won’t take so long if you spend time with us. Are you joining us
at the bar tomorrow?”
We were celebrating our string of victories at one of the bars near the club. We were there so often after home games that the owner usually made it an exclusive event. Tomorrow was bound to be more low-key since it wasn’t directly after a game.
“I wasn’t planning to.”