“Why not?”
“It’s just an informal event.”
“Which gives you a great opportunity to spend time with us in a relaxed environment. We’ll have a few drinks, play darts or pool. Who knows? Maybe you’ll like us enough to reconsider the friendly-vs-friends credo.”
She shook her head, smiling. “That won’t happen.”
I was beginning to think that wasn’t true. Coach Derringer was a cold man, rarely speaking more than he had to. Brooke was nothing like him. She was warm and chatty, and his polar opposite in every way, I could tell.
“Does that mean you won’t play a game of pool with me? On my team? I haven’t lost a game in years.” I stepped closer, placing my hand on the car deck, close to her head. I was fighting to bring out her inner flirt. I could tell she was fighting back. I could also tell the exact moment I won her over, because she looked away quickly before refocusing on me.
“Fine. If I come, I’ll play on your team.”
“After we win, I’ll buy you a drink and negotiate that credo of yours some more.”
“You don’t really understand the concept of boundaries, do you?” she asked playfully, her gaze zeroing on my lips before she looked up abruptly. I was barely refraining from pinning her against the car door and kissing her.
I was in her personal space, but I didn’t want to push too much. I risked her shutting me down. I owed her honesty, though.
“I understand boundaries, Brooke. I’m just not very good at respecting them.”
Chapter Five
Brooke
Next day, I was the first to arrive at the Lords headquarters. I wasn’t a big fan of the open-floor office plan. It lacked privacy, and it was a bit too loud, but this early it was just perfect.
I started by sending out an email to all players, informing them that I’d finished reviewing their files and had proposals for each of them that we would be discussing during our one-on-one meetings. I reminded them they could come to me with questions at any time, then proceeded to call a few companies we could approach for sponsorships and endorsements.
When I checked my emails two hours later, my inbox was flooded with replies from the players.
And even though Jace’s wasn’t the first one, I started by opening his.
Jace: I’m impressed. Ready so quickly? Or did you start with me?
Brooke: That was a mass email.
I’d put everyone in bcc though, so I could see why he’d gotten confused. He couldn’t see I’d sent it to every player.
Jace: Damn. And I thought I was special.
Brooke: Aww, sorry to disappoint you. Just doing my job.
Jace: Are you as thorough in your research with everyone as you are with me?
He was calling me out on my scouting activity regarding his shirtless pics. I couldn’t admit to giving him more attention than the other players, especially after last evening.
Just remembering how he looked at me was enough to make me feel hot and bothered. My entire body was on fire whenever he was close.
Brooke: Always.
I went on to reply to another player’s email, but the second the thread with Jace showed another unread email, I went back to it. I couldn’t resist.
Jace: You wound me.
Brooke: You’ll survive.
Jace: Will I see you tonight?