“I think you want her.” Didier lifted his cup. “You are not the type to see something you want and not go after it.”
No, he wasn’t. “What are we going to do about Erik?”
“Like we do in football.” Didier smiled. “We kick balls at the goal until they go in.”
Sitting up, Jamie set the football down and picked up the coffee Didier had made him. “What are you going to do this afternoon? Practice?”
His friend frowned, looking away. “I thought to go for a walk with Erik to see the university.”
Something in his tone made Jamie stop and pay attention. “Did you already practice today?”
Didier shrugged again. “It’s off-season.”
“That’s never stopped you from training.” Didier had always been one of the most dedicated players Jamie knew, and the years hadn’t changed that. Even in off-season Didier trained like he was getting ready for a championship game.
Come to think of it, he wasn’t sure Didier had practiced at all since they’d arrived. And he’d have known because Didier usually hounded them all to join him.
“Perhaps I need a break,” Didier said with an ironic twist of his lips. “I’m getting old.”
“That’s shite. You’re only thirty-two.” Jamie leaned forward, frowning. “There’s something you aren’t telling me.”
“Is that surprising? I’m French. I was born with secrets in my blood.” He stood up. “I will take care of Erik. You take care of Rachel.”
Jamie watched his friend walk out of the room. Something wasn’t right—he knew in his gut it was what had compelled Didier to come on this trip. Didier was a good guy, but going halfway across the world on a mission of love for someone he’d only had a casual relationship with before wasn’t like him.
Before he could think of that more, his mobile buzzed with a text. Picking it up, he ignored all the other texts waiting for him and opened the latest one because it was from Rachel. They’d exchanged numbers before leaving Clancy’s yesterday, and he’d texted her last night, but they were still feeling each other out.
Rachel
I need a pick-me-up.
What word would you give me for today?
He didn’t even have to think about it.
Jamie
KISSES
Rachel
You think kisses would help me?
Jamie
If they were from me, yes.
Jamie
Your turn.
Give me a word for Didier.
Rachel
POWER
Jamie sat back, staring at the message. That wasn’t what he expected her to say—at all.