When she leaves, I watch her go longer than I should. As my gaze lingers, Stephen returns to me with the head of Every Kid.
We chat for a while about some of the work his organization has done to expand sports access, and when we’re done, Stephen pulls me aside.
“We have a press tour coming up to show some of the bloggers and podcasters around the stadium—those who don’t usually come in person to cover the games. We’re showcasing the new food booths, do a tour, then some photos. Any chance you’d want to join in? It’d be great to see you there,” he says, ending on an upbeat tone.
My calendar is getting full, but I should be able to fit in a tour and some pics. Besides, it’s the right thing to do, especially with the way the Mercenaries are treating me.
“Absolutely,” I say.
I play a few more rounds with the kids, and soon, the stars are winking in the sky.
When the event winds down, I find my phone blinking with a note.
Brooke: Want to come over? I made this.
There’s a mouthwatering photo of chicken and cauliflower drizzled in cheese, with brussels sprouts on the side, and I want to lick the phone.
Drew: Your food porn worked. The answer is yes. But where’s the pic of your legs?
Brooke: I knew the food porn would be enough to lure you here.
Drew: You were wrong. I’m coming for you. But also, the food.
Brooke:I was right.
I grab a Lyft and go, ready to try my sex hack and perhaps devise a romance one too.
18
HIS SEX HACK
Brooke
My call was over in all of five minutes, so I used the unexpected free time to whip up a quick dish, then Rachel stopped by on her way home from work.
She lives a few blocks away, and I’ve caught her up on all the man things in my life.
Now, she cinches a necklace at the back of my neck. “There,” she says as I let my hair fall and then spin around to face her in the kitchen. “So cute. Do you like it, Brooke?”
As the cauliflower dish cools, I peer in the camera on my phone, admiring the sparkly chain with the silver charm—three little books stacked together. She saved it for me when it arrived at her nearby boutique earlier today.
“It’s fantastic,” I say, but it reminds me of Drew, and my stomach swoops with unexpected nerves.
Or maybe this feeling is expected, knowing Drew will be here soon.
I set a hand on my belly.
She eyes me curiously. “You okay?”
“Just feeling…I dunno. Vulnerable?”
“If you decide not to tell him how you feel tonight, that’s fine too.” She squeezes my arm. “Do it in your time, okay?”
I’m such a worrier. So risk averse. “It’s too soon, right?” I squeak. Am I ready to brave theI’m falling for youconversation?
“Brooke, who am I to decide how soon it is? Feelings are feelings,” she says. “You figure them out in your own time. Not anyone else’s.”
“But especially after Sailor.” I fiddle with a dish towel. “Maybe it’s too soon to trust someone else.”