“No, but I’m eager to do this today.” She rubbed her hands together, her gaze bright. Her cheeks were flushed prettily, and she looked younger somehow.
“You look different,” he said, studying her. “Is that a new haircut?”
“Yes.” She touched the smooth silvery bob. “I love it.”
“It looks good,” he said honestly. “So does the dress.”
“Didier picked it out. I feel sowomanlyin it. Isn’t it wonderful?” She got up and twirled. “But enough about me. Let me grab my purse, and then we can go.”
“Go?” he asked.
She nodded, flashing him a smile as he took her coat to hold it for her as she got into it. “You’re going to show me how to play soccer today.”
“Uh…” He blinked at her in shock.
Her eyes narrowed. “Careful there, big boy. One crack about my age and you’re done.”
She looked like she’d cut him, and he believed she could. “I didn’t say anything.”
“Those eyes of yours did.” She shot him a warning glance as she picked up her purse. “I’ll be right back.”
She strode out of her office, her back straight with dignity. He pushed his braids back as he went to the door to see where she’d gone. She had to be kidding, right? Football was a physical sport—especially the way he played it.
“Okay, I’m ready,” she said, coming back down the hall. In one hand she had her purse, in the other she had a soccer ball.
She tossed it at him. “It’s Didier’s,” she said as he caught it.
He stared at it suspiciously. “Is it rigged to blow?”
She laughed. “No, because he didn’t know I’d be borrowing it for you.”
“Great,” he said with a self-deprecating shake of his head. “So he’s going to assume I stole it.”
Lottie laughed.
He frowned at her playfully. “You’re trying to get me in trouble, aren’t you?”
Laughing again, she slipped her arm through his. “Come on, big boy. Show me what you’ve got.”
He glanced behind him as he stopped to open the door for her. “Did MacNiven put you up to this?”
She snorted as she swept into the hallway. “I came up with this all on my own. It’s brilliant, what I’ve planned, if I say so myself. Jamie doesn’t interfere with other people’s clients, but he’s always there if we need extra support.”
“Noted.” He glanced down at her as they went to the elevator. “What are you doing with me?”
“What? I can’t take pleasure in the company of a handsome man?” She batted her eyes at him. “I may be old, but I can still appreciate a hunk.”
“Um. Thank you,” he said hesitantly, holding the elevator door open for her to enter when it arrived.
She gave him a saucy look as she breezed by him.
Shaking his head, he followed her. “You are trouble. I’m going to need to watch out, aren’t I?”
“You bet your booty.” She laughed. Then she patted his chest. “Don’t worry. My heart’s engaged. The idiot hasn’t asked me out yet, but I’m holding out for him.”
“Why?” he asked curiously, thinking of Jules.
“Because my heart wants him,” she said simply.