“Not old,’ Darcy corrected. “Simply past the point of mindless behavior.”
“Speak for yourself. As for me, I suddenly have the desire to ply my seduction skills on a twenty-five-year-old with more brawn than brains.” Piper looked around the room. Her gaze landed on Darcy’s bodyguard who’d spent the evening at a table by himself, nursing a club soda, and keeping his eyes peeled. ‘Is Phil single?”
“I know you’re joking—mostly,” Darcy said with an indulgent smile. “However, for your edification, I will clarify the situation. First, Phil is whip-smart. He’s three classes away from his Ph.D. in criminal psychology. The bodyguard gig pays the bills.”
“Muscles and a Brainiac?” Piper rubbed her hands together in anticipation. “Even better.”
“Second,” Darcy continued with a chuckle. “Phil has been in a committed relationship with his partner for five years.”
“Phil’s partner is a fortunate man.” Piper let out an exaggerated sigh of regret before turning her focus back to Darcy. “Let’s make a list of what you need in a lover.”
Darcy rubbed her temple. Headaches. She blamed McClain for her suffering. Now, Piper. Why? Why?!!
She’d led a good life. She helped her fellow human beings when possible, treated animals with love and respect, honored, and revered the innocence of children. What had she done in this or a past life to deserve sudden pain that radiated from her brain down to her backside with alarming frequency?
“Forget I said anything,” Darcy said in a rush.
“You love lists,” Piper pointed out, taking a pad and pen from her purse.
“Football lists.” Darcy tried to snatch away the ballpoint from Piper’s grasp, but her friend was too quick. Too determined. Again, she sighed. “Running backs. Left tackles. Outside linebackers. Work-related lists. I don’t want to enumerate the attributes of a potential lover.”
“Want is a world of difference than need,” Piper said. “Let’s start with the obvious. Good in bed. Nope.”
Piper barely wrote the words when she scratched them out. Darcy wanted to ignore her friend completely. Despite herself, she raised a surprised eyebrow.
“A lover’s proficiency is difficult to predict. Not to mention, highly subjective,” Piper explained. “You need a man tonight.”
“Tonight?” Darcy asked, panicked at the thought.
Ignoring her, Piper continued.
“We don’t have the time to formulate a survey, distribute the form to a select group of women, and analyze the results.” Thoughtfully, Piper tapped the pen on her cheek. “Someone you’re acquainted with would be ideal. A man who understands about your job and the need to be discreet. No relationship expectations and no telling tales out of school.”
One name, one face, popped into Darcy’s mind. She didn’t know whether to smile or cry.
“He’s the perfect choice,” Piper said, reading Darcy’s mind with eerie ease. She nudged Darcy’s phone. “Call him. What do you have to lose?”
“If he turns me down?” Darcy scrubbed a hand over her face. “Just my pride, my dignity, and every bit of the moral high ground I’ve gained up until now.”
“Trust my instincts.” Piper patted Darcy’s hand. “Trust your instincts. He’ll say yes.”
“Which would present a whole different and frightening set of problems.” Darcy toyed with her telephone. “My entire adult life, I carefully kept to the straight and narrow. Can I justify crossing a line I long ago drew in permanent ink?”
“We both know that line was blurred when you met Joshua McClain,” Piper said. “If you weren’t tempted the second you looked at him, what happened in Indianapolis—the bond you formed, the kiss you shared—changed everything. The past two weeks, running together every morning, solidified the attraction. Am I right?”
Darcy nodded. She couldn’t lie to Piper—or herself.
“The connection you have with McClain is rare for you.” Piper sent her a sympathetic smile. “I know he aggravates the hell out of you. He’s opinionated, mule headed. Frustrating as hell. Right?”
“All of the above,” Darcy said with a wry quirk of her lips.
“More important, he also makes you laugh.” Knowing she was right, Piper didn’t bother to wait for Darcy to agree.
“And he challenges you. Something you appreciate whether you’ll cop to the fact or not.”
“I’ll cop,” Darcy muttered.
“A warm glow suffuses your face when you talk about him.”
Frowning, Darcy touched her cheeks. She didn’t know about the glow. However, her skin did feel a bit warmer than usual. Before she could find another excuse, she picked up her phone and hit the speed dial button. She wasn’t certain if she was relieved or disappointed when her call was answered after the second ring. Either way, she felt slightly sick to her stomach.
“Hey, Darcy. What’s up?”
“Sorry for calling so late. Are you home? Mind if I stop in for a second?” Darcy asked in a rush of words.
“Well?” Piper asked when Darcy put her phone into her purse. “Are you going or not?”
As Darcy slipped on her jacket, she willed her heart to stop racing. She failed. With an indulgent smile, Piper watched as she took her keys from her pocket.
“Are you sure you should drive?”
“One drink carefully nursed for two hours. Partially diluted by the melting ice. I’m fine to drive,” Darcy assured her friend.
“I didn’t mean the alcohol,” Piper said as she peered into Darcy’s eyes. “You’re half-drunk on raging hormones. Kind of shaky. Maybe you shouldn’t get behind the wheel.”
“Don’t be silly. Look.” Darcy held out her hand and was relieved when nothing shook. “Steady as a rock.”
“Either way, take your time. The streets are wet.” Piper hugged her. “Call me tomorrow. I’ll need details. Many, many, details.”
They came together in Darcy’s car. There was no way she would abandon Piper in a strange bar in a strange part of town.
“Let me drop you off,” she said before a thought occurred to her. “Unless you decided to choose a bed partner for the evening. Perhaps the cutie at the pool table with the nice ass?”
“Not tonight.” Piper shook her head. “You go. I’ll ring Levi. He’ll pick me up and drive me home. No questions asked.”
“Don’t you feel guilty disturbing him on a Saturday night?” Darcy wanted to know.
“He’s done worse to me,” Piper said. “One time, Levi called at five o’clock in the morning. The woman he went away with for the weekend abandoned him at Snoqualmie Falls.”
“You mean at the lodge?” Darcy asked.
“I mean at the actual falls.” With a rue laugh, Piper waved off Darcy’s inquiring look. “Long story in which my good friend Levi Reynolds does not come out smelling sweet. And since you’re his boss, the less you know, the better.”
“You’re probably right,” Darcy said. “Though something tells me I’ve missed a hell of a story.”
“You have no idea.” Eyes twinkling, Piper shooed Darcy on her way. “Go!”
Suddenly questioning her judgment, Darcy hesitated.
“I should wait until he gets here, just in case.”
“Do you want me to drag your ass to your car?” Piper asked. “Because I will. Nor will I hesitate to create a memorable scene in the process.”
“Bab publicity. You’re just plain mean,” Darcy muttered as she headed for the door.
“Have a good time.”
“Mean!” Darcy called over her shoulder for good measure.
“Don’t sound so surprised,” Piper shouted back. “Mean comes naturally. Just part of my DNA.”
Chuckling, Darcy found her car in the parking lot, slid behind the wheel and buckled her seatbelt. Piper was more bark than bite—though when pushed her best friend had been known to leave behind a mark or two.
Absently, she watched as her bodyguard s
tarted his car and followed close behind as she pulled onto the street.
Driving down the deserted side street, Darcy rehearsed what she planned to say. Simple and to the point was always best she decided as she pulled to a stop, surprised how quickly she made the trip. Where was the congested Seattle traffic when she needed it?
Walking down the cobbled pathway, Darcy stopped on the porch, took a deep breath, and rang the bell. The door opened a few seconds later. Riley Preston greeted her with a smile.
“You made good time,” her old friend said.
Not her friend, Darcy reminded herself as she entered the house. Right now, Riley was her boss.
“I have a question,” Darcy said.
“Would you like some wine first?” Riley asked.
“No. Thank you.” Darcy turned to face the music, jumping right in before she could chicken out. “Here goes. What would happen if I had sex with Joshua McClain?”
CHAPTER SIXTEEN
▲ ▼ ▲ ▼ ▲
DARCY WAITED. SHE held her breath and mentally cursed as she felt her cheeks heat to what she imagined was a bright, fire engine red. She wasn’t certain.
The silence went on for what seemed like an eternity. Darcy watched, waited, and though she couldn’t be certain, believed Riley’s lips twitched.
“You’re enjoying my discomfort,” Darcy accused with a glare.
“Maybe,” Riley said with a shrug. “Just a little bit.”
“Don’t you dare smile,” Darcy huffed. “I asked a serious question.”
“Very serious.” Riley nodded. “Yet, the way you blurted the words, with an emphasis on the sex, was kind of comical. And adorable.”
“Funny and cute.” Darcy rolled her eyes. “Great. Exactly the tone I was going for.”
“Come in and sit.” Riley took her arm. “Let’s talk.”
Darcy followed Riley into a room lined with floor to ceiling bookshelves on three sides. The fourth wall was made of glass and overlooked a large backyard.
Rather than take a seat next to Riley on the pale-yellow sofa, Darcy gazed out the window, her hands clasped behind her back.
“I’m sorry to disturb you.” Darcy flexed her fingers. “Are Sean and the boys asleep?”
“I wish. My children are night owls, a trait they inherited from lord knows who. Sean swore when I was pregnant the first time that he would be a strict father, a badass disciplinarian.” Riley smiled. “One look at our newborn son and he turned to mush. Has been ever since.”
Despite the trace of censor in Riley’s voice, she doted on her men. She’d raised two good boys who would one day be good men if Darcy was any judge.
“Don’t worry about my family. Let’s talk about your desire to have sex with Joshua McClain,” Riley said in a matter of fact manner. “An unexpected development.”
“Yes.” Darcy sighed. “What do you think?”
“I think you’d enjoy yourself.”
“You’re so casual about my revelation,” Darcy said, surprised by Riley’s cavalier attitude. “I’m the general manager of your team. McClain is the head coach.”
“I’m well aware.” Riley crossed her legs and nodded. “Tell me your point. Exactly.”
“Isn’t there a rule against physical fraternization between members of management?” Darcy asked.
“Good question. Give me a minute.” Riley picked up her phone. “Marion? What is the NFL’s policy regarding team employees dating?”
Darcy frowned. She hadn’t mentioned anything about dating McClain. And who was Marion, for crying out loud? She should have known that Riley would have an answer before she even asked.
“Marion Trask is a lawyer and professor at the University of Washington. She teaches a course in workplace ethics,” Riley said with her hand over the phone.
“And you have her on speed dial?” Darcy felt a wave of unease. “Should I worry about the team’s moral makeup?”
Riley laughed. A good sign, Darcy hoped.
“Marion and I have been friends for years. Plus, there’s nothing she loves more than a chance to show off her encyclopedic brain.”
“What’s she saying?”
“Just a second.” Riley held up a hand as she listened. “Right. Understood. Thanks, Marion. See you soon.”
“Well?” Darcy cleared her throat. “What did she say?”
“The league only gets involved in cases of harassment or force. Otherwise, the rules are decided by the individual teams,” Riley told her.
“A fact you knew before you called your friend,” Darcy said with a sigh. Riley merely shrugged. “So? What’s the verdict?”
“If I had a choice, I’d say stay away from him. In my book, the risks aren’t worth the rewards.”
Darcy wasn’t surprised. Why would the team’s owner encourage a sexual relationship between her GM and head coach? Obviously, she wouldn’t.
“However,” Riley said after a long pause. “I understand. Things happen. Sean and I said our wedding vows while he still played for the Knights. Talk about conflict of interest. Surprisingly, we faced almost no blowback.”
“The rules are different when you own the team,” Darcy pointed out with a shrug. Under her breath, she added a playful, “And have more money than God.”
“Money helps,” Riley admitted with a half-smile. She sighed. “About you and Mac. I can’t give my consent—a weird word, all things considered.”
“You’re my employer,” Darcy said. “Consent matters.”
“My brilliant husband warned me that unexpected problems would pop up if I hired a woman general manager.” Riley sighed and rolled her shoulders. “Why didn’t I anticipate the chance you’d want to have sex with my head coach?”
“Because we’re like oil and water? Night and day?” Darcy said. “I’m the chalkboard to McClain’s fingernails.”
“Yikes.” Riley shuddered. “And you’re attracted to this man?”
“I am.” Darcy smiled and felt a little better. “We’re still opposites in a lot of ways, but something shifted. My point of view. Or his.”
“Or, a little of each?” Riley suggested.
“Sounds right. I should go.” Darcy looked her boss in the eye. “I’m not an impulsive person.”
“But you are human,” Riley said as they walked to the door. “And thank you.”
“Why?” Darcy scoffed. “I dumped a problem in your lap you could do without.”
“Problems come at me every day. At least yours is unique.” Riley squeezed Darcy’s shoulder. “I want to thank you for telling me first; before you acted. You didn’t leave me in the dark to be blindsided.”
“Then I do have your blessing?” Darcy asked.
“Don’t push your luck,” Riley warned with a short laugh. “You’re an adult who can make her own decisions about what she does with her own body.”
Darcy still felt better. Still conflicted, but her nerves had calmed to a minor jumble.
“Whatever happens, the team comes first.” Darcy was adamant. “I won’t let my actions, or anyone else’s hurt the Knights.”
“Life needs a few surprises to keep things interesting,” Riley said. “And one thing Joshua McClain is not is boring.”
Entering her little cottage, Darcy waited in the kitchen as Phil checked the rooms one by one. Funny how easily she’d adapted to the extra security. Like it or not, a bodyguard was a part of her life and that wasn’t likely to change in the foreseeable future.
Once the house was secure, she sent Phil home—the man had to sleep sometime—with the assurance she was in for the night. Darcy changed into a pair of light-weight cotton pants. The matching t-shirt was the color of coral trimmed in white.
Darcy brushed her teeth, washed her face, and applied a liberal amount of moisturizer. Despite the late hour, she wasn’t sleepy. The book on her nightstand didn’t interest her and the idea of settling down in front of the television held little appeal.
Darcy’s lips turned into a frown at the thought of McClain romancing another woman.
“Jerk,” she grumbled. “I hope you had a lousy time.”
What if McClain brought his date home? He might be with her now, seducing her into his bed, removing her clothes, kissing her—
“No, no, no!”
Darcy shook the image from her head, but the unpleasant thought remained. Was he with someone else? She wouldn’t get a moment’s rest until she knew for certain one way or the other.
Shoving her feet into a pair of sneakers, Darcy grabbed a jacket and rushed down the back steps. Spurred on by a sense of unjustified self-righteousness, she pressed the buttons on the keypad, using the code Riley gave her. The gate that separated the two properties swung open on well-greased hinges and she walked through.
In many ways, the cottage where McClain lived mirrored her own. Small but comfortable. Perfect for a short visit, or in the case of a certain head coach, a prolonged stay.
Stepping onto the deck, Darcy noticed a light in one of the windows.
Leave or stay. The choice was hers—for now. Once she knocked, she put the decision of what happened next firmly in McClain’s court. Taking a deep breath, she rapped her knuckles on the door and waited.
Hearing the approach of footsteps, Darcy felt the urge to run. She gave herself a mental kick in the butt and held her ground.
Surprise flashed across McClain’s face when he looked through the window and directly into Darcy’s eyes. Quickly, he opened the cheery red door.
“Is something wrong?” he asked, worry coating his words. “Did something happen?”
“No, I—”
McClain grabbed Darcy by the arm and pulled her into the cottage.
“Why are you wandering around in the middle of the night?” he demanded. “And where the hell is your bodyguard.”
“I sent him home,” Darcy said with a shrug.
“You what?”
“Phil will be back in time for our morning run.” Darcy glanced around. “Did I interrupt something?”
The Devil Wears Blue Jeans (One Pass Away: A New Season Book 1) Page 13
