The two of them bounded down the icy steps and slid across the sidewalk. Snow was actually fun for a California boy. Cade couldn’t help packing a snowball and drilling it into the side of a tree trunk.
College Town was dead on a Saturday morning, and no one was at the bar. Plastic cups littered the sidewalk with an occasional bottle thrown among them.
Cade and Red took off going up hill toward the campus. The university was surrounded by natural beauty, although right now, the trees were spindly sentinels devoid of leaves, and snow covered the landscape. The lake on campus was iced over, but droplets of water trickled down the partially frozen side of a cliff.
Cade worked up a sweat running up a slippery street. Somehow, he found himself going by Andie’s house. Should he stop and look in on her? Or would that be too stalkerish?
Her mother hadn’t been very welcoming when he’d dropped her off. Of course, everyone was worried about the dog, and it was very late.
Hopefully the reward money would help, but maybe he should be looking for her too. He flipped his phone from his pocket and called the vet for an update.
“Nothing yet,” Dr. Menon said. “I have an alert at the pound and sent their descriptions and pictures. Your reward money is very generous. Did you want it applied only to Gollie?”
“No, all the dogs. They mean a lot to their owners. Also, I’m handling any of the fees for Gollie.”
“Sure thing, except I haven’t examined her yet. From the way the male dogs responded to her, I’d say she was definitely in heat. That’s why I isolated her.”
“Cade?” Andie’s voice appeared behind him as Red barked a greeting. “Hey.”
“Hey, Dr. Menon. I gotta go. Let me know as soon as you hear anything.”
They said goodbye, and Cade turned his attention to Andie. She was a wondrous sight to get his pulse hopping and blood flowing. Her hair gleamed scarlet and bright in the wintry sun, and her white ski jacket made her pink cheeks glow in contrast.
“You out for a walk?” he stammered, finding his tongue thick and his throat stiff. His traitorous heart skipped like a puppy inside his chest and butterflies or bats beat their wings deeper down.
What the hell was going on? He was Cade Prescott, professional football player. He’d handled press conferences, meet and greets, cocktail parties, and female reporters in the locker room countless times.
But this was Andie, and suddenly he felt two feet tall and shy. He’d told her too much last night. He’d made himself weak and vulnerable. Women didn’t like that. They wanted a guy who never blinked. One who knew his game and played too cool to choke.
Yeah, like you choked at the Super Bowl. Way to go, buddy.
Andie patted Red’s head and ruffled his ears. “I’m looking for Gollie. I’m so worried about her. She could have spent a night in the cold.”
“Try not to think about it. Maybe the people who stole her are taking good care of her. Maybe they still don’t know which one is the expensive dog.”
“Has anyone claimed the reward?”
“Not yet. It’s only the next day. You’ll see, someone will find her. In fact, Red and I were looking for her. I’m sure he wants to find her, too.”
“I’m sure he does.” A smile slid over her pretty face. “They do make a pretty cute couple.”
“Yeah, I bet they’d have cute puppies too.”
The smile turned into a frown, and she stepped away from him. “That’s just it. I can’t imagine her alone and pregnant. What are we going to do, Cade? What if she’s never found, and she’s out there by herself trying to take care of the puppies? What then?”
Chapter Twelve
Andie wasn’t sure how she found herself back in Cade’s apartment, but the walk had been invigorating, and even though they came no closer to finding Gollie, Cade had a way of reassuring her that things would work out for the best. She definitely appreciated the reward he put up for the dogs, despite not being well off.
“I can heat up some canned soup or make us some sandwiches,” Cade offered.
“Oh, you don’t have to feed me. We never even finished the wings from last night.”
“I was so starving, I kind of scarfed them up this morning,” Cade said. “I might have a few left.”
Cade unhooked Red’s leash, and the dog went to his water dish.
“It’s okay, whatever you have is fine.” Being so close and inside his space made Andie’s pulse race. She rubbed her hands on her jeans and took a deep breath.
“What’s wrong?” Cade washed his hands. “Don’t tell me you’re going to pass out from low blood sugar.”
“It’s not that.”
How was she going to ask him to dinner with her parents without it seeming like more? Girls who got too clingy too soon always lost out.
He must have felt the same, because he didn’t ask her to clarify. Instead, he bent low looking for a pot.
Andie couldn’t help licking her lips at the well shaped ass pointed her way. On impulse, she reached out and swatted him.
“Ow.” He clapped a hand on his butt and looked back, a grin on his face. “What was that for?”
“Too tempting.” She giggled. “You offered a target.”
“Here I am, trying to be a gentleman and heat you a can of soup.” He pulled out a small saucepan and pointed to the cabinet over the counter. “Clam chowder, beef barley, or split pea. You can have anything you want.”
She wanted him, his lips on hers, and his hands around her waist, but he seemed to have lost interest. Last night, he was attentive, touching her, kissing her like she was his girlfriend. But ever since she ran into him out walking, he’d kept his hands to himself and seemed to always skitter out of her reach whenever she got too close.
“I’ll take whatever you’re having.” She tucked her hands behind her back and leaned against the counter. “Sorry about touching you inappropriately.”
“It’s okay. Like you said, too much of a target.” His smirk seemed to make fun of her, and when she tried to catch his eye, he fumbled through a drawer looking for a can opener.
Andie’s guts twisted into knots. After the talk last night, she thought they’d gotten closer. He’d confessed his doubts about himself and the hurts he’d endured growing up. Maybe she’d been too bossy and sure of herself to tell him he should be grateful to the donors. She swallowed the growing lump in her throat and twisted the edge of her blouse.
“Could I get you anything to drink?” Cade emptied the soup can into the pot and opened the refrigerator.
How could he act so casual like nothing had happened between them? When he invited her over for lunch, she thought he wanted to get closer. What happened to the dating agreement for the six weeks they still had?
Cade stood in front of her waving a little round bottle of pomegranate juice. “You like this?”
“Uh, yes, thanks.” She bit her lip to keep the tears from welling.
“Hey, I know you’re worried about Gollie and this is the hardest, not knowing.”
She really had to get her head together. He wasn’t thinking of her or them, but only about Gollie, not that she wasn’t worth worrying about.
Glad for the misunderstanding, Andie took the juice and forced a smile. “I know. Sorry if I’m such bad company.”
“No apologies necessary. We’re both exhausted. I’m thinking of crawling back to bed for a nap.” He jumped back when she caught her breath and met his eye. “I mean, alone. Not trying to come on to you. Sorry.”
“Yeah, sure. I should be going.”
“At least eat some of the soup.” He switched off the stove. “I heated enough for two bowls.”
“We’re still friends, right?” Andie couldn’t keep the anxiety inside of her one minute longer. If he wanted to end it after the split pea soup, she could at least walk away with her heart intact. A week ago, she hadn’t even known a Cade Preston existed. Fortunately today was Saturday. After crying her eyes out tomorrow, she’d be ready to go bac
k to her job and spend her free time with King David and his mighty men.
“Of course we’re friends. Or are you having second thoughts? It’s my fault your dog’s missing. If Red hadn’t met Gollie, she wouldn’t be lost right now.”
She couldn’t hold the tears back any longer. He had completely forgotten that magical moment in his SUV when parked at the side of the road, he’d opened his heart and she’d glimpsed the man he was, one who had a pure, although wounded heart, who needed someone like her to help him believe in himself.
Today, he was cold. Friendly, but distant. And all he thought about was her lost dog.
* * *
Women came in hormonal bundles with buttons and dials and settings that confused Cade. What had he said to set her off like that? It was his fault her dog was missing, and he hated being so freakin’ helpless. If only he could call in the National Guard to find that dog.
“I really have to go, Cade. I’m not myself right now.” Andie slashed at her tears as if they were a minor inconvenience.
“Sure, but I feel bad. I feel like I ruined your life or something. Shall I walk you home?”
“No, I know the way.” She scurried from the kitchen and unlatched the child safety door.
“Did I say something? Are you upset with me?” The bottom dropped from his stomach. He’d been apologetic about her dog. He’d offered the reward. He’d even called his publicist to create a website to alert the public to the dog theft.
“No, not you. Just myself.” Andie yanked her white ski jacket from the coat rack, causing the entire rack to tumble. The top hit her head, and she tripped over her boots.
Cade caught her before she slammed into the mirror near the doorway. “Whoa, careful there. What’s going on? Why are you mad at yourself?”
He steadied her. The feel of her body under his hands was overwhelming, and he was close enough to inhale that sweet fragrance of hers, like soap and sunshine, not flowery or overpowering, but sexy with a hint of fire.
“Because I’m not good at this, this friend zone thing.”
“What friend zone? You mean us?” Cade tightened his muscles to stop his hands from shaking. For goodness sake, he was a professional quarterback. No wonder he’d thrown away the Super Bowl because his hands shook under pressure. Stepping away from Andie, he crossed his arms and tucked his hands under his armpits. “You don’t want to be friends anymore?”
It figured. She’d seen his weak underbelly last night, and she no longer respected him.
“I do want to be friends.” She sniffled into her hands. “I do.”
“Good, then let’s do some friend stuff. What do you guys do in Itasca? I mean, there’s no beach and no mountain biking in the snow.”
Despite trying to sound upbeat, his chest hollowed out and his gut clenched, but he couldn’t let her go, not yet. A week ago, he’d been despondent and numb, not knowing how lonely he really was until he met Andie.
She’d swept into his life, a bright red breeze of hope, and occupied his every thought, as well as put him in a state of perpetual arousal.
His accusation of nothing to do in Itasca seemed to help Andie pull herself away from her depression over her lost dog. She straightened her stance and paced around the entryway. “There’s shooting clay pigeons, snowmobiling, cross-country skiing, snowboarding, downhill skiing, snow tubing, and fat bikes. Lots of things.”
“Fat bikes? What’s that?”
“You think we have no mountain biking in the snow? You’re wrong.” She chopped her hand in emphasis, seeming to brighten at the challenge. “Fat bikes are mountain bikes with huge tires. Large, underinflated tires that hug onto the snow. You have to try it.”
“Got me there, snow girl. Let’s do it.” Cade rotated his stiff shoulder. His contract with the LA Flash banned him from downhill skiing and snowboarding, but nothing said anything about fat biking.
Of course he’d be careful not to reinjure his throwing shoulder.
“It’s not as easy as you think.” She stuck her pink tongue out at him.
Heat sizzled over every nerve, and blood thundered in both his big head and little head. How the hell was he going to stay sane with her teasing him?
He shoved his hands into his pockets to make room in his pants, and turned toward the kitchen to find a notepad. “Tell me when and where, and I’ll be there.”
“Pick me up in front of the library tomorrow morning around eight. Make sure to dress warmly, boots, gloves, ski goggles, if you have any, and biking helmet. I’ll pack some food, but if you have a backpack that would be great.”
Her voice was clipped as she slid her feet into her boots and tied them. Somehow the distance was back again. She was really upset about the dog, and he didn’t blame her.
But she’d left the door open with the fat biking trip. Whoever told him New Yorkers were unfriendly hadn’t been to Itasca.
“Sure, I can’t wait. Have a good evening, Andie.” He wanted to drag her into his arms and kiss her, the light and easy way they had last night, but what she saw right now was a loser. Her half-empty and half-full psychobabble was just that, a whole load of pity for the ugly baby who no one wanted to adopt.
Chapter Thirteen
Sunday morning dawned sunny but not that cold. Andie checked the weather forecast. Twenty-one degrees and five degrees wind chill. Just right for a nice day at Watkin’s Peak, the local ski area half an hour from the college.
“You’re up early,” her mother said, yawning as she switched on the coffee machine.
“How’s Dad? Do you need help bathing him?” Guilt crept over her as she realized her mother hadn’t had a day off since her father returned from the hospital.
“Sure, he’s awake and didn’t sleep well.”
“Should I stay home so you can go to church? I forgot to ask.” Andie had been so caught up with analyzing every word and gesture of Cade, replaying all the events and conversations they had, that she’d plumb forgotten her mother’s single request to have Sunday morning free.
“It’s okay, you’re going out with Cade?” Her mother poured herself a mug of coffee and filled a cup for Andie. “He seems like a really nice guy. Very concerned about Gollie. Did you ask him over for dinner?”
“Not yet. Mom, he’s just a friend, okay?” Andie stirred cream and sugar into her coffee. “He’s a traveling dog breeder and he’s wintering here, this year only.”
“Oh? Wintering in our freezing cold neck of the woods? That’s strange.” Mom sipped her coffee. “Where’s he from?”
“He didn’t say. He probably goes wherever there are dogs needing stud services. Stays a few days then keeps moving.”
“You be sure to ask him over. I’ll find out everything there is to know. No one can resist my chocolate mousse with raspberry coulis.” She set the cup on the table and winked. “When you’re ready, come help me turn him.”
“I should stay. We don’t have to go today.”
Mom squeezed her shoulder. “You never know if he’s the one or not. Don’t miss out. If I hadn’t skipped school that day to go to the Carnival parade, I wouldn’t have met your father. He’s truly the best thing that ever happened to me, and I’ve enjoyed every moment, all the moving around, the digs, the local children, even the dust and the bugs out in the field.”
“I know, Mom, but if Cade’s the one, he’d understand why I should care for you and Dad.”
“I’m sure he will, eventually, but don’t kill the fun right off the bat. Your father and I cut a few more classes that week.”
“You never told me this.”
“You never met anyone I thought you should take a chance with. Cade’s the real deal. I’ve got a sixth sense, and I’ve never been wrong.”
“I wish I knew for sure. He doesn’t want to be anything more than friends.” Andie finished her coffee and followed her mother to the linen closet.
“Nothing’s ever for sure.” She handed Andie a pile of towels. “That’s what makes it more exciting and
fun. Carpe diem. Seize the day. That’s my motto.”
* * *
Cade pulled his SUV to the parking circle outside the library. Andie must have insisted he pick her up here to avoid her parents. Of course, her father being an invalid had to be difficult.
She was already there, wearing dark glasses against the glare of the snow. Her red hair waved like a matador’s cape as she jogged toward his truck.
Red let out an eager bark from the backseat. Gotta hand it to him. He definitely appreciated female beauty.
Cade was out of the driver’s side to get the door for Andie, but she surprised him by holding her arms out for a friendly hug.
Every muscle in his body sprang to attention as he clasped her tightly. She smelled so fresh, and her body was all warmth, softness, and sweet curves.
He closed his eyes and let out the breath he’d been holding. “You seem happy today.”
“I am. I feel like I’m cutting school and nothing’s going to make me sad. I know Gollie’s still missing, but I’m praying everything’s going to be okay.”
“That’s good.” He couldn’t help slanting his head and leaning in to kiss her.
The moment their lips touched, Cade felt like he was floating. It wasn’t a grabby kiss, or a possessive kiss, but more of a hopeful kiss. Cade took her lips gently, but kept his tongue to himself. She needed to know that he valued her for more than a quick lay, that she was different, and most precious. And even though it wasn’t very manly of him to be so tender and considerate, he couldn’t bear to treat her the way he treated women who knew the score: one night of no holds bar sex and be gone, girl the next morning.
“Mmm …” she mumbled, disengaging first. “We’re going to have a wonderful day.”
From the back seat, Red barked and wagged his tail. “Hope you don’t mind him tagging along. I looked it up, and they said dogs were allowed on the trails.”
“He can chase us down the mountain. It’s going to be fun.” She gave him one last squeeze before handing him her backpack and hopping into the passenger seat.
Intercepted by Love: Part One: A Football Romance (Playing the Field Book 1) Page 6
