Perfect for You: A Blind Date Sports Small Town Romance (Annapolis Harbor Book 3)

by Lea Coll

  “It’s nice you’re so close to them.”

  “It is.” Hadley’s mother died when she was younger. Her father wasn’t there for her. It was just her and Colin. She probably wouldn’t understand not supporting my loving parents who’d always been there for me.

  “Are you comfortable meeting with the principals the rest of the week? I have court but if you’re not ready we can reschedule them for a time when I can be there.” Hadley asked me as we were leaving the city’s superintendent’s office a couple of weeks after we signed the contract to partner with Baltimore.

  “I can handle it.” It was a chance to prove myself.

  “You’d tell me if it was too much?”

  I shook my head. “No. I moved my cases to you so that I could handle it.”

  “Do you want to rent an apartment or get a hotel in the city to make the commute easier?”

  “No. It won’t be an issue.” It was about a forty-five-minute drive, so it wasn’t too bad. The thought of being in the city if my dad called with an emergency caused my stomach to tighten when it was no different than being in court.

  “Okay. If you’re sure. I feel weird leaving Kids Speak entirely in your hands. It’s not because I don’t trust you, I do.”

  I straightened with her praise. “It’s hard putting someone else in charge of your baby.”

  “It is. I did it in New Orleans. I’m thrilled with how Winnie is managing it. It helps that my brother is there too.”

  “That was different. The New Orleans’ location was successful before you left.”

  “Yeah, maybe that’s it.” She looked a little uncertain as if relinquishing control was difficult for her.

  I glanced over at her before turning my attention to the road. “I believe in what you’re doing. I won’t do anything to tarnish what you’ve already started. I want it to be successful.”

  “I know you do.”

  Energy hummed through my fingers. Opening this branch of Kids Speak was a way to prove I could handle more than raising money, finding donors, and publicity.

  She leaned her head back on the headrest, quiet for the rest of the drive.

  I pulled into one of the parking garages near the stadium, brunch forgotten as I allowed the excitement of the crowd to propel us forward.

  Fans walked with us on the sidewalk decked out in purple and black. “We’re supposed to meet his assistant, Callie, at will-call.”

  She smiled softly. “It must be nice to have an assistant.”

  “Right? It’s a whole different world.”

  Reid said to look for a short blonde woman near the ticket window. I found her leaning against the wall. “Callie Goodwin?”

  She pushed off the wall, smiling at us. “That’s me. Dylan and Hadley?”

  “Yes.”

  “Here are your tickets. Oh, Reid wanted you to have these.”

  She handed each of us a package wrapped in brown paper. “Let’s get through security, then you can open them.”

  I took the package wrapped in brown paper, holding it to my chest, wondering what Reid had gotten us.

  We followed the crowd, going through security. Callie led us to our seats. There were a large number of people wearing black and purple and face paint. The excitement was overwhelming. It was like nothing I’d ever experienced.

  “Are you sitting with us?” I asked Callie.

  She smiled over her shoulder at us. “Yes. It will be nice to have company for once.”

  I relaxed that we wouldn’t be alone. “Reid doesn’t invite people to games often?”

  “No. The other guys do but not him.” Her lips settled into a straight line.

  “Oh look, it’s a jersey.” Hadley had unwrapped her package, holding up a purple jersey with Chase Crawford’s last name on the back.

  “Which one did you get?” Hadley put the jersey on over her sweater.

  I carefully removed the tape, unraveling the paper revealing the purple jersey. My heart rate picked up as I turned it around and saw Everson stitched above the number eight-five on the back. He’d given me his jersey. All I knew was that in high school, boys gave their jerseys to their girlfriends for the games. Was it silly I felt like he was making a statement by giving me his?

  “Are you going to put it on?” Hadley nudged my shoulder.

  I pulled it over my head, tying it in a knot at my waist, grateful for the excuse to hide my face.

  “The hat fell on the floor when you pulled the jersey out.” Hadley leaned down, picking something up.

  She handed a cap to me.

  I pulled it on, feeling like we fit in with the other fans. The crowd surged to their feet as the team ran out onto the field to the announcer screaming, a song blaring over the speakers. I stood, exchanging an excited smile with Hadley.

  I searched for Reid when his name was announced. I found him high-fiving his teammates as he ran out of the tunnel. They lined up for “The Star-Spangled Banner”. Watching him holding his helmet at his side, his hand over his heart as a local high schooler sang the song, I felt special to be here, experiencing this.

  After kickoff, Callie described what was happening in the game to us. It was exciting being so close to the action, hearing the hits, the calls.

  “What position does he play?” I asked her.

  She gave me a look.

  “I don’t know anything about football. I want to learn.”

  “He’s a tight end, essentially a jack-of-all-trades. Tight ends are used for blocking, receiving, sometimes rushing.”

  “What does a tight end need? Other than a tight end of course?” Hadley teased.

  Callie never took her eyes off the play on the field. “These days tight ends need to be large, strong, have good hands to catch the ball, and be able to block the defense.”

  Hadley elbowed me, laughing into her hand, probably over the good hands comment.

  Callie raised her finger as if emphasizing her point. “One thing they don’t need is speed. Tight ends are used for shorter passes. Their size makes them a perfect target in the red zone, on third and goal situations for receiving. It also makes it difficult to take them down.”

  “I’ll remember that if I’m ever playing football,” Hadley said.

  I elbowed her to tone down her jokes because Callie seemed to be taking this seriously.

  I wanted to ask what the red zone was. I assumed it was something to do with the end zone. I’d need to watch more games, listening to the commentators talk. When I watched videos of Reid’s interviews I’d paid more attention to the cadence of his voice, the set of his jaw, the flex of his fingers. I’d been captivated by him, not the words coming out of his mouth.

  “Essentially, the tight end does more work but gets less credit than the quarterback and the wide receivers.”

  I remembered that Chase was the quarterback and Jonah was a wide receiver. They seemed to attract more press than Reid, so that made sense. “I’m impressed you know so much about football.”

  Callie’s face went soft for the first time since we’d met. “I bonded with my grandfather watching games. He taught me everything I know. He was so excited when he found out I was working with one of the players.”

  I wondered if she’d introduced her grandfather to Reid. He didn’t seem like one of those cocky players who’d refuse to sign an autograph.

  According to the announcer, Pittsburgh had a first and goal, whatever that meant.

  Callie’s attention was focused solely on the game.

  I didn’t want to interrupt her concentration by asking. The stadium speakers pumped out a chant about defense as the energy from the crowd grew.

  I imagined it must be motivating for the players on the field to have fans at the home games.

  Baltimore’s defense held them. The teams were back and forth with the score tied at zero until the clock ran out for the first half.

  At halftime, Hadley ran to the bathroom. I went with Callie to stand in a long line for snacks. I wanted
to know more about her, if she enjoyed working for Reid, if he was a good boss, a good person. “Do you like being Reid’s assistant?”

  “He’s a great boss. I’m taking classes at University of Baltimore. He works around my schedule. He’s considerate. I expected him to be a stereotypical athlete, cocky and demanding, but he’s not.”

  That’s exactly what I’d thought before I met him.

  She opened her mouth as if she was going to say something, then closed it.

  I wanted to know her perspective on Reid. Last night, I thought he was a genuinely nice guy. Gruff at times. I was certain he had a reason for wanting to avoid the spotlight. “What were you going to say?”

  “He wouldn’t like that I’m talking about him. He’s very private.”

  “I’d never share anything you told me.”

  “I hope not.” The look she shot me told me she didn’t trust me yet.

  “I won’t. I promise.”

  “Reid’s a good guy. Please don’t mess with him.”

  “Have you two—” I couldn’t bring myself to voice it aloud even though I wanted to know.

  “Been together? No. Definitely not. My grandfather asks me all the time but we’re just friends.”

  She looked me in the eye. “I promise I’m not interested in him, if that’s what you’re concerned about.”

  “Oh, it’s not.” I didn’t want her to think I was interested even though I most certainly was. That kiss on the cheek told me and probably him everything he needed to know. I wasn’t usually an overly affectionate person.

  “Sure.” She smiled before stepping forward to give her food order. When she was done with hers, she asked, “What did you want?”

  I waved her off. “Oh, I can get it.”

  “Reid insisted. He said it’s his treat.”

  Warmth slid down my spine. “Okay. Nachos, a hot dog, and a water. Thank you.”

  “Thank Reid.” She paid, grabbing the containers of food. I grabbed what she couldn’t, stepping out of line.

  The invite to the stadium last night was impulsive. Everything today was planned, the jerseys and hats, the food money. It was sweet. The idea that he wanted to make sure I was comfortable even though I could take care of myself touched me.

  We grabbed napkins, heading back to our seats.

  Before we reached our section, she paused to say, “He’s a great guy. He doesn’t let many people in. If he lets you in, please don’t hurt him.”

  Then she moved down the aisle to our seats. Hadley joined us a few minutes later. We were engrossed in the game again. We didn’t have another chance to discuss Reid.

  Questions twirled around in my head. Why was Callie so protective of him? Was it because he was a great boss or was there a reason for her to be that way? Was inviting me to the game letting me in?

  Reid had given me his jersey, not Hadley. Heat radiated through my chest at the idea that it meant something. I had trouble focusing on the rest of the game except for the occasions number eighty-five took the field.

  I didn’t know much about football despite Callie’s explanations. I jumped up and clapped every time he caught the ball. Tears sparked in my eyes when he scored a touchdown. I was so proud of this man I’d only just met. An overwhelming sensation took over, I wanted this man to be mine. I sat, closing my eyes, trying to make sense of it.

  What was it about him? I barely knew him. We’d only spent a short time together. Maybe it was the jersey I wore, how he’d taken care of me, making me want something more.

  When the game ended with Baltimore up by three, I stood, cheering with the rest of the Baltimore fans.

  “Didn’t take long for you to become a Baltimore fan,” Hadley said to me.

  “I think that happened when Baltimore wanted to partner with us. It was fun and exciting to be at the game.”

  “Do you want to say hi to Reid?” Callie asked, as we made our way down the steps.

  “Won’t he be busy with whatever players do after the game?” Thoughts of Reid naked in a shower came to mind. A towel wrapped around his waist, his skin damp, his muscles bulging from the game.

  “I always wait for him afterward. You’re welcome to join me.”

  The thought of Callie congratulating him after the game made my chest burn. “I would like to thank him.” Then to Hadley, I asked, “Do we have a few minutes to stay after?”

  Hadley nodded. “Sure.”

  My heart picked up the closer we got to the locker room. Though we’d met the players at the yacht club, somehow this was different. As we waited, a few players walked out of the locker room in suits, duffel bags slung over their shoulders, high on their win. They were greeted by wives and girlfriends.

  Finally, Reid walked out. His hair slicked back from his shower, his suit tight around his shoulders, tapered to his waist. He was handsome. His gaze slid over Callie, landing on me.

  Chapter Fourteen

  REID

  Dylan wore a ball cap over her long hair which was down around her shoulders. When she looked up, I could see her eyes shining with happiness. She’d tied the bottom of the jersey at her waist to make it fit better over her dark jeans. I probably should have bought her a women’s jersey but the oversized one looked cute on her.

  “Dylan, Hadley. Did you enjoy the game?” I sounded stiff, formal when all I wanted to do was pull Dylan closer to me, greet her with a kiss like the other guys did with their girlfriends and wives.

  Dylan stepped close to me. “It was so exciting. Thank you for inviting us and for the jersey.”

  I felt Callie’s gaze on my face, assessing my reaction. I couldn’t stop the smile spreading over my face. I stepped closer so people could pass by. It forced her head to tilt back to meet my eyes.

  “I’m glad you liked it,” I said to Dylan before addressing Callie, “Thanks for spending the day with them.”

  “No problem, boss. It was fun to have someone to sit with.” She smiled. I could see the questions in her eyes.

  Last night when I texted her asking her to get the jerseys, she wanted to know why I wanted Dylan to have my jersey. I didn’t answer. I wasn’t ready to voice my reasons out loud. Especially not to someone who wasn’t Dylan.

  I never invited anyone to games except family. I wanted Callie’s grandfather to come. So far, he’d refused. Logistically it would be difficult. Still, I wanted to make it happen.

  “You have to do press,” Callie reminded me.

  “Do you want to meet up when I’m done?” The thought of going home to an empty condo wasn’t enticing.

  Dylan’s face filled with regret. “No. I drove Hadley. We need to get back.”

  “Maybe next time.” My heart ached to have her here at the next home game, wearing my jersey, waiting for me afterward.

  Dylan’s face filled with happiness. “Absolutely. I had no idea I would enjoy it so much. Congrats on the touchdown and the win.”

  “She jumped up and down when you scored,” Hadley said.

  “Yeah?” I smiled, not taking my gaze off of Dylan. Her face was slightly flushed as if she was embarrassed.

  “Let’s get you to the interview,” Callie prompted.

  Reluctantly, I thanked them for coming before following Callie to the press room.

  Callie’s face turned serious. “They’ll want to talk to you because of the touchdown.”

  “I figured.” I mentally prepared myself, calming my racing heart, breathing slow and even. If I stayed calm, talking would be easier. If I allowed nerves to take over, I might slip.

  “Take your time. Answer the question asked. Relax. You’ll be fine.”

  I hesitated at the doorway.

  “You did great last time.” Callie’s voice lowered.

  I nodded. She was right. This was routine. No different than any other conversation with my coach or the players.

  I entered the room, the bright lights making me wince. Chase was already answering questions at the front of the room. A few reporters turned when
they saw me enter.

  When Chase was finished answering the question, a reporter called my name. Coach gestured me toward the podium. My heart pounded in my ears. I flexed my fingers wishing I was anywhere but here.

  “Congrats on your touchdown.” The reporter stood with his notebook and pen in hand, waiting for me to speak.

  I leaned forward to speak into the microphone. “Thank you.”

  My voice rang loud and clear in the silent room.

  “Is Coach Ackerman utilizing you more like a wide receiver this year?”

  “Coach took advantage of my size and the match-ups today. You’ll have to ask him about upcoming games.”

  “Word is you’ll be stepping up as captain, working with an organization called Kids Speak?” The reporter continued, not missing a beat.

  “Yes.” The old me would have stopped there. I answered the question asked even though I knew Lena wanted me to step up, be more like the other captains.

  “I’m excited to—” I wanted to say work with them. I couldn’t. The familiar panic I experienced in high-pressure situations filtered in making it difficult to think of another word or phrase. “I’m excited about it. I’ll be as hands-on as I can be given the season.”

  I hated that I couldn’t use the words that popped into my brain initially. I had to sift through others to find ones I could say. I wished it weren’t always in the forefront of my mind.

  The reporter nodded, so I looked around the room for further questions. Seeing none, I stepped down. Callie’s hand wrapped around my forearm, guiding me out. “That was good.”

  I raised my brow at her, knowing I’d hesitated. The stress lingered on my shoulders, my neck.

  “It was. I promise. Plenty of people pause up there or lose their train of thought. No one will think anything of it.”

  Maybe I should have been up front with Lena. If I told her about my speech impediment maybe she wouldn’t force me to do these interviews.

  A chill passed down my spine. There was always the chance she’d want me to come forward, telling everyone about it. That was my biggest fear. Opening myself up to judgment, speculation, skeptics.