by Lea Coll
I’d been so wrapped up in myself I didn’t know much about her personal life. I wanted to rectify that mistake.
I fell into step next to her walking out of the building. A man came out of the front office as we passed. “Ms. Gannon, thank you so much for coming today.” Then he looked expectantly from Dylan to me as if he expected an introduction.
“Oh, sorry. Mr. Minor. This is Reid Everson. He volunteered with us today.”
He shook my hand. “I’m the principal here. It’s so nice to meet you. Good luck in the game this weekend.”
I shook his hand. “Thank you. Nice to meet you as well.”
“Mr. Everson will be here every Monday when his schedule allows. I’d prefer it if the media didn’t find out so he can continue to come.” Dylan’s voice was professional.
“I’ll make sure of it.” Mr. Minor said with a bit too much eagerness.
“Thank you. I’ll see you next week.” Dylan said, her shoulders stiff.
When we were outside, I said, “You don’t think I’ll be an issue, do you?”
It wouldn’t change my promise to Quinton. Attention was the last thing I wanted.
“You mean the fact that you’re a football player?”
At my nod, she said, “It won’t be. I promise. Even if the media gets wind of it, I don’t think it will become a problem. At least I hope not.”
I walked with her until she paused by her car.
Dylan tilted her face up to me. “Thanks again.”
“You don’t have to keep thanking me. I enjoyed it.” A flash of her kissing my cheek popped into my head, the feel of her lips on my skin, the warmth of her hand singeing a hole through my sweater. I wondered if she’d do it again.
“I’m away this weekend for a game, but I’d like to—” What? Hang out? I was out of practice for asking a woman out on a date. “Take you out.”
Her eyes widened in surprise. “We have a standing meeting on Friday nights at the firm.”
I couldn’t fault her for being shocked. I’d been so adamantly against volunteering, helping her. The whole time, I was fighting the inevitable. Since the moment we met, there was something between us, an invisible line pulling us together, drawing us closer. I didn’t want to fight the feeling anymore.
“Is it one you can get out of?” I stepped closer, my mind consumed with the need to see her again, touch her, taste her.
She licked her lips. “I don’t think so.”
“I want to see you again.” She tilted her head back further to meet my gaze.
“Could you do something Thursday night?”
“I can do that. I want to kiss you.” The desire to touch my lips to hers ignited, burning a fire through me.
At her nod, I leaned my head down, kissing her cheek, then letting my stubble draw along her soft cheek, as I kissed her neck, drawing out the anticipation. Finally, I cupped her chin, slowly turning her head so her lips lined up with mine. I brushed her lips once, twice, before swallowing her sigh when her mouth opened. Kissing her turned from sweet to all-consuming. I pressed against her body, wanting to get closer, forgetting for a moment we were on a public street. I forced myself to slow my kisses, pulling back slightly to see how the kiss affected her.
Her lips were swollen, her breath coming in short pants. “Thursday?”
My heart drummed in my chest. “See you then. I’ll pick you up.”
She moved to open the door, her forehead wrinkling. “I live in Annapolis.”
“I don’t mind going to you.”
Her face smoothed as she relaxed, smiling. “I look forward to it.”
I stepped back from the car as she got in. I waited until she waved then pulled away from the curb. This thing with Dylan was starting to feel better than the roar of the crowd when I caught a touchdown pass.
Chapter Seventeen
REID
On the drive to Annapolis Thursday night, I tried to calm my nerves by telling myself we’d already been out to dinner a couple of times, we’d met for drinks. I knew Dylan. The thing was she didn’t know me. She didn’t know my deepest fear, my biggest shame. Was it even possible to keep it a secret from her?
I wondered if I was making a mistake. If I should stop pursuing this thing with Dylan.
I wanted to see her. For the first time in my life, I was close to revealing everything to someone I was interested in. I’d have to be careful tonight.
I’d almost convinced myself I could pretend when I pulled up to the curb in front of a row of historic well-maintained homes, complete with wrought iron railings, pots overflowing with fall flowers on the steps. It was as if each resident was trying to outdo the others with curb appeal. I knocked on Dylan’s door.
After a few seconds, she opened the door as she was sliding a hoop into her ear, securing the back. She was barefoot in a sleek silver dress. “Hey! I just need to grab my purse. Come in for a second.”
Dylan was flustered. I’d never seen her when she wasn’t one-hundred-percent put together. I kind of liked that I made her off-center. I stepped inside, surveying the small quaint home. Hardwood floors gleamed, a railing led up narrow stairs presumably to the bedrooms. I waited in the living room where a couch and two armchairs were positioned in front of a fireplace framed with bookshelves. I stepped closer to see better.
There were numerous photos of a younger Dylan with friends at what looked to be a high school graduation, friends in a dorm at college, her law school graduation. That picture she was flanked by two older people, most likely her parents. They were beaming as if they were proud of her. I was happy she had two supportive parents.
“Hey.” Her voice was soft, a tremor of something in her tone. Nerves maybe?
I turned to take her in. She stood several inches taller with simple black heels, her legs toned, the dress outlining every curve I wanted to familiarize myself with.
“You’re—” I cringed at my wobble on the r sound. “Stunning.”
My face burned hot. I looked around scouring my brain for an excuse, a reason to leave, but there was no good reason. Not one that would keep me in her life. I squared my shoulders. I wouldn’t acknowledge the error. If she asked about it, I’d have to be honest.
Avoiding her eyes, I said, “One of my teammates mentioned a sushi place, one we wouldn’t need to call ahead.”
She smiled, stepping closer to me, going up on tiptoes, stealing my breath when she kissed the corner of my mouth. Then she murmured across my lips, “That sounds perfect.”
My hand instinctively gripped her waist, the warmth of her skin radiating through the material of her dress. I wanted to pull her against me, letting her feel how her nearness affected me. I didn’t. I wanted to be a gentleman.
I let go of her, hoping she hadn’t noticed my slip. I’d need to be on guard the rest of the night.
After she locked her door, she asked, “Can we walk there?”
“It’s only a few blocks. It’s up to you.” I nodded toward her heels.
“It’s a beautiful night. Let’s walk.”
“Okay.” When she smiled at me like that, sweet and trusting, I’d do anything she asked. She tucked her hand into my elbow, leaning against my side. The feel of her body against mine was better than handholding, better than anything I’d ever experienced. A sensation slid through my body like drinking hot tea on a cold day, warming me from the inside out.
She tilted her head up at me.
“How do you feel?” I wanted to know what was going through her mind. What made her eyes soft? Was it me?
“I’m happy.”
“Yeah? Being with me makes you happy?” Her words made me feel invincible.
She raised her brow, tensing as if she was prepared to argue with me if necessary. “Yes. Is that so hard to believe?”
“A little bit.” Had the slip of my tongue earlier in her living room broken the dam between us, leaving behind any pretense of space? I wanted to enjoy tonight, letting the night unfold how it was meant to.
“Well, it’s true.” She smiled, more relaxed than I’d ever seen her.
It struck me that despite her outgoing personality, her eyes were usually guarded. Tonight, they weren’t. They were a gateway to her soul, one I hoped to take.
We stopped in front of a sushi restaurant. I was so out of practice I hadn’t asked her if she even liked sushi. I’d mentioned it at her house. She hadn’t said anything. Maybe she was being polite. “This was my idea, but if you don’t like sushi—”
She squeezed my arm. “No. I love sushi.”
I opened the door for her, relaxing. I hadn’t realized how much I wanted this evening to be perfect. “Let’s go inside then.”
She smiled at me before sliding under my arm, asking the hostess for a table for two. There was a small wait. I gave the hostess my name, waiting off to the side. Tonight, I wanted to be anonymous. Just me and her. Nobody else. No favors, no special treatment. Two real people getting to know each other.
It was crowded, the waiters walking by us with trays of food. I braced my legs, pulling her closer to me so they could pass by without running into her. It was a good excuse to feel her body against mine, her ass pressed against my leg, her head under my chin, so I could smell the coconut in her hair. I wasn’t just happy, I was content.
I wasn’t worried about the upcoming game, whether I’d done enough reps or watched enough plays to prepare. I was in the moment with her.
We stood in silence, the din of the crowd too loud for us to hear each other. When the hostess called my last name, we followed her to a table in the back. Then she handed us the menus before leaving us alone.
“Did you ask for a secluded table?” she asked.
“No. I didn’t. I wanted tonight to be about us, not my job, not my name.”
A sweet smile spread over her face as she opened the menu. “I like that.”
I like you.
“People don’t know my name outside the city. In Annapolis, we can be somewhat anonymous.”
“Do they hound you in the city?” She lowered her menu to look at me.
“Not me so much. But they’ve followed Chase home. When he stopped to ask why, the fans said they wanted to know if it was his home.”
“That’s kind of creepy.”
“It is. But fans make my life possible. We make so much money playing a game.”
A look of understanding passed over her face. “That’s true. It must be hard to be gracious to people following you though, taking pictures, wanting to know every private detail of your life.”
“Until now, I wasn’t that—” I paused trying to think of the word.
“Interesting?”
I nodded, grateful she’d filled it in for me.
“So, you’re saying that I make you interesting.” She gestured to herself, batting her eyelashes.
“Not exactly. I think you’re fascinating enough for both of us.” I rushed through the sentence, glossing over you’re. This was the reason I avoided dates, one-on-one time with women. Screwups were inevitable. It was only a matter of time before she asked me about it.
She covered my hand with hers. “The things you say are so sweet. It’s like you’re not real.”
I let her comment go even though I wanted to know why she thought a man who was up front about his interest was rare. We had plenty of time to delve deeper. Once I knew everything about her, she’d want to know everything about me.
“It’s unlikely anyone’s following us. They won’t expect us in Annapolis.” I gestured around us.
“Not yet. But they might in the future.”
“If the implication is a second date, then I hope so.”
“I think it’s our third, but it’s safe to say, I’d like to see you again.” Her cheeks flushed.
I wondered if it was from the sake she’d ordered or if she worried she’d said too much. “I’d love that.”
We ordered an assortment of rolls for us to share. We spoke about my upcoming game, her progress with Kids Speak.
“This looks amazing.” Dylan’s eyes shined with appreciation.
We each placed rolls on our perspective plates, commenting on which ones were spicy.
I hadn’t planned for it but it was romantic to share a meal. She’d mention one roll was so amazing I had to try it. Then she’d watch while I picked it up with my chopsticks before biting it. When I agreed it was good, she’d smile, reaching for another roll.
Even if it wasn’t good, I’d say it was to keep that smile on her face. I paid attention to what made her happy, what she liked, cataloging it for later.
I wanted to make this woman happy. Other than looking out for my family, Callie, and her grandfather, I’d never gotten close enough to anyone else to say that. A sense of trepidation formed in my stomach. I hoped I wasn’t moving too fast, making a huge mistake.
Dylan leaned back in her chair, covering her stomach. “Soy sauce always makes me feel bloated. It’s so worth it though.”
I pushed her water glass closer to her. “The soy sauce is salty.”
“You’re right. More water, less sake.” She took a long drink of water before setting her glass down. “Thank you for inviting me tonight. I’m having a great time.”
“You want to take a walk?” It was on the tip of my tongue to suggest we go back to her place. I wasn’t ready for that level of intimacy yet. The more I let those walls down the more I’d let her in. I needed more time to figure out whether I could trust her.
Chapter Eighteen
DYLAN
“I’d love that.” Something about Reid was different tonight. He wasn’t as guarded. He wasn’t as tense. Whether it was taking him out of his element, bringing him somewhere new, or this was the real him, I wasn’t sure.
He held his hand out to me, interlacing his fingers with mine as we walked out of the restaurant. He’d pronounced a word oddly when he’d picked me up. It happened so quickly I wasn’t sure if I’d imagined it. He was probably just nervous.
I’d gone from needing him to be Kids Speak’s spokesman to wanting to spend time with him. If he opened up to me, told me more about himself, the moment would be that much sweeter. I was prepared to be patient. I wasn’t in a hurry to jump in bed with him even if that’s what my body wanted.
I wanted more than a one-night stand or a short affair. I wanted everything. As we walked toward the water, I shivered.
He shrugged off his light jacket, arranging it around my shoulders.
“Thank you.”
He gestured toward the harbor. “You want to watch the boats?”
“Yeah.” The air was cooler since it was fall. I should have brought a jacket. Thought it was nice to be surrounded with the scent of Reid’s cologne.
Instead of holding my hand, he put his arm around my shoulder, tucking me into his side. We were able to maneuver through the crowd easier. His body heat warmed me up.
Once we arrived at city dock, the benches were filled with couples and families enjoying the evening. Reid walked to the edge of the pier, pulling me in front of him. It was like we were the only ones here. With his arms surrounding me, I was wrapped up in him, literally and figuratively.
I wanted to close my eyes, soaking all of it in, despite the beauty of the boats, the masts decorated with twinkling lights reflecting on the water.
He leaned down whispering in my ear. “The view is beautiful.”
I could imagine him laying me down on a bed, kissing me until I was mindless, worshiping me with his mouth. He seemed like a man who tried hard to please the person he was with. It made me think he’d be attentive in bed. I wanted to be the center of his world. I wanted him to let me in.
I turned in his arms, touching the side of his face. His arms bracketed me, blocking us from curious eyes. I tugged on the hair at the nape of his neck encouraging him to lower his face down so I could kiss him. The kiss was slow and sensual, a promise of things to come. Desire coiled in my belly, my legs weak. When I was about to suggest w
e head home, he pulled away slightly.
“I have to get up early. I should take you home.”
“Okay.” I didn’t mind the anticipation, waiting for the right moment. I knew with Reid it would come. Eventually, there wouldn’t be anything between us, secrets or otherwise.
We walked home, navigating through the crowd, enjoying the night. When we reached my door, Reid paused. “I’d like to come in—”
“I get it. You have to be up early.”
His face was filled with longing, making our parting easier. I loved that he wanted to be with me as much as I wanted to be with him.
“Text me when you get home?”
He kissed me, soft and sweet. “I will.”
“Good luck this weekend.”
He pulled away to see my face, holding my hands. “Will you watch the game?”
“I have to say it will be the first time I intentionally watch a game on TV. I’ll be cheering for you.”
“I liked having you at my game on Sunday. I like knowing you’ll be watching.” He kissed me once more before jogging down my stairs to his SUV.
Watching him walk away made me wonder if I was the right person for him. If my parents needed me, would he be okay with that? Or would he resent my focus on my family, putting their needs before my own? A professional football player was used to being the sole focus of the people in his life. If he couldn’t get that from me, would he walk away?
Chapter Nineteen
DYLAN
Friday night, we had our weekly champagne meeting in the office. The tradition started when we’d painted the office, celebrating the opening of the firm with champagne. It was more like takeout and wine these days. Our meetings mainly consisted of discussing new clients, cases, the status of Kids Speak’s programs. We were so busy during the week we didn’t have time to touch base often.
“How’s it going in Baltimore?” Avery asked.
I hadn’t had an opportunity to speak to her about it in weeks. When I was in the office she was in a meeting or court. I straightened in my seat, excited to talk about the progress. “Great for our first week. We held sessions at two schools with more scheduled for next week.”
