Match Me if You Can (No Match for Love Book 7)

by Lindzee Armstrong

  Going to the movies with him had been nearly perfect. They’d both stayed completely silent during the film, but it hadn’t been awkward at all. Instead, Tamera had enjoyed seeing a movie with someone who appreciated the need for complete and total focus on the story. After the movie was over, they’d wandered the mall where the theater was located and spent nearly two hours dissecting everything from the plot to the script to the acting.

  She was falling for Wyatt. Whether she wanted to admit it or not, that was the truth. Drew’s warnings were holding less and less weight, especially considering he seemed to be pushing for something more lately—something she definitely wasn’t interested in.

  Tamera put away her lip gloss and fluffed her hair, then tugged at the hem of her shirt. She’d opted for a sheer polka dot blouse buttoned over a teal tank top, paired with her favorite pair of jean shorts and sandals that were cute but also comfortable. Who knew what cameras might point her way today? She’d be in the park with Wyatt James which was definitely a Kodak moment. Her agent would flip if she was photographed looking less than perfect.

  A knock came at the front door and her heart started hammering in her chest. She pressed a hand flat over her stomach and took a deep breath. Today would be significant. A point from which she could never return. She could feel it in her bones.

  She grabbed the small messenger purse from off the kitchen counter and opened the door. Her breath caught in her throat at the sight of Wyatt. He wore his Los Angeles Coyotes jersey, the dark blue fabric with gold accents bringing out the color of his eyes. Denim shorts hung loosely on his hips and a pair of sunglasses was tucked in the collar of his shirt.

  “Wow,” Tamera said. She stepped outside and locked her condo door. “I’ve never seen you in a jersey before.”

  Wyatt reached up and scratched the back of his head, looking embarrassed. “The colors still feel weird to me. Every time I slip into my uniform, I feel like something’s wrong.”

  “Trust me, there is nothing wrong with how you look.”

  His chuckled and the warm sound sent shivers across her spine. “I could say the same for you. You look beautiful, as always.”

  She blushed and ducked her head. “Thank you.”

  They walked side by side to his car. She couldn’t remember the last time she’d felt this safe and protected. Wyatt towered over her—completely dominated in size. But she knew he’d never do anything to hurt her. Instead, he held open her door like a perfect gentleman. Tamera stared up at the car seat, which was nearly as high as her shoulders. The lift on Wyatt’s truck was insane.

  “Let me help you,” Wyatt said, his low voice sending shivers over her entire body. Then his hands were at her waist, feather-light as he lifted her into the cab of his truck like she didn’t weigh a thing.

  Tamera settled into the seat, running a hand over the dark gray fabric. Wyatt shut his door and the engine roared to life.

  “Let’s hope traffic isn’t too bad,” he said, putting the truck in gear.

  Tamera laughed. “You know we’re in California, right? Bad traffic is inevitable here, especially around Hollywood. That place is always crowded.”

  “Then I’ll be doubly grateful to have you here to keep me company.”

  Her entire heart warmed. Tamera felt like she could float right out of his window on a cloud of contentment.

  Traffic was atrocious, in typical L.A. fashion, but Tamera didn’t mind crawling down the freeway at ten miles an hour when she had Wyatt sitting next to her, providing conversation.

  “You can’t seriously tell me you enjoyed that film,” Tamera said. Her legs were stretched out underneath the dashboard, feet crossed at the ankle, more relaxed than she’d been in months.

  Wyatt shot her a sideways look, one eyebrow raised. “You didn’t?”

  “Uh, no!” She held up two fingers on both hands and crossed them in a hashtag sigh. “Hashtag box office flop.”

  “It only flopped because the acting was so awful.”

  Tamera rolled her eyes. “Uh, the acting is kind of the point of a movie.”

  “No,” he shot back. “Without a fantastic script, there wouldn’t be a movie to act badly in.”

  When was the last time she’d bantered with a guy and enjoyed it? She wracked her brain, but honestly couldn’t remember. She and Drew had spent hours talking while on Eye in the Sky, but it had almost always been about the game and how they could win.

  “Excellent actors can make up for a crappy script, but crappy actors can tank a good script,” Tamera said. “Therefore, the acting is the most important element of a film.”

  Wyatt laughed, stretching his fingers on the steering wheel. Her eyes followed his strong hands as they flexed and straightened, mesmerized by the sinews and sun-bronzed skin. “Maybe you have a point.”

  “I’d love to read one of your scripts sometime.” Tamera wanted a glimpse into Wyatt’s mind. To see what kinds of stories he wrote, worlds he imagined, and characters he created.

  The tips of Wyatt’s ears turned red and he cleared his throat. “They’re probably not any good. Nothing like the parts you audition for.”

  “Sure. That hemorrhoids commercial was real comedic gold.”

  He snorted and she felt immense pride at making him laugh. “Don’t mention that in your Oscars acceptance speech.”

  She placed a hand lightly on his arm and felt his muscles tense in response. “Seriously. I want to read one of your scripts. You don’t give yourself enough credit—I’m sure they’re great.”

  His eyes flicked to hers, then back to the road. “Maybe someday I’ll let you read one.”

  Warmth filled her heart at that one word—someday. It opened up a world of possibilities she desperately wanted to explore. “Have you ever written any characters that I’d play well?”

  “None of those characters would do you justice.”

  She blushed. “Don’t you mean I wouldn’t do justice to the character?”

  “No, I definitely mean the characters are too bland for you.” His eyes slid her way. “Maybe in my next script, I’ll write the heroine with you in mind.”

  Was she drooling? Because seriously, Wyatt was f-i-n-e.

  Tamera’s phone buzzed, startling her. She fumbled to pull it from her purse. Had she ever forgotten about her phone before? Probably not. But something about Wyatt made her want to live completely in the moment.

  She flicked open the screen and saw a text from Drew. What are you doing tonight? Thought maybe you could catch a flight to San Antonio and we could hang.

  Um, was he freaking insane? She fought the urge to text him back #inyourdreams. Friends didn’t hop planes to fly halfway across the country for a weekend. That was something couples did. And they would never be a couple. Drew was a great friend, but she wasn’t interested in him romantically. She’d always thought his harmless flirtations were just that, but lately he was definitely acting like a man who wanted something more.

  Wyatt glanced over at her phone, then back at the road. “Everything okay?”

  “Oh. Yeah.” She dropped her phone back in her purse, not sure if Drew was a subject she could bring up with Wyatt just yet. “I swear, I’m ready to chuck my phone in the Pacific. People I’m trying to ignore keep bugging me.”

  “That doesn’t sound like fun.”

  “It’s not.” She ran a hand over the zipper on her purse. If she mentioned Drew’s sudden interest, Wyatt would get defensive. The two had so much history. But having someone besides Drew to talk to about Caleb would be a relief. “It’s my ex. The one who’s now my brother-in-law?”

  Wyatt nodded, motioning for her to go on.

  “Well, he keeps texting me. From his honeymoon. Although I guess they’re back in Texas by now.” She rested an arm on the window, threading her fingers through her hair.

  “Whoa.”

  “Yeah, I know. Katie keeps sending me pictures of the fabulous time she’s having. Meanwhile, he offered me the role of mistress.”
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br />   Wyatt’s hands tightened on the steering wheel and his jaw clenched. “I will never understand men like that. He seriously propositioned you?”

  “More or less.” Tamera sighed. “I want to tell Katie about what Caleb did, but I’m not sure how. I told him to leave me alone, so I’m hoping it’s just a one-time thing. I haven’t heard from him again at least.”

  “That’s a tough spot to be in.”

  Tough. Impossible. Awful. Take your pick, because none of those adjectives were wrong. Tamera turned in her seat, making the belt stretch taut over her shoulder, and gave Wyatt her full attention. “Has Becky ever done crazy things like this?”

  He chuckled darkly, making the hairs on her arms stand on end. “Not quite that crazy. But yeah, she tried pretty hard to get me back while still dating…”

  Drew. That single name hung between them, an elephant in the room they couldn’t quite get past.

  Wyatt cleared his throat. “Anyway, she sent me a text again just the other day.”

  “Seriously?” Tamera asked in surprise.

  Wyatt nodded. “I haven’t texted her back. I guess I’m hoping it’s a one-time thing, too, and that she’s not gearing up to ambush me again.”

  “We’re quite the pair, aren’t we?”

  Wyatt reached across the consul and squeezed her hand for the briefest of moments. His touch was so light, she almost wondered if she’d imagined it. “Everyone’s got baggage.”

  Tamera didn’t like the somber mood that had fallen over the cab. She pointed up ahead and purposefully made her voice light, eager to recapture the playfulness from earlier. “Hey, we can finally see the exit. We’re almost there.”

  “Only took two hours,” Wyatt joked.

  He coasted off the exit, and Tamera felt her stomach tighten with excitement as they passed the sign for Universal Studios Hollywood. In the parking garage, an attendant motioned them to a preferred spot right outside the gate, which had been reserved for the team.

  Tamera hopped out of the truck and stared up at the park in awe. She felt Wyatt step beside her and looked up into face. His hands were shoved deep in his pockets, the baseball cap she’d grown used to seeing him wear in public gone. Today, he wasn’t trying to hide.

  “Should we go check it out?” Wyatt asked.

  “Absolutely,” Tamera breathed.

  They quickly made their way through security, then Tamera grabbed Wyatt’s hand and tugged him toward the red carpet. “Come on. We have to get our picture beneath the arch.”

  Wyatt laughed and followed her willingly toward the carpet. A photographer motioned for them to stand on the red carpet, beneath the white backdrop and park sign.

  “Closer,” the photographer said.

  Tamera felt Wyatt’s hand rest lightly on her waist. She leaned into him, heart pounding furiously as she smiled for the picture.

  Wyatt took a step back and cleared his throat. “Ready to go inside?”

  “I think I was born ready,” Tamera teased.

  He laughed and they made their way to the ticket carousel, then inside the park. Tamera put a hand to her chest, feeling tears prick unexpectedly at her eyes as she took in everything.

  Wyatt’s shoulder nudged hers gently. “You okay?”

  She laughed. “I’m perfect. I just can’t believe I’m finally here.”

  “Most of the day is ours. In about an hour, I’ve got to go to the gender reveal party Brooke and Luke are doing. It’s a big deal I guess, and all the media will be there.”

  “Uh, yeah, a baby is a big deal.”

  “You know what I mean.”

  “I’m not surprised they’re doing it with the team. They’re America’s favorite couple, and it’s a good way to get positive PR for the Coyotes.”

  “I had no idea these kind of parties were a thing until Luke told us about it and McKinley threatened us with ladders if we didn’t show up. But it should be pretty easy.” Wyatt pulled open his map and pointed to the Minions ride. “They’re doing it here, since it’s the most kid friendly area of the park. All we’ve got to do is stand there and smile.”

  “Sounds good,” Tamera said. “What else is on the schedule?”

  “I’ve got a Q&A scheduled at two o’clock, followed by a meet and greet. That’ll take about two hours, probably—sorry about that. But otherwise, we can do whatever we want. Our instructions are to have a good time, wander around the park, and interact with fans.”

  “Hey, I’m just happy you chose to take me along for the ride.” Tamera glanced up at Wyatt, hardly able to believe they were finally on a date. “What do you want to do?”

  “Everything.” Wyatt grinned and his entire face lit up like a kid’s at Christmas. “I think I’m most excited for the studio tour, though.”

  “Me too,” Tamera said.

  “Good. Let’s do that right after the gender reveal, then.”

  Tamera pointed in the direction of the Minions ride. “We probably have time to go on the ride before the party.”

  “Let’s do it,” Wyatt said.

  The park was crowded, but their front-of-the-line passes significantly cut down the wait time. Wyatt waved to the excited kids waiting in line, and stopped for a few pictures and autographs before an employee finally ushered them onto the ride. Tamera’s heart swelled as she watched Wyatt interact with the fans. He was so genuine and caring. It only made her fall for him harder.

  By the time they stumbled out of the Minion ride, their eyes blinking rapidly to adjust to the sudden brightness after the 3D glasses, a small crowd had gathered around the platform erected outside the ride. Reporters milled around while cameramen wrestled with equipment. Tamera even recognized a few familiar faces from Toujour.

  “Looks like it’s nearly time.” Wyatt pointed to the team, gathered near the front. “Stay close so I don’t lose you in the crowd.”

  Tamera hovered behind Wyatt, allowing him to blaze a path through the people. Zoey, one of the matchmakers from Toujour, waved enthusiastically at Tamera from her spot near the front. A thin man with dark skin stood beside her, his posture stiff and face lined with stress. But then Zoey looked up at him and said something, and his entire face transformed into a look of utter love.

  “That’s Zoey and Mitch,” Wyatt said, waving at the couple as well. “Mitch is Luke’s personal assistant, and Zoey is Brooke’s best friend. They got married not too long ago.”

  “Yeah, I recognize Zoey from Toujour,” Tamera said.

  “Right. I always forget you used to be a client.”

  Wyatt settled in at the back of the pack of teammates. Tamera stuck to his side, hardly believing she was surrounded by an entire football team.

  “Wyatt, man.” A man with dark skin and a shaved head held out a hand, and the two clapped each other on the backs in a man hug.

  “Good to see you, Tyrone.” Wyatt placed a hand gently on Tamera’s back. “This is Tamera.”

  “Nice to meet you,” Tyrone said, giving her a big smile. “I’ve heard a lot about you.”

  “Only good things, I hope,” Tamera said as a thrill went through her. Wyatt had talked about her to his teammates. That had to mean something.

  “Nothing but praise,” Tyrone assured her.

  Zoey made her way onto the stage, looking very old Hollywood in a red halter dress with white polka dots. “Hey, everyone,” she said. “We’re all so excited to find out what Brooke and Luke’s bun in the oven is!”

  Hoots filled the crowd from the direction of what Zoey assumed where Brooke and Luke’s friends and family.

  “Don’t worry, we’re not going to hold you in suspense for too long,” Zoey said. “Pull out your cameras, everyone, and put your hands together for Brooke and Luke!”

  Brooke and Luke walked onto the platform, practically glowing with happiness. Brooke wore a floral empire-waist garden dress, and Luke looked impeccable as always in a suit and tie. Hard to believe Tamera had once gone on a date with the man. She’d been so starstruck at the ti
me. Little had she knows that date would propel her into a world where she’d meet a lot more celebrities. Become friends with a few of them. Maybe even fall in love with a dashing football player who made her knees go weak.

  “Thank you for coming,” Brooke said into the microphone. She placed a hand on her stomach. “Luke and I couldn’t be more excited to share this with everyone here today. We’ve waited for this moment for a long time.”

  Wyatt leaned down, his lips just brushing Tamera’s ear. “They look happy, don’t they?”

  “The happiest,” Tamera agreed.

  He pointed to a couple standing near the front of the crowd. A pretty woman with dark blonde hair stood beside a man with a lanky figure. “That’s Andi. She works for Footsteps for Change, the foundation we’re doing this for. She helped arrange this whole thing.”

  “She dated Luke, too,” Tamera said, suddenly recognizing the woman from the papers. They’d also been setup through Toujour and ended up going out for a month or two.

  “Not anymore,” Wyatt said. “She’s engaged to that guy, Ben.”

  “They look happy, too,” Tamera said.

  Brooke had stopped talking, and she and Luke now stood beside a four-foot tall box striped pink and blue.

  “Ready?” Luke asked.

  Brooke nodded. “One … two … three!”

  They lifted the lid of the box off together and dozens of pink balloons floated toward the sky. The crowd erupted in cheers, and Tamera laughed and clapped.

  “It’s a girl,” Tamera said as Brooke and Luke hugged each other close.

  Wyatt grinned. “Congrats to the new parents. Now let’s get out of here. I’m dying to explore this place.”

  CHAPTER NINETEEN

  Tamera leaned into Wyatt, feeling a rush of delight as the tram drove silently past a hot set. The outdoor town square was mostly obscured by cameras and backdrops, but she could still make out a few boom mics and actors between all the other equipment.