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

by Lindzee Armstrong

“Where to?” the driver asked.

  Tamera stared at him bleakly. “What?”

  He gave her a puzzled frown. “You’ve got somewhere you want to go, right?”

  She sniffed and wiped under her eyes. The hotel was only ten minutes away, but crying alone in a dark room didn’t hold much appeal. She wanted someone to hold her and say everything would be alright. To assure her she wasn’t irreparably broken and could fix her damaged relationship with Wyatt.

  She wanted her sister.

  The realization stunned her into giving the driver Katie’s address. Soon he was dropping her off in front of a cute bungalow of whitewashed brick. Tamera thanked him and walked slowly up the front steps.

  She stared at the door for a long time. Once upon a time, she and Katie had shared everything. They’d competed, yes. But they’d shared their joys and heartaches, too. They’d been each other’s best friends. All that had changed when Tamera started dating Caleb.

  She took a deep breath, then knocked. A few moments later, the door opened. Katie’s hair was disheveled, as though she’d been asleep. Mascara was smudged under her eyes and she wore a ratty camisole and basketball shorts.

  “Tamera.” She rubbed at her eyes as though not quite believing them. “What are you doing here?”

  “I guess I just needed my sister.” Tamera’s voice broke on the last word. Would Katie tell her to go away and never come back? “Can I come in?”

  “Uh, sure.” Katie opened the door wider and motioned her inside. Tamera entered, relief flowing through her.

  The living room was dark, but Katie flipped on a light. It looked much the same as the last time Tamera had been here, barely more than a month ago. They’d spent five frustrating hours putting personalized wrappers on miniature candy bars as part of the wedding favor. White couches were still arranged around a barn wood coffee table. The television still sat on a hutch that Tamera had helped Katie refinish shortly before Caleb ruined everything.

  “What are you doing in town?” Katie asked, grabbing a glass from the kitchen cupboard and turning on the faucet.

  “I was visiting Drew.” Tamera took a seat on the couch and accepted the glass of water Katie handed her.

  “You look awful,” Katie said, but there was an edge of satisfaction in her voice that stung. “What happened?”

  Tears filled Tamera’s eyes again and she shook her head quickly. “Please, can we not pick at each other tonight? I just … I just need my sister.”

  Katie folded her arms. “I’m sitting right here.”

  “I’m sorry,” Tamera choked out. She wiped under her eyes. “I should’ve told you about the texts immediately.”

  Katie looked down, playing with the hem of her shirt. “I probably wouldn’t have believed you unless I saw the evidence for myself.”

  “I should’ve realized how overshadowed you felt,” Tamera plowed on. “I should’ve listened to what you weren’t saying as much as what you were all those times.”

  Katie’s eyes softened and she scooted to the edge of the couch. “I’m sorry, too,” she whispered, her eyes luminescent. “I should’ve told Caleb to take a hike the first time he made a move, but I was so flattered. And now … oh, Tamera. I’ve made such a mess of things. Can you ever forgive me?”

  “Of course,” Tamera said. She held open her arms and Katie fell into them, the two of them crying and hugging. Tamera closed her eyes, relishing the realization that she had her little sister back.

  “I never should’ve come to L.A.,” Katie said. “I suck at apologizing. I swear I didn’t plan on storming out in a rage.”

  Tamera laughed. “I should’ve been kinder when you showed up. I knew how hard it was for you to say you were sorry.”

  “I’m done competing with you.” Katie sniffed, wiping under both eyes. “I just want us to be friends. Because I really, really need a friend right now.”

  “Me too,” Tamera said. She looked around the dark bungalow. “Is Caleb still asleep?”

  Katie’s eyes darkened and she shook her head. “He’s doing the music for a wedding tonight. I don’t expect him home for another few hours at least.”

  So Katie had given him another chance. He was still living here, for better or worse, and Tamera was still going to have to deal with him at least sometimes.

  “I know what you’re thinking,” Katie said, her voice tight. “I should’ve kicked him out. But he’s my husband.”

  Tamera reached out and clasped Katie’s hands in both of hers. “I support whatever decision you make.”

  Katie’s lips turned up in a smile and she gave Tamera another hug. “Thank you. Now, tell me what’s really going on. You’re a total mess.”

  For the next hour, Tamera spilled out everything that had happened over the past month. When she’d finally told the whole story, Katie shook her head in disbelief.

  “Wow,” Katie said.

  “I know.”

  “Honestly, I’m not surprised—Drew was kind of a creep on Eye in the Sky. I never really understood why the two of you were friends.”

  Tamera’s mouth dropped open. “And you’re just now telling me this?”

  Katie held up her hands. “I’m sorry, okay? But I thought you’d bite my head off if I said anything at the wedding. Things were already so tense.”

  Tamera sank back against the couch cushions, trying to process this new information. “Wow.”

  “Wyatt seems like a good guy,” Katie ventured.

  “One of the best.”

  “So what are you going to do about it?”

  Tamera took a deep breath. “I’m going back to L.A. And I’m going to try and win him back.”

  CHAPTER TWENTY-FOUR

  Wyatt cursed and slammed his laptop lid shut. He leaned back in the uncomfortable hotel chair and rubbed his eyes. This script was going nowhere fast. Stupid writer’s block.

  The weekend had been awful. Imagining Tamera with Drew made him physically sick, but Wyatt couldn’t get the image out of his head. He hadn’t left his hotel in three days and it showed. The bed was unmade and dirty towels littered the floor, mixing in with the empty room service trays.

  In two days, he’d see Tamera again whether he wanted to or not. He was closing on his house and knew she’d be there despite the turmoil their personal relationship was currently experiencing.

  He wanted to hate Tamera. He’d put his heart on the line, begged her to stay, and she’d driven away without a backward glance. Wyatt wanted to furious with her for not trusting him. But a bigger part of him wanted to wrap her in his arms and promise to spend the rest of his life proving to her she was worth loving. That not all men were out to hurt her. The baggage she carried must be so heavy, and he would gladly help lighten the load if she’d just let him.

  A sharp rap sounded at the door and Wyatt looked up in surprise. He’d put a do not disturb sign on his door and not even housekeeping had bothered him.

  “Open up,” came a cheerful voice. “Your sister’s here to save the day.”

  The sound of his sister’s voice had him scrambling to open the door. He flung it open and pulled Natalie into a tight hug. “What are you doing here?”

  “Can’t. Breathe,” Natalie panted, pushing against his chest.

  Wyatt dropped his arms and stepped back. Normally her antics would make him laugh, but tonight he couldn’t summon up the energy.

  “I thought you decided not to come until the semester was over,” Wyatt said. “I should be all moved in by then.”

  Natalie tossed her sandy blond hair, the same color as their mom’s, over one shoulder and shut the door behind her. “This is a surprise visit to do damage control.”

  “What are you talking about?”

  “Clearly you’re depressed and wallowing over your admittedly horrendous luck.” She sat gingerly on the edge of his bed, her nose wrinkling in disgust. “Gross, Wyatt. Let the maids in to clean occasionally. It looks like you haven’t left in days.”

  Wyatt slumped
into the uncomfortable desk chair, not meeting her eyes.

  She groaned. “Yeah, hopping that plane was definitely a good idea. Talk to me.”

  “What do you want me to say? I tried to explain, and she ran right into Drew’s waiting arms.” The second time he’d lost a woman to the quarterback. He’d thought last time had been painful, but it was nothing compared to this. He hadn’t loved Becky. But his entire heart ached for Tamera. His feelings for her had snuck up on him so gradually, he hadn’t realized what was happening until it was too late.

  Natalie slugged him hard in the shoulder. “You are such a guy.”

  He rubbed his arm and scowled. “What’s that supposed to mean?”

  “It means you’re an idiot.” She sighed and absently began to straighten the items on his bedside table. “Of course she ran back to Drew. She’s known him longer. He’s safe and familiar—exactly the kind of scum she’s used to dating.”

  Wyatt furrowed his brow. “You’re making even less sense than usual.”

  Natalie rolled her eyes and placed one hand on her hip, reminding him vividly of their mother. “Tamera said so herself—she’s always fallen for guys who are all wrong for her. She’s dated the Drew’s and Caleb’s of the world her entire life. Now that she’s faced with a Wyatt, she’s scared.”

  “Huh?”

  Natalie sighed dramatically and flopped back on the bed. “I know, I know—matters of the heart can be confusing. The point I’m trying to make is that Tamera has never felt for someone what she feels for you. And she’s terrified it’ll all blow up in her face if she moves forward. So when something happened that seemed, you know, explosion worthy, she ran for the hills.”

  Wyatt struggled to process what Natalie was saying. “You’re saying she freaked out and left because she did believe me? She knew all along I was telling the truth?”

  “Maybe. You’ll have to talk to Tamera to find out for sure.” Natalie lifted one shoulder in a delicate shrug. “What I’m saying is that I’ve never seen you this way over a girl.”

  That’s because he’d never been in love before. The weeks following Becky’s betrayal had been difficult, but more because of the situation than because he wanted her back. Wyatt rubbed his jaw, considering Natalie’s words. He certainly hadn’t felt like his heart had been been ripped out of his chest and stomped on with Becky, that was for sure. It hadn’t hurt to breathe. To imagine a life without her.

  “So what do I do about all this?” Wyatt said cautiously. “Tamera is in San Antonio with Drew right now. They’ve got history together.”

  “History we both know was built on manipulation and lies. Did you even pay attention to the show? He totally destroyed her game.”

  “Yeah, but it was a game.”

  “It showed his true colors,” Becky countered.

  “So I’m supposed to … what? Declare my undying love to her? Wave a magic wand and somehow make her forget all the lies and accusations she’s heard against me?”

  “Seriously, do I have to do all the work for you?” Natalie tossed her hair over one shoulder, a sure sign of annoyance. “Tamera needs to be reminded of who you really are. She needs to be shown the real Wyatt. The one she fell for, outside of all the rumors and speculations and evil quarterbacks trying to ruin your life.”

  “Sure. Because that will be so easy to show her.”

  “You know Tamera.” Natalie’s eyes softened and she leaned her chin in her hands, holding Wyatt’s gaze. “Not the girl on Eye in the Sky. Or the woman who sells houses. Or even the actress who goes on auditions with Hollywood agents. You know her. And that’s what you have to show her. That both of you have been real with each other. Take off the masks, throw all your cards on the table, and see if you can win the biggest game of your life.”

  Wyatt’s breath quickened as he imagined confronting Tamera one last time and doing just that. He could almost imagine her eyes softening. Her body leaning toward his. Her lips caressing, tugging, opening.

  He wanted Sunday afternoon movie marathons with her in his new home. He wanted to hold hands in the mall and argue over what to make for dinner. A life with Tamera was worth risking it all one last time.

  Wyatt snapped his fingers together, an idea forming. “I think I know what to do.”

  “You’re not going to put Tamera, will you marry me? on the JumboTron at the first pregame, are you? Because that’s a little cheesy.”

  “Uh, no. I think a marriage proposal is a little premature.” But maybe it wasn’t as out of the question as Wyatt had feared. Maybe Natalie was right, and there was a way to salvage this.

  “What’s the plan then?” Natalie asked.

  “Okay, here’s what I’m going to do.” He leaned forward, outlining his plan to Natalie. Her eyes grew wider with each word and she nodded enthusiastically.

  “If that doesn’t work, Tamera is insane. Oh my gosh, I’m dying. It’s too perfect.” Natalie clapped her hands together. “Chop chop, big brother. Let’s get to work.”

  CHAPTER TWENTY-FIVE

  The plane pulled to a stop and Tamera felt a rush of deja vu. Had it really only been six weeks since she’d last touched down in L.A.? Her mind had been filled with thoughts of Wyatt then, too.

  Tamera turned her phone back on as passengers filed into the aisle. Soon her screen was filled with notifications. She clicked on the first one—a text from Katie.

  Let me know when you’ve landed safely. Love ya, sis. Thanks for this weekend.

  Tamera’s broken heart put another piece of itself back together, and she quickly texted Katie back. Tamera hadn’t been able to get an earlier flight out of San Antonio, so she’d spent the weekend with Katie, working on repairing their relationship. Tamera had only seen Caleb once. Their conversation had been awkward and uncomfortable, but Tamera had tried to keep things distant while still polite for Katie’s sake. The twinge of betrayal was still there—it would take a while to fade completely, if ever—but as she spoke to Caleb, Tamera realized that it had lessened to a dull ache.

  The weekend had been healing in so many ways. Whatever happened with Wyatt, Tamera would be okay. As much as it hurt to think about failing in her mission to win him back, Tamera knew it was time to start trusting herself. She knew it wasn’t a change that would happen overnight. But she was also confident that in a year she’d look back at this moment and be proud of the progress she’d made.

  She flicked over to the next text and saw it was from Hershel, her agent.

  Audition at four p.m. today, he’d written, followed by an address.

  Tamera glanced at her watch and gasped. It was already after two p.m. Her fingers flew over the screen as she texted Hershel back. I’ve been on a plane and just barely got this. I’m not sure I can make the audition.

  She moved into the center aisle and was nearly off the plane when her phone rang again.

  Do whatever you need to and make the audition. They really want you for the part.

  I haven’t even had time to read over the script.

  You do great at cold readings. Trust me. This is one you don’t want to miss.

  Tamera chewed on her lip, then finally texted him back one letter. K.

  It would be tight—no time to rush back to her condo and change clothes. She’d have to head to the audition straight from the airport. As Tamera waited in baggage claim for her suitcase, she sighed. What was the point? In the past month and a half, she’d been on four auditions and only received one callback.

  She thought of Wyatt, his wide grin turning her insides to goo as he insisted that one day she’d make it. When Tamera’s suitcase came around on the carousel, she took a deep breath and grabbed it, then headed to grab a ride. What was that saying—you missed one hundred percent of the shots you didn’t take? She’d give the audition her best shot, despite the less than ideal circumstances.

  In the car, Tamera tried to calm her jittery nerves by finally forcing herself to do something she’d been avoiding all weekend—text Wyatt.<
br />
  I’m sorry. You were right. I should’ve trusted you all along. She stared at the words on the screen, feeling her heart somewhere in her throat as her entire body tingled with anticipation and worry. The words were so inadequate, but she didn’t know how much more she wanted to say in a text. But calling him up would take more courage than she currently possessed. Hearing his voice would undo her already strained composure.

  She took a deep breath and pushed send. A few minutes later, her phone dinged.

  What happened? Wyatt asked.

  She should’ve put on her big girl panties and just called him—it was so hard to tell tone in a text. I’d rather tell you in person. Can you come over for dinner tonight? I have a lot of groveling to do.

  One nail made it’s way into her mouth as she held her breath, waiting for his response. She didn’t have a plan b if he refused to come over. Maybe she’d show up at his hotel and refuse to leave until he heard her out? That seemed a little stalkerish. At least they’d see each other at the house closing, no matter what.

  Finally, the text came. Okay. One word—not exactly an enthusiastic acceptance of her invitation, but she’d take what she could get.

  Seven o’clock? she asked. I’ve got an audition, but should be back by then.

  See you then.

  She closed her phone and leaned her head back against the seat. Get through a blind audition, figure out what to make for dinner, then tell Wyatt she’d been wrong and beg for forgiveness from the love of her life. Easy-peasy.

  The car pulled up to the address and Tamera’s brow furrowed in confusion. The Coyotes stadium loomed above her, the lights aimed at the field just visible above the bleachers.

  “Are you sure this is the right address?” Tamera asked.

  “Yeah,” the driver said.

  “Uh, okay. Thanks.”

  Tamera got out of the car and walked into the stadium on trembling legs. Maybe Wyatt hadn’t exaggerated about his poor performance in the commercials, and Luke had decided to bring in some actresses instead. So Tamera was going to—what? Dress up in a cheer skirt and shell top, then wave some pompoms for the camera? They must have dozens of actual cheerleaders to pick from who would do fine in front of the camera. Die-hard fans would spot an actress from a mile away.