The Last Honest Man: A Sports Romance (One Pass Away: A New Season Book 3)

by Mary J. Williams

  “You can.” Dylan handed her a card. “Dr. Erin Ashmore. She’s a highly respected OBGYN. You have an appointment with her for a checkup tomorrow morning.”

  “I do?” Eve looked at the card, then at Dylan. “Why would you schedule an appointment without asking me first?”

  “Because Erin rarely takes on new patients. When she does, they sometimes wait months to get an appointment,” Dylan explained. “As a favor, Erin made an exception for you.”

  Eve wasn’t sure how she felt about Dylan taking charge of her physical health. She knew he meant well, but…

  “I appreciate the thought,” Eve said.

  “You aren’t obligated to go,” Dylan rushed to assure her. “When I called Erin and she recommended the pediatrician, I mentioned you to her. She’s the one who suggested you go in for a checkup.”

  “Ah.” Eve nodded. Part of her trepidation dissipated. “I haven’t seen a doctor in quite some time.”

  “Take the afternoon to mull over the idea. Whatever you decide, call Erin’s office by five o’clock to let her nurse know.” Dylan picked Daisy up in his arms. “Right now, we need to head out to the backyard.”

  “Why?” Eve asked, trailing behind. She stopped. “Dylan. What did you buy her now?”

  “Buy is the wrong word.” Dylan opened the French doors and motioned Eve through. “Acquired is a more accurate description.”

  “A little spoiling is fine,” Eve said as she walked down the steps to the lawn. “Daisy won’t turn into a brat simply because Uncle Dylan purchased a doll he couldn’t resist. However…”

  “Nana!” Daisy cried out in excitement.

  “You left a banana in the yard?” Bemused, Eve followed Daisy’s gaze. Instead of a piece of fruit, she found a dog. “Oh, Dylan.”

  “She kind of looks like a banana,” he said to Daisy as he set her down. Ignoring Eve, he held onto the little girl’s hand. “I know you want to play with Nana—great name by the way. First, rules.”

  “Rules.” Daisy nodded. She was torn between her beloved Uncle Dylan and her need to greet her new friend. For the moment, Unc-D won. “Play?”

  “Not hitting,” Dylan said as he lowered himself to Daisy’s level. “Not pulling Nana’s tail. You be nice to her and she’ll be nice to you.”

  “Did the dog grow up around children?” Eve asked, wary of letting Daisy anywhere near the animal. “What about shots.”

  “Nana is a rescue dog. A four-year-old dachshund mixed with nobody knows. Her owner went to heaven unexpectedly. She likes children.” Dylan winked at Daisy. “Plus, she’s been fully immunized.”

  “She is cute,” Eve admitted, smiling at the dog’s eager face and the red ribbon tied around her neck. “I give her points for style.”

  “Nana picked the color herself,” Dylan said. He looked at Eve. “Are we good?”

  “Carefully,” Eve warned. “Remember what Uncle Dylan told you, Daisy. Play nice.”

  Love, Eve discovered, could happen in an instant—especially between a little girl and a dog. She realized after five minutes of watching them play, first cautiously, then with sweet abandon, Daisy and Nana were soulmates.

  “What made you think to get Daisy a dog?” Eve asked as she and Dylan remained far enough away to give the pair space but close enough to intervene if something untoward occurred.

  “A friend, Sean McBride, was on his way to pick out a pet for his sons. I tagged along.” Dylan said, smiling at the child and dog antics. “Sean is married to Riley Preston, by the way.”

  “The woman who owns the Knights?” Eve asked.

  “Sean used to play for the team. Wide receiver. He was just elected to the Hall of Fame.”

  “You and Sean must be close,” Eve said.

  Dylan frowned.

  “Really?” Dylan raised an eyebrow. “What makes you think so?”

  “Because when you mention the Hall of Fame, you beamed like a proud parent.”

  “You’re right.” Dylan nodded. “Besides, Levi, most of my friends currently play for the Knights. Or they’re retired players. They live all around us.”

  “Really?” Eve pointed to their right. “Who lives over there?”

  “Gaige Benson.”

  “The movie star?” Eve gasped.

  “Gaige’s acting career began after he retired from football,” Dylan told her. “The word legend is thrown around a lot, but he’s the real deal. The ultimate quarterback. He led Seattle to their first championship. If you like, I’ll introduce you.”

  “Yes, please. Gaige Benson is so good looking.” Eve sighed.

  “He has a wife,” Dylan told her with a frown.

  “I don’t want to marry the man,” Eve assured him. “Just let me bask in his yumminess.”

  “You’re such a sucker for a pretty face,” Dylan said, rolling his eyes.

  “Not always. Some I can take or leave.” Eve sent Dylan a pointed look. Tongue in cheek, she craned her neck toward the fence. “Which house belongs to Levi.”

  “I need to get some ugly friends,” Dylan muttered.

  Eve hid her smile. She could have told Dylan the truth. He was the only man she wanted. He tempted her wavering resolve. Every day. Every minute.

  One moment, Eve was convinced sleeping with Dylan would ruin everything. The next second, she thought of a dozen reasons why sex with him was a great idea. They were young, healthy adults. Why shouldn’t they take advantage of their proximity?

  One thing stopped Eve. When she left, she didn’t want to take any regrets with her. The question was, which option, sex or no sex, would she lament the most?

  “Looks like the new friends wore each other out,” Dylan said, breaking into Eve’s thoughts. He nodded toward the sleeping girl and the dog curled up by her side. “You take Daisy into the house, I’ll set Nana up in her new doghouse. Then, we’ll figure out what to have for lunch. Deal?”

  “Sounds good.”

  Eve settled Daisy down for a nap.

  “You’ll be fine without me,” she whispered, smoothing a stray lock of hair from the little girl’s forehead. “Part of me wants to stay. The other part knows I should leave when the time comes. How will I decide?”

  Knowing Daisy didn’t have the answer, Eve tiptoed from the room and closed the door.

  “All tucked in?”

  Eve looked up to find Dylan waiting at the top of the stairs. She nodded.

  “Do you have the answer?” she asked him.

  “Depends.” Dylan smiled and Eve felt the flutter of butterflies in her stomach. “What’s the question?”

  “I haven’t decided.” Eve laughed. “When I do, you’ll be the first to know.”

  ▲ ▼ ▲ ▼ ▲

  CHAPTER SIXTEEN

  ▲ ▼ ▲ ▼ ▲

  DR. ERIN ASHMORE sat across from Eve. Tall, blonde, gorgeous, she crossed her long legs, the tip of one blue and white striped pump hitting the coffee table. She laughed.

  “Happens every time,” Erin said. “I can never seem to properly gauge the distance between my shoe and the table.”

  “They’re gorgeous,” Eve said, nodding toward the glossy, high-heeled pumps.

  “Shoes are my weakness,” Erin told her. She laughed. “And purses. And jackets. In case you haven’t guessed, I’m addicted to fashion. The dress you have on is beautiful.”

  “Nicer than what I’m used to,” Eve said as she smoothed a non-existent wrinkle from the silk skirt. “I’m a little embarrassed.”

  “Why?” Erin asked.

  “The bedroom where I stay at Dylan’s house? When I arrived, the closet was filled with clothes. More than I’ll ever wear.” Eve shifted in her chair. “I should have made him return everything.”

  “Why?” Erin shook her head. “You look after Dylan’s niece. Just consider the clothes perks of the job.”

  “I doubt most nannies are treated to a wardrobe filled with designer labels. Trouble is, I like everythi
ng he purchased.” Eve sighed. “I’m weak.”

  “You’re human,” Erin corrected. “You aren’t expected to perform any special favors, are you?”

  “What? No.” Eve shook her head. “Dylan isn’t that kind of man.”

  “I didn’t think so.” Erin smiled when her nurse entered the room. “Sip your tea while I look over your test results. And have a cookie. I have a friend who just opened a bakery. Everything she makes is wonderful, but the lemon crinkles are out of this world.”

  Ten minutes and three cookies later, Eve received a clean bill of health.

  “Your iron levels are a little low. I can recommend a supplement or snack on a handful of raisins once a day. Up to you.”

  “Raisins.” Given a choice, Eve always went with food.

  “Then we’re done,” Erin said. “Unless you have any questions.”

  “You asked before if I was on the pill.”

  “And you said no.” Erin nodded. “Would you like me to write you a prescription?”

  “Yes.” Eve didn’t give herself a chance to change her mind.

  “Remember,” Erin said. “Continue to use barrier protection, like a condom, for two days after you take the first pill. If you aren’t familiar with your partner’s sexual history, always use a condom.”

  “I do.” Eve nodded. “I will.”

  “If you need anything let me know,” Erin patted Eve’s hand. “You’re new in town, call me soon and we’ll go out to dinner. I’ll bring a few friends and we’ll make a night of it.”

  Shocked and touched, Eve didn’t know what to say.

  “Thank you,” she smiled. “I would love to have dinner with you. And your friends.”

  “Excuse me, Dr. Ashmore. You’re free to go to lunch.” Erin’s nurse had a goofy smile on her face. “Someone’s waiting for you at the front desk.”

  “Who?” Erin asked.

  “He said not to tell.” The nurse—sixty if she was a day—giggled. “But I can tell you that he brought you flowers.”

  “Red tulips?”

  “What else?” the nurse answered.

  “Tulips.” Eve sighed. Just once, she would like to receive flowers.

  “Red. Always red.” Erin smiled as they walked toward the reception area. “No question who he is.”

  The chairs in the waiting were filled with women. The gaze of each one from the young mothers to aging grandmothers was fixed on the man who lead against the desk, a bouquet of red tulips in his hand.

  “You didn’t tell me you were coming to town,” Erin said, her blue eyes twinkling.

  “I know how much you hate surprises,” he said with a devilish chuckle. “How could I resist springing one on you?”

  Eve blinked, wondering how a man with shoulder-length auburn hair, a full beard, and wearing a gorgeous lavender-hued suit tailored to his body like a glove, could be so beautiful. And yet, she could think of no other way to describe the tall, blue-eyed Adonis.

  “Who’s your lovely friend?” the man asked, white teeth peaking from a beard two shades darker than the hair on his head. He handed the flowers to Erin before stepping toward Eve. “She’s just my type. Introduce us.”

  “All women are your type,” Erin said. She sent Eve an apologetic smile. “I hope you don’t mind. He’s relentless though harmless in a devoted puppy dog sort of way.”

  “I don’t mind at all,” Eve said. What woman didn’t enjoy the attention of a sexy man?

  “A woman with taste. I’m Finn.” He took Eve’s hand in his. “Let me qualify what Erin said. You can trust me, but I’m not harmless.”

  “For the love of…” Erin rolled her eyes. “Eve Stewart, this incorrigible rogue is Finnegan Lennox. He plays football.”

  “Saying I play football is like saying The Mona Lisa is a painting.” Finn scoffed. “The way I play the game, like Da Vinci’s work of art, is a masterpiece.”

  “How can your head continue to expand without exploding?” Erin asked, tapping Finn’s temple. She looked at Eve. “Don’t mind us. He’s my brother.”

  Something flickered through Finn’s eyes. Annoyance? Anger? Both seemed possible to Eve. But since the moment was fleeting, she couldn’t be certain.

  “I’m not her brother,” Finn said to Eve.

  “We’re like brother and sister,” Erin insisted.

  “No,” Finn said with a sharp shake of his head. “We’re not.”

  “Close enough,” Erin snorted.

  “Close counts in horseshoes and hand grenades. Not genetics,” Finn said with an affable smile. “Pleasure meeting you Eve.”

  “Nice meeting you.”

  Eve watched, slightly bemused, as the back and forth bickering continued between Erin and Finn.

  “Let’s eat.” Finn tucked Erin’s hand into the crook of his arm.

  “I want a burger,” Erin said, pushing the elevator call button.

  “You know I don’t eat red meat.” Finn groused. “Let’s go to the sushi place two blocks down.”

  “Raw fish?” Erin shuddered. “Yuck.”

  Eve watched as they walked into the elevator, squabbling all the way. She wasn’t sure what she just witnessed. But she had to give Erin and Finn credit. They were entertaining.

  ▲ ▼ ▲ ▼ ▲

  CHAPTER SEVENTEEN

  ▲ ▼ ▲ ▼ ▲

  DYLAN SCROLLED THROUGH the Netflix feed, looking for something interesting to watch.

  “What kind of movie sounds good?” He called out to Eve. “Adventure? Mystery? Sci-Fi?”

  “You decide,” Eve said as she walked past the television room. “I’m going out.”

  “What?” Dylan’s head whipped around only to find the doorway empty. He scrambled off the sofa. “On a Friday night? Where? Why?”

  “Just out,” Eve shrugged, buttoning her coat. “Daisy is down for the night. The baby monitor is on the kitchen counter. If she wakes up, you know what to do.”

  “Wait a second.” Dylan placed himself between Eve and the door. “When did you say you have plans? I know I didn’t forget.”

  “Am I required to tell you my plans when I’m not looking after Daisy?” Eve asked.

  “No.” Dylan frowned. “You don’t know the area. Doesn’t make sense for you to go out on your own.”

  “Who said anything about going on my own.” Eve smiled. “Goodnight. Don’t wait up.”

  Intellectually, Dylan understood he had no right to question Eve. Nor should he object to how she spent her free time. But he didn’t want to be reasonable. Not where she was concerned.

  “I should know where you’ll be and who your escort is,” Dylan said, improvising as he went. “In case something happens.”

  “My phone is fully charged.” Eve’s smile was a bit too smug for Dylan’s liking. “I can call you. You can call me. But don’t—except in case of an emergency.”

  Unless Dylan grabbed Eve and locked her in the basement, he had no way to make her stay. Resigned, he held up a hand.

  “Wait,” he said.

  Frustrated, Eve looked at her watch.

  “I’m late, Dylan.”

  “Give me one minute.” Dylan ran to the bathroom. On the way back, he stopped at the hall closet. Opening the door, he removed a long, navy blue coat from a hanger. “You still think you’re in New Mexico. The Seattle night air can be cold. The jacket you’re wearing isn’t suitable.”

  Without giving Eve a chance to protest, Dylan removed the lightweight jacket.

  “Hold out your arms,” he instructed.

  “I don’t need another coat,” Eve said, but did as he asked.

  “Have a good time. Be safe.” Dylan closed the zipper up to her chin. “And if you’re uncomfortable or want to leave, don’t be stubborn. Give me a call. However late, I’ll come to get you. Okay.”

  “Okay.”

  The front door closed behind Eve with a gentle click. Dylan stopped himself from peering out the curt
ain to see which way she went or who picked her up. He flopped onto the sofa.

  How could she? Miserable, Dylan flopped onto the sofa. If Eve wanted to go on a date, why didn’t she ask him?

  ▲ ▼ ▲ ▼ ▲

  EVE GAVE THE taxi driver the address. As she watched through the window as the city lights flickered past, she felt a twinge of guilt. She should have told Dylan the truth. He wouldn’t have been happy, but at least she would have avoided any misunderstandings.

  I’ll tell him next week, Eve promised herself. Once she settled into a routine and could give him more details.

  Satisfied with the solutions, Eve put her hands into the pockets of her coat. She frowned when she found what felt like a box. Removing the object, she held it up to her face so she could read the writing.

  “Oh, my word.” Eve snorted. “Well, he does think I’m on a date.”

  Looking again, checking twice, a delighted laugh tumbled from her lips.

  “Dylan gave me a box of condoms.”

  ▲ ▼ ▲ ▼ ▲

  CHAPTER EIGHTEEN

  ▲ ▼ ▲ ▼ ▲

  HEAD BENT AT the neck, Dylan stared at the three shots of whiskey sitting in front of him. Should he, or shouldn’t he

  As the minutes passed, the bartender served other customers while keeping an interested eye on Dylan.

  “Do you plan to drink those or simply admire them all evening?” a woman’s voice asked. “If all you want to do is look, why don’t you choose something beautiful to gaze upon. I volunteer.”

  Dylan didn’t bother to raise his eyes. He saw no reason since he recognized the deliberately sultry voice and wasn’t interested in playing whatever game she had in mind.

  “The least you could do is answer me.”

  Sasha Lake slid onto the stool next to Dylan, close enough for him to smell her distinctive perfume. When he didn’t comment, she shifted until her thigh brushed against his.