Eligible Receiver (Men of Fall Book 3)

by S. R. Grey

  “That’s because there’s no need,” Caleb says, smirking. “She’s pretty, man, trust me. But here, if you insist…” He reaches for his phone that is on an unused weight bench. “I can show you a photo of her. I think I have one where she’s with Jodi.”

  My instincts tell me to take a look.

  But then I change my mind.

  I don’t want to break it to Caleb, but it doesn’t matter what this Becca looks like. I don’t expect this double date to amount to anything. I’m just going out on it to put an end to this “setting me up with Jodi’s friend” nonsense once and for all.

  Waving my hand at the proffered phone, I say, “Nah, Caleb, I’m good. I don’t need to see a photo. I think I’d rather it be a surprise, anyway. I trust you.”

  “You should,” Caleb says as he sets his phone back down on the weight bench. “You’ll be more than pleased with the way Becca looks. Plus, the girl is cool as shit. She’s laid-back and always up for fun. Kind of like you. I’m telling you, Lars, you’re going to like her.”

  Despite all his hopeful bluster, I’m doubtful.

  Blind double dates are usually a recipe for disaster, right?

  Even though that’s my belief and no one’s ever going to change my mind, I tell Caleb, “Yeah, I’m sure you’re right. I’ll probably think she’s okay.”

  “She’s more than ‘okay,’” he insists.

  “Dude, really, whatever.”

  Caleb quits singing this Becca girl’s praises, but does go on to inform me he and Jodi will figure out the double date logistics.

  “I’ll get back to you once we have a solid plan,” he says.

  “Cool.” I nod distractedly. “Whatever you guys come up with is fine with me.”

  We drop the subject and place our full focus back into lifting.

  An hour or so later, after we wrap up, we grab a light lunch.

  And then I return home.

  I’m not expecting the double date to be put into motion anytime soon, as it’s been delayed for-fucking-ever.

  But then Caleb calls around eight.

  “Dude, it’s so on,” he tells me. “Becca’s up for meeting you, and she’s free tomorrow night. Jodi and I have nothing planned either, so it’s all up to you, my man. How’s your schedule looking?”

  I bark out a laugh. “Are you kidding me? The only thing on my planner is another boring night spent in.”

  “Not tomorrow night,” Caleb replies.

  Suddenly feeling a little excited at the prospect of doing something social, I reply, “Sounds good. So what are we doing?”

  “Jodi and I are thinking maybe just a simple dinner out. That way you and Becca can have a chance to talk and get to know one another.”

  “Jesus.” I swipe at my brow, my enthusiasm dampening. “Talk about pressure.”

  “No, no. No pressure at all, my friend. Jodi and I don’t want it to feel like that for you or Becca. In fact, let’s just meet at the restaurant, okay? We’ll have Becca do the same.”

  “That works for me,” I reply, feeling relieved.

  “Eight o’clock good for you?”

  “Yeah, sure, I’ll be there at eight.”

  Caleb gives me the name and address of the restaurant, and then says, “Great. Remember, if it all goes to hell, which it totally will not, at least you’ll have a getaway car.”

  “Cool,” I deadpan. “It’s reassuring to know I can make an escape if need be.”

  I’m already thinking of excuses to leave early, even as Caleb says, “I told you to trust me on this, Lars. You’re not going to want to leave early.”

  Man, I don’t know.

  I hope he’s right.

  But I doubt it.

  What’s the chance this double date will really work out?

  I’m guessing slim to none.

  Wait, I Know You

  The double date is set.

  Oh, crap.

  I’m nervous.

  I’m happy, though, that I’ll have my own car.

  If I need to escape, I can.

  Despite my trepidation, I’m a little curious as to what this Lars guy will be like.

  Is he really as good-looking as Jodi keeps saying he is?

  Is he a decent guy?

  Is he funny?

  I don’t know.

  I’m not expecting much.

  If this teammate of Caleb’s is so hot and nice, why is he still on the market?

  “On top of that, how could he ever hope to compete with my mystery theatre guy?” I ask my reflection as I gloss my lips in a pale shade of pink.

  Eek, I’m almost ready to leave the house.

  I don’t want to go.

  I’m scared.

  But I’m in it now.

  I guess that’s why I decided to go all out for this double date.

  I only wish it were with the theatre guy.

  I bet he’d appreciate my black suede thigh-high boots and slinky velvet minidress, also in black.

  I’m wearing more makeup than usual, having lined my eyes in dark kohl and applied a couple of thick coats of ebony mascara. I even curled my long blonde hair so I can wear it down and at max volume.

  I guess a part of me is hoping Lars is as handsome as Jodi says he is.

  The little bit of me that still believes in romance is springing to life.

  I can’t help but hope this goes relatively well.

  “Maybe Lars is your one,” I whisper to my reflection. But just as quickly, I counter, “Yeah, right. Dream on, Becca. What are you thinking?”

  Before I head out to the restaurant, I think about looking up Lars online, just to have a preview of what I’m in for.

  But then I remind myself that it doesn’t matter. Mystery Theatre Guy is the only man on my mind, even though I will never see him again.

  That doesn’t mean he hasn’t starred in many of my fantasies lately.

  Ooh, has he ever.

  With a resigned sigh, I grab my coat and keys and head out to the car.

  In a matter of minutes—too soon, really—I’m turning into the parking lot of the trendy Italian restaurant where the double date is set to occur.

  I’m happy to see it doesn’t appear to be too busy.

  Good.

  The last thing I need is an audience.

  I’m already nervous enough.

  Ugh.

  When I spot Caleb and Jodi’s car, I nab the space next to it.

  It’s a huge relief knowing they’re already here, especially since I have no idea what Lars drives or, of course, what he looks like.

  My heart is beating like crazy, so I stall for time, spending a few minutes checking my reflection in the rearview mirror and making sure I look all right.

  Despite my I-got-it-together attire, I look nervous.

  Unfortunately, I have the kind of face that betrays my every emotion.

  And tonight is no exception.

  Great, this Lars guy is going to have the honor of meeting insecure, antsy Becca.

  “Bet that’ll really turn him on,” I murmur sarcastically as I finally get out of my car and start into the restaurant.

  “Here goes nothing,” I whisper once I reach the entrance.

  When I walk inside, I’m beyond relieved to find Jodi is waiting for me next to the hostess station.

  “You are a true lifesaver,” I breathe out. “And you’re definitely the best friend ever.”

  Placing a supportive hand on my forearm, she says, “I wasn’t about to make you walk to our table all by yourself.”

  I sort of panic then. “Eek, does that mean Lars is here?”

  “Yes,” Jodi confirms. “But don’t worry. You look amazing, and I’m sure you two are going to hit it off beautifully.”

  “You look good too,” I tell her, nodding to her black slacks and snow white sweater. “All sleek and put together.”

  “Thanks.”

  To stall for more time, I inquire, “Are the guys dressed up too?”

  “Ye
ah.” She nods. “They have on suits.”

  “Huh. Good thing I didn’t opt for my usual tomboy-casual attire.”

  “Yeah, good call.” Jodi says, urging me along. She knows I’m rambling. “Now come on. Let’s introduce you to Lars. Just be you. This is simply a nice dinner amongst friends.”

  “If you say so,” I murmur as I let her tug me along.

  We head into the seating area and over to what I assume is our table. The only thing I can see of Lars is the back of his head.

  Hmm, dark hair looking all sexy-messy.

  “So far, so good,” I murmur.

  “See, I told you,” Jodi whispers.

  “His shoulders look good in that suit too. They’re nice and wide.”

  She laughs. “Yeah, kind of like a football player, huh?”

  “Ha ha. You’re such a smartass.”

  I know what Jodi’s doing, though.

  She’s trying to loosen me up.

  It’s working too.

  I feel better, more relaxed.

  This is going to go well.

  I just know it.

  I’m pleased already that Jodi wasn’t lying.

  Lars is not a mutant.

  Still, I need to see his face to be sure.

  Just as we reach the table, Lars turns to me.

  What?

  Huh?

  I blurt out, “Wait, I know you.”

  “You do?” I hear Caleb ask.

  Jodi is standing next to me, peering at me with her mouth open. It’s not often she’s at a loss for words, but she sure is now. As is my mystery theatre man, aka possible serial killer, aka Lars.

  Okay, maybe it’s safe to say he’s not a serial killer. I think Jodi and Caleb would be aware of that. But he is the hot guy I made out with the other night.

  And, worst of all, he’s the guy I made a fool of myself in front of.

  “Fuck,” I murmur.

  Lars finds his voice and says, “Shit, it’s you.”

  Suddenly defensive and ready to run, I snap, “In the flesh.”

  Jodi jumps in, utterly confused still. “You guys, uh, know each other? How’s that possible?”

  I turn to her and say, “Yeah, we know each other. We kind of met at a movie theatre the other night.”

  Silence descends as realization dawns on her face. “Ohhh…”

  “Exactly.”

  I look at Lars. He’s making eye contact with Caleb, and both of them are smiling knowingly. It’s clear he’s told his friend about our little impromptu kissing session.

  Great, just great.

  I feel foolish.

  I feel dumb.

  Why didn’t I ask to see a picture of this guy?

  Why didn’t I look him up?

  Noooo, I wanted to do it my stupid way.

  Oh, well.

  It’s too late now.

  I catch Caleb murmuring something to Lars just as Jodi is saying that we should just sit down and hash this thing out.

  “No way,” I snap.

  And then I do what I do best—I run.

  The Biggest Catch of My Life

  Hell no, not again. This is so not happening a second time.

  When the hot chick from the theatre takes off, I jump up from my seat and follow her.

  What’s the freaking chance my pseudo-hookup would turn out to be Jodi’s friend?

  Pretty crazy, huh?

  So her name is Becca.

  I like it.

  I like her.

  That’s why she’s not getting away this time.

  I catch balls for a living, for Christ’s sake.

  I sure as hell should be able to catch her.

  Of course, the balls are being thrown to me on the field.

  This Becca chick is going the other way.

  Eh, it doesn’t matter.

  I’m confident I’ll get her.

  Why do I have the feeling this could be the biggest catch of my life?

  “Maybe because it could be,” I murmur, racing to the restaurant exit in pursuit.

  Once I’m out in the parking lot, I catch sight of Becca hurrying to her car.

  This chick sure is fast.

  Good thing I’m faster.

  Just as she reaches the driver’s side door and is about to open it, I catch up to her.

  Phew!

  Placing my hand on her arm, I ask, “Can you hold up a second, Becca? That is your name, right?”

  Shaking me off, she spins around. “Why should I stop?” she snaps. “So you can make fun of me?”

  Frowning, I ask, “Why would I do that?”

  Wrapping her arms around herself protectively, she says, “Maybe because I’ve made a fool of myself with you not once but twice.”

  I’m even more boggled now, prompting me to say, “How do you see it that way?”

  Uncrossing her arms, she holds up her hand and ticks off, “Hmmm, let me see… One, I looked stupid at the theatre when I practically attacked you and then ran off. And two, I just took off again like a scared little rabbit in front of an entire restaurant.”

  “It wasn’t that full in there,” I say.

  “Just shut up, okay?”

  Smiling, I say softly, “I kind of liked one of those things you ticked off.”

  “Huh?” Leaning back on the door, she peers up at me questioningly.

  “I’m talking about the you-attacking-me. Not so much the running off.” Narrowing my eyes, I add, “Though running does seem to be a pattern with you.”

  “Very funny, Lars.” She huffs. “That is your name, right?”

  Ah, so she’s mocking me.

  That’s okay.

  It’s better than her running.

  Chuckling, I reply, “Yes, Lars is my name, Becca.”

  Sniffing haughtily, she retorts, “Like you couldn’t have mentioned that at the theatre?”

  “I didn’t see you offering up your name that night.”

  She waves her hand. “Okay, good point. But that was only because it slipped my mind.”

  I smirk. “I wonder why.”

  Becca shrugs like she doesn’t know it was because we were too busy sucking face to exchange vital stats like our names.

  Although, in all fairness, I did hold mine back intentionally.

  She’s obviously trying so hard to stay angry with me, but I detect the hint of a smile playing on her full lips.

  Ahh, that’s better.

  I remember that night too, and kissing those lips was sublime.

  Crossing my arms, I ask, “What are you afraid of, anyway? Why do you keep running from me?”

  “I don’t know,” she admits softly.

  “Ah, but I think you do. So tell me.”

  As her pretty aqua eyes meet mine, she says, “I run because I’m afraid of you.”

  You and How You Make Me Feel

  Lars asks me what I’m afraid of, so I tell him the truth. “I run because I’m afraid of you.”

  Uncrossing his arms and pointing to his broad chest, which looks really good in the white dress shirt he has on underneath his dark suit jacket, he says, “You’re afraid of me? That can’t be right.”

  “It is,” I reply, sighing. “Look, I’m being brutally honest here. I’m afraid of you and, well, how you make me feel.”

  “Ahh…” He gets it and asks softly, “Is that really a bad thing, Becca?”

  “It is when a person has given up on feeling this way.”

  With compassion in his beautiful eyes, Lars asks if I’d be more comfortable talking in my car or in his.

  There are currently no people in the restaurant parking lot, but it is a little strange to be standing around in the dark, under the glow of artificial lighting, having an important conversation.

  Nodding, I say, “Okay. We can talk in my car.”

  I unlock the doors of my sedan, and once Lars and I are seated inside, I send a quick text to Jodi.

  I want to let her know I’m okay and that I’m actually talking with Lars out in
the parking lot in my car.

  I explain this, and she texts back a winking smiling emoji and Guess we should order dinner without you, huh?

  I reply, Yes, I think so.

  I share our exchange with Lars so he knows what’s going on.

  “You don’t mind skipping dinner, do you?” I ask him.

  Raking his fingers through his dark hair in a totally sexy way, he tells me, “If it means I get to spend time with you like this alone, then no, I don’t mind at all.”

  He’s so damn easygoing.

  And full of flattery.

  Oh, and he’s hot too.

  I sigh.

  Lars is everything I’ve been searching for. He even followed me out of the restaurant, after me running away from him again.

  Still, I’m wary.

  I don’t want to end up with a broken heart.

  I remind myself that Lars is a good-looking football player. He could have anyone he wants.

  Why would he want boring ole me?

  I just kind of sit still, not responding in any way.

  My hesitancy doesn’t scare him, though.

  He actually goes on to say, “Maybe I can change your mind on the ‘giving up on feeling this way’ stuff.”

  “I highly doubt that.” I scoff. “Sorry, but my mind’s made up.”

  Lars lowers his voice to a sexy whisper. “Come on, Becca. Let me at least try to change your mind. Go out with me, but not on a double date. It should just be you and me. What do you say? Will you give me a chance?”

  I want so badly to say, “Yes, yes, yes,” but my heart won’t let me.

  Shaking my head, I mumble, “I just don’t think it’s a good idea.”

  Lars blows out a breath. “You know what I think?”

  “What?”

  “I think you’re afraid of letting go, of losing control. The incident in the theatre showed me that. That’s why you ran that night. Things got too real. And that’s why you ran again tonight.”

  Bristling at the truth of his observations, I snap, “How can you say those things? You don’t even know me.”

  Lars thinks that over, nodding contemplatively. “That’s true, Becca, if you mean not knowing you in the traditional sense. But I think I can read people rather well. Maybe I know you more than you realize. Like”—he points over at me—“maybe I sense what’s really in your heart. That’s why you should give me a chance. Or better yet, give us a chance.”