“Why don’t you come to the game tonight?”
Shock crosses her face before it’s masked with annoyance. “I have plans to clean up a feed store tonight thanks to someone.”
“The crew should be there helping, so I’m sure they can spare you for a few hours.” Because I really want her at the game.
“It would be a good time to catch up on my sleep, I need a few extra z’s.” She grins as she lifts the cups to her lips to take a sip. “But I already told my dad I’d help out tonight.”
“Then I’ll meet you there after the game.”
“We’ll probably be done before that. I mean … gosh, I hope so, anyway.”
“Then let me take you out on a real date tonight.”
She remains silent for a second before saying, “But I thought we’re already set for the third date.”
“I definitely think this calls for a fourth date on Thursday with the third one tonight.”
“I have class in the morning. And don’t you have to practice or something?”
“Then I guess we’ll have to squeeze in some more coffee dates until this weekend when you don’t have an early class.”
She shifts uncomfortably. “Aren’t you starting tonight?”
The fact that she knows that makes me happier than it should. “Yep.”
“You should probably be focusing on that, then. Oh, speaking of focusing, Coach Garcia asked if you could give his players a quick word of encouragement. Apparently, it’s been a rough season for the team.”
“I can handle that. And my attention is focused exactly where it needs to be.” My season is going excellent—I’m three for three—and I’m finally making some progress with the stunning woman in front of me. I can’t describe what it feels like for her to actually see me for me, to take me at face value without factoring in all the other added bullshit. It’s an astounding experience.
She shifts, a slight bit of unease as she masks it with what I’ve learned is her go-to defense of sarcasm. “You sure are certain of yourself, as usual.”
On the field, yes. “Hard work and determination haven’t let me down yet.”
“Hardheadedness is more like it.”
“You have no room to talk, Ms. W.” I smile at her eye roll, an annoyed acknowledgement of defeat. “But I do need you to tell me one very important detail.” Her unease grows a bit before I ask, “Danish, croissant, fruit, or muffin?”
“Muffin.”
“Blueberry, banana nut, or chocolate chip?”
“How much did you buy, Carter?”
“A few options.” One of everything in the coffee shop.
“Banana nut.”
Reaching into the paper sack, I grab out her muffin of choice, thankful to finally know something she likes even if it is something as simple as the baked good I’m handing to her.
She leans back in her chair, finally relaxing as she takes a bite. I can’t look away from her mouth. I want to taste her more than any sweet treat in that bag.
“What’s your pick?” she asks, motioning to the pastries.
You. “I’m a sucker for sweets. I have to limit myself so I don’t go overboard.”
“Don’t dare say that to my mom. She’ll see it as her mission to bake everything under the sun for you.” The way her face lights up when she talks about her family makes me crave that feeling more than any food craving I’ve ever felt.
“She sounds wonderful. Your dad is too.” I didn’t talk to him for long but between the conversation and the magnificent woman they raised in front of me, I know they’re everything I’d ever want for a parent. “The business he built from a summer lawn-mowing job is nothing short of extraordinary.”
My dad was born into money. He never worked a day in his life, immediately gliding from high school to his career in the big leagues, bypassing higher education because he never needed a backup plan. He knew he could rely on his father’s wealth to bail him out. My father’s wealth was the last thing I wanted, even making a point to pay for my higher education on my own after refusing a scholarship that I wasn’t certain was offered to me for my abilities.
“My dad is the best. Which is why it’s important to me that everything goes well, for his sake and my mom’s. And yours.” She gives me a joking side-eye, but I see the worry shining through her smile. And I don’t blame her. The people in her life are special to her, and she wants to keep them safe.