Game On!. Dani Jace
the late night comedian’s gesture, minus the turban. Smiling, he said, “You’re wondering if I’m a jerk, or a stalker. But either is better than the stuffy business types you’ve grown tired of.”
She grabbed a sweetener. Very introspective for a—”
“Jock.”
“Tight end.” She stirred her tea slowly. “And a perfect description of yours.”
Whoa, a witty woman. His blood heated. “So, are you interested in any of my other attributes?”
“One body part at a time, Mr. Lancaster.” She batted her eyelashes. “I don’t think either one of us is looking for a relationship.”
Hmm. He drummed his fingers against the table. “Are you suggesting—”
“A game of sorts.” She snagged his hand.
Her fingers felt cool but strong. A woman of determination, but surely she wouldn’t follow through on what she proposed. “Go on.”
“I’m winging this. Can you tell?” She quirked a suggestive smile.
Sunny side up eggs with bacon cooked to perfection landed in front of him. He nabbed a piece of bacon and chewed. “Are there only physical levels in such a non-relationship?”
She arched a brow then peppered her quiche. “No, even sex buddies need a measure of trust.”
He nearly choked. No woman had outright propositioned him as a fuck buddy. Brunch had far surpassed his expectations. But why him? “Oh—kay, what do you need to know?”
She licked her teaspoon. “For starters, what’s your favorite dessert?”
He wished he were her damned spoon. “It’s girly. Tiramisu.”
Jordan giggled. “Maybe, but it’s delicious.”
Just how he imagined her. Layers of sweet making his mouth water. “Next question.”
“Do you have siblings?”
“Ashley. She studied pre-law before getting married. I’m the dumb jock.” He cut into his eggs.
She laid aside the utensil that sent his fantasies off and running. “You’re a protector.”
“You think?”
“You were upset when Dugan threw the ball at me. He was only concerned with being noticed. I doubt you’d approach a woman like that. Plus, you apologized when you realized I didn’t like being called darling.”
A woman who liked the good guy? Only after she’d had a spin with a bad one. He smiled. “I might be protective, but he’s better with the ladies.”
“Maybe some ladies.” She glanced about the restaurant.
“So, I’m safe for your game?”
“It’s a seasonal game.”
And temporary. Just what he was looking for. “I’ll probably head back to Texas when the Tritons’ season is done.”
“Thought you were from South Carolina?” Her eyes darkened.
“Last job was there.” At this point, he hoped he’d be called back, but that remained to be seen. No point in going into detail. “My turn.”
“Take a swing.” She relaxed in her chair.
“You love your brothers, but still compete against them. Probably for attention from your dad. I bet mom didn’t want you to play sports or become a PE teacher.”
Her smile bordered on tenuous. “I cheered for a year only because she wanted me to. It epitomized everything I wasn’t. I suppose I compete with my brothers on some level, but it’s more about striving to do my best. And after growing up with them, I usually relate to men better. Most of the time, I don’t wear my emotions on my sleeve.” She glanced out the window. “Your ‘darling’ struck a nerve.”
He didn’t want to make the same mistake, while playing their game. “Sorry. I didn’t mean to. I was surprised you came after me to explain.”
“Me, too.”
“So, you really want my body? Or is this about proving to GiGi that you’re over your ex?”
She frowned. “That’s a failing grade on your evaluation, Mr. Lancaster. I’m a take-me-as-I-am girl. The only people I attempt to impress or to prove my worth is my parents and my employer.”
“Duly noted, professor.”
“Back to your question. The answer is absolutely, but I’m not in any hurry. Anticipation is part of the fun.” She crooked a smile and winked.
Her flirtation lit him on fire. He took her answer as a free pass. “What’s today’s body part?”
“Your lips.” Her tongue glided across her own.
Dead man walking.
Chapter 4
Heath’s baby blues consumed Jordan like the hottest flame. From there, their meal ended quickly.
Maybe it was his southern charm, but he’d put her at ease and stirred the temptress in her. She initiated the body parts game as a tease.
Unlocking her plain sedan, she couldn’t help drooling over his jacked-up four by four with tires almost as tall as her car. Maybe one day she’d have a vehicle that represented her personality. Could she talk him into taking the bad machine down to OBX for a ride on the beach? She’d be willing to do something special for him. Damn, she was getting ahead of herself. They hadn’t even kissed yet.
As she turned to say goodbye, she nearly bumped into him. “Oops, sorry.”
“I’m not.” He snaked a hand around to her lower back, and tenderly brought her against him.
The man smelled like the ocean and felt like a solid wall of muscle. One she’d like to climb up and ride. Eager to taste the day’s body part, she ran a finger along his jaw.
His eyes darkened.
Leaning closer, she rose on her toes and nibbled his mouth. He was like standing next to a mountain.
He cupped the back of her head. “So sweet.”
She melted against him and locked her fingers behind his neck. “Interested in more?”
“Can’t wait.” He chuckled and pressed her against the car.
The bulge against her belly and his hot exploring tongue made her shiver. Her feet left the ground as he continued his sensual assault.
For a year, she’d been in exile, avoiding this. Avoiding men. Heath’s sexy kiss awakened the woman she’d hidden from herself and the world. This man fueled her desire in a bad way.
“Wow, it’d be fun to work a little longer on that part.” He brushed her hair behind her ear.
Her cheeks heated while she tingled all over. Afraid she’d lose control without some contemplation time, she begged off. “I’ll call you. Show you some of the local sights.”
“Already liking what I see.” He winked. Lighting a kiss to her cheek, he smiled and squeezed her hand. “Can’t wait.”
One kiss and damn.
Without the aid of a footstep, he slid into the high Jeep.
As she drove on autopilot, white lines zipped past. A fucking football player? So much for keeping a low profile when the owner of her favorite local restaurant already knew him.
She licked her lips, enjoying the lingering taste of his masculinity. Why her? She’d snatched a football out of mid-air right in front of him and then he’d guessed her profession. Did he like athletic women or had he grown bored with the groupie types?
Funny