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I shrug, making it clear it was no big deal. “Yeah. He drove through, bought us tacos, and we ate them in the parking lot.
“When’s the wedding? Seriously. You sat in his truck and had a taco picnic,” she whines like it’s the most romantic thing she’s ever heard.
“Nora, you’ve lost your ever-loving mind. That man owed me. I spent the evening in a room full of millionaires who try to get a ball down the field for a living. They looked at me like I was standing there naked, thinking Sean and I were getting jiggy with it. Even those who’d never admit it.”
“Then,” I stick my pointer finger in the air for emphasis, “I not only came face to face with the woman who’s caused me to become the most hated woman in Tennessee or possibly, America, for having counterfeit relations with their famed football star, but I also had to hear about her telling people that I. CANNOT. SING.” I growl-yell the last part because it is the worst. “If that was not taco-worthy, I don’t know what is.” I get up, putting a period on this conversation.
I look at Jonesy, who’s snickering. “Are you ready to get back to work?”
“I have to admit, Andie, that is pretty romantic. The man bought you tacos because he knows you love them.”
“Ugh.” Part of me wants to smile because it’s true. Sean did it just for me, but my lips stay put. “If you’re both done gushing all over Sean, I’m ready to sing.”
Jonesy stands, moving to sit at his keyboard. I pick up my set list, and we get back to it.
I sing, but my mind is elsewhere. It’s back with Sean in his truck. I went into that night freaking out that it would feel like a date with all the prep talk from Gem and Nora. I didn’t know if I was ready for anything to even remotely resemble a date. It scares me to think I might be.
Spending that evening with Sean felt date-like, and it’s strange to admit that with him, it didn’t feel all that frightening. In fact, it was easy and kind of nice. Maybe too easy and too nice. Now, what scares the absolute crap out of me is that I might even be willing to someday do it again…with him.
Chapter 30
SEAN
The plane touches down, and I check my phone, hoping to see that Andie played her word. Nothing but a missed call from Mark.
I grab my duffle and toss it over my shoulder. We won, but I’m ready to be home.
These trade rumors are weighing on me and my relationship with the team. I need to call Rob first thing in the morning and find out what he knows. He needs to get a handle on whether or not this is legit. The longer I’m in the dark, the harder it is for me to work for a team evaluating my worth.
In my truck, I dial Mark.
“Hey, man. Good game today,” he says, picking up. “That catch was ridiculous. I have no idea how you held onto the ball.”
“Me either. It was so cold I couldn’t feel my fingers. My ass will be on the couch tomorrow watching you, so play smart. I’m not interested in bad TV.”
Mark is the starting quarterback for the New York Liberties. Despite having a recurring shoulder injury, he’s one of the best quarterbacks in the entire league. The press wants you to believe he has the ego to match, but Mark is like me, a victim of people putting together an image that doesn’t represent reality.
“I always play smart. Why do you think we’re leading the division?”
“Defense is kicking ass.”
He laughs. “My bye week is early, so I’m coming to see you. I need a break from the city, and Shane said he’s heading your way for your big event.”
“So I’m second string?” I tease.
“Nah, man, but Shane and Maggie have the kids, so they win every time. I also thought about hitting Cole up to have a little fun in the sun, but…” He doesn’t finish his statement, and I may be crazy, but something in his tone sounds off.
Cole Matthews, Maggie's oldest brother, was a first-round draft pick and is the starting quarterback for the Miami Stingrays.
“Fine. You can stay with me, but you have to clean up after yourself. I’m swamped next weekend with the event and the game, but I’ll get you a pass.”
“Does this mean I get to meet the elevator girl you’ve been secretly sleeping…working with?”
“Not if I can help it.”
Mark is an obnoxious flirt, and I don’t need him anywhere near Andie.
“It’s like that, is it? Are you worried? Something you want to tell me before I jump to my own conclusions and then confirm for myself?”
