First of all, I had no complaints about the eye candy he provided.
In person, he’d proven a total physical specimen, every inch of him carved from lean muscle. As a bonus, he’d been exactly the height I like—tall enough for me to wear heels, but not so tall that it’d be overwhelming if I’m not.
His curly brown hair had a mind of its own, but it suited the playful side he showed when we spoke. And I’m pretty sure I spotted a couple of thigh tattoos peeking out of his shorts too, kryptonite for me.
It was his deep blue eyes that jumped out the most, however. They swam with humor, reinforcing the impression he left with his relaxed attitude.Evenwhile I ran him ragged and beat him soundly.
Most guys can’t handle that I’m better at basketball, especially serious athletes. Their egos get crushed. Rawley only seemed to appreciate my play and was funny on top of that.
Still, I didn’t think twice about turning him down for whatever he was looking for after the game.
My “no dating athletes” rule is not one I’m willing to budge on. It’s rooted in too many personal experiences, and not good ones.
Rawley didn’t give off a bad vibe though, and as I consider the upcoming interview, I’m grateful it’s with him.
He was entertaining the other day, at least. If we can return to our quick back-and-forth chatter, it might even be fun—for us and the readers.
If anything, I appreciate how lightly he took himself. Our teasing even made me forget who he was, at times.
I just hope he took the hint from the gym.
Not that it matters. I’m not going to give some NFL star my phone number, let alone make plans with him.
Iwillwelcome a fresh dose of eye candy, however. And enjoy him making me laugh again while I do.
5
RAWLEY
Iwas stunned when Aiden told me theSundayMagazinecover interview with Avery was a go.
“She agreed?”
“She did,” he said, sounding confused as to why I was questioning the news.
They asked if I could accommodate a date this week, given her game schedule.
Which is how I ended up here two days later, in a large open-concept studio space rented out by the paper.
When I walk in, she’s already here, scrolling through her phone. She’s wearing a navy sleeveless halter tee, with her abs on display again, and soft gray cotton pants that showcase the length of her legs.
Aiden is here too, but I don’t pay attention to what he’s wearing.
The room is teaming with a dozen other people I assume are staff from the paper.
“Hi, Avery,” I say in her direction, louder than normal to command her attention.
She looks up from her phone and raises a brow. “Rawley.”
I’d almost forgotten how striking she is in person. Those cheekbones, looking like sheshouldbe on the cover of magazines for a living.
Her dark eyes take me in, the barest hint of mascara there. Her lips look shiny and full, the only obvious makeup she has on otherwise.
I take two steps closer to her. “Funny seeing you here.”
C’mon, be more cheesy, Battle?
“Ha.” She drops the hand holding her phone and turns her attention to me fully.There we go.“Looks like you didn’t get disappointed after all.”
