I nod in approval, trying not to let my smile grow too wide. “Good, good. We’re heading off tomorrow for an away stretch, so I won’t be here to make sure you’re eating,” I tease.
She rolls her eyes and some of the anger ebbs. “I’m well aware of your travel schedule. The TV crew isn’t here when the team is away, soIdon’t have to be here. I’ll have plenty of time to focus on things like my feeding habits.”
I clutch my hands together at my chest and shoot her a beaming smile. “Aw, babe, are you keeping tabs on my work schedule?”
She raises an eyebrow at me and the fire in her eyes reignites. “First, I amnotyour babe. Second, your home schedule is my work schedule. So yes, I know your schedule but for no reason other than to know when I’m working from the office versus here at the stadium. And when I get to have a damn day off. Like I do tomorrow.”
I chuckle. She’s so fun to rile up. And she’s damn gorgeous when she’s angry. I should really talk to a therapist to see if it’s normal that her rage turns me on as much as it does. “Good, I’m glad you’ll be eating. Any fun plans for your day off?”
She lets out an exasperated sigh as if she’s annoyed by our conversation. But the fact that she’s still entertaining it, tells me she’s not nearly as irritated as she wants me to think. “Unfortunately, no. I’ll be spending the day getting my car towed and seeing what the damage to my bank account will be.”
I nod in understanding. “Right, your car. Almost forgot about that. Need a ride home?” I offer, hoping and praying she’ll accept.
She smirks and I know I’ve lost. “Nope, my roommate is picking me up.”
“Damn, we could’ve had another fun adventure at In-N-Out.” I give her a solemn head shake.
She scrunches her nose in disgust. “Sorry for your loss, but In-N-Out two days in a row sounds like torture.”
I gasp and clutch at my imaginary pearls. “You take that back!”
She crosses her arms over her chest and gives me a stubborn lift of her chin. “I will do no such thing. You really need to pick a new post-game ritual.”
I let my eyes trace her body. She’s in that fucking purple suit again. “I’m sure I could come up with something.” I throw a wink her way, pressing my luck.
She stiffens for a moment, and I fear I’ve gone too far before she relaxes again with an eye roll. “I need to get back to work.”
Well, it was fun while it lasted. “I’ll get out of your hair. See you in a week and a half, firecracker. Try not to miss me too much! I’m sure it’ll fly by.”
“I hope it doesn’t,” she mutters under her breath.
I let out a laugh as I jog back to the clubhouse.
NINE
WHAT ARE FRIENDS FOR
ISABELLA
“Have a good night, Jamie!”I call out with a wave as I walk out of the compound into the parking lot where Jordan should be waiting on me.
I make it halfway across the lot to her car before I notice mine isn’t where I left it last night. I stop abruptly and turn in a full circle, confirming that my car is nowhere in this lot.
Oh my god.
“Che cazzo,” I swear under my breath. How the hell does a broken-down car get stolen?
This is honestly just my luck.
It’s been such a long day that I can’t fight back against the tears stinging my eyes.
No, no fucking crying right now. Not around people I work with. Not around people, period.
Climbing into Jordan’s car, I let out an annoyed screech once the door is shut. “My fucking car was stolen!” I start fishing around in my bag for my phone. “I need to call the police. I need to report it.” Her hand shoots out, halting my movements. I lookup at her for the first time and see the biggest grin on her face. “Okay, why do you look like the damn Cheshire Cat?”
She doesn’t say a thing, simply hands over a folded piece of paper. I raise an eyebrow and stare at it.
“Fucking take it,” she practically shouts, shoving it into my hands.
