Page 34 of The Game We Played

“Why wouldn’t I ask?”

He returns his attention to the road. “I’m not used to women being curious about the game.”

“You need to stop dating bimbos.”

“You’re probably right.”

“Get used to it,boyfriend.I’m always right. So, how was practice?”

“Tough. It was hot on the field, and Coach Knox had us run drills until I thought I’d pass out.”

“I don’t want you passing out from heat stroke.”

He waves away my concern. “I won’t get heat stroke. I meant from how many times I had to run the play. It was tough, but I don’t mind. Practice is the only way to improve. I don’t plan for the team to lose in the first game of the play-offs again this season.”

“You don’t?”

“Nope. I want to play in the Super Bowl.”

“Big aspirations.”

He shrugs. “If you don’t aim for the best, you won’t get the best.”

“Good point.”

We lapse into silence as we drive out of Smuggler’s Rest. I could pester him with questions about where we’re going, but I enjoy the silence as we drive. It’s comfortable. And I feel wrapped in his scent. It’s sandalwood. It makes me wonder if he tastes as good as he smells.

And there I go again. Forgetting this isn’t real. Forgetting what a player he is. Forgetting what a goofball he is. Forgetting how controlling men are.

Forgetting this is a mutual beneficial arrangement. He gets a girlfriend. I get a story. Except I haven’t told him I want to write a story.

We arrive at theHideaway Haven Resort,where the team is staying during training camp. He parks and switches off the engine. “You’re going to love this surprise.”

“The surprise better not be you naked in your hotel room.”

“Don’t be silly. I don’t have a room. I have a suite.”

I giggle as he rushes around to open my door.

He holds my hand as we walk to the entrance. I enjoy the feel of his hand in mine. I don’t mind the calluses on his fingers. It means he works for a living. He’s more than a goofball. He has a career. A career he’s serious about.

Tanner Long isn’t the man I thought he was. And it frightens me. I can resist a goofball. I can’t resist a man who’s serious about his career and willing to do what needs to be done to reach his goals. But resist I must.

A crowd has gathered near the entrance.

“What’s going on?”

I hope word of the Seals staying at the resort hasn’t reached the mainland. Hudson, the owner ofHideaway Haven Resort,promised the team management privacy. He’s not the kind of man who enjoys breaking his promises.

“There’s a creature blocking the entrance,” someone says.

“A creature?” I push my way through the crowd.

Tanner squeezes my hand. “Don’t get too close.”

I see what ‘creature’ is blocking the door and tug my hand free. “Don’t worry. It’s Sammy. I’ve got this.”

“Sammy?” He rushes after me. “Who’s Sammy?”