Page 49 of The Game We Played

I snort. “Are you delusional? Have you been drinking? I’ve seen the guest list for this event. There are models – real life models – who will be there.”

“And yet you’ll be the most beautiful woman there.”

I hold up a hand. “You don’t have to flatter me. I’m here. I’m going.”

“I’m not trying to flatter you. I’m telling the truth.” He threads a hand through his hair. “I mean, I knew you were gorgeous. I have eyes. I’m not blind. But in this get-up? Holy shit.”

A tremor of excitement works its way through me. Tanner Long – the sexiest player of theSteel City Sealsteam – thinks I’m gorgeous. It can’t be real.

“You’re really good at this charming thing.”

“No. I’m not.” He reaches for my hands. “I’ve never had to be charming before. You’re different.”

“This is fake, Tanner.”

No matter how much I want a repeat of our kiss on July Fourth. No matter how much I long to touch his naked skin. No matter how much I long to be with him. It’s not to be.

“You are the most beautiful woman I know. Nothing fake about it.”

I was already worried about attending this charity gala and sticking out since I obviously don’t belong. The chance I manage to walk on these heels and not trip, is less than zero. But now I’m also worried about how I’m going to stop from throwing myself at Tanner.

“The limo’s waiting,” I blurt out. I need to get out of this suite with its enormous California King bed before I lose control of my senses. Before I forget that Tanner is a player who doesn’t do relationships.

Before I forget how men in general aren’t worth the hassle. How they decide to give the job you worked your ass off for at the sports magazine to a man who’s less qualified. Always for your ‘own good’.

“Fine. We’ll go.”

I giggle. “Isn’t Belinda forcing you to attend this event?”

“Belinda is out of control. Her cameraman leaked the footage from the practice the other day and now she thinks we should continue this charade until Christmas.”

My eyes widen. “You didn’t tell me.”

“Because I didn’t want to pressure you.”

“You’ll find I’m not susceptible to pressure.”

He raises an eyebrow.

“You’ve met my twin sisters. Grow up with Beth and Anne and you’ll learn to handle pressure pretty damn well.”

He chuckles. “Your sisters are a blast.”

“You would think so since they tricked us into kissing on the Fourth.”

His eyes darken. “No one needed to trick me into kissing you.”

Sparks ignite in my belly and travel down to my core. I wonder how it would feel to have Tanner kiss me other places. Maybe I should let myself have one night with him. If I know it can’t be more, I won’t get hurt. Or get my hopes up. Maybe.

The phone rings and Tanner mutters a choice swear word before walking away. My shoulders sag in relief. Phew. Temptation averted again. But for how long?

“The concierge wants us to get moving. The limo is blocking traffic.”

I grab my wrap and purse from the counter and follow him to the door. “After you, charmer.”

He places a hand on my lower back to guide me out of the suite to the elevators. The material of my dress is thin, allowing me to feel the heat of his hand on my back. I nearly moan.

I blame my hormones. I’ve been in a constant state of arousal since our kiss. I’m going to pay my sisters back for their trick if it’s the last thing I do.