“Three is very doable, or I wouldn’t suggest it. You can do this, Luca. I know you can.” I shrug. “Either way, that’s my best and final offer.”
Luca lets out a huff. “For that price, you’d not only have to ride my baloney pony, you’d have to be my plus-one at a party, too. That’s my final offer.”
He’s piqued my interest. “What party?”
“At Roman’s. At his new house in LA.”
“Oh, hell no.”
“Just hear me out.”
“No.”
“My brother’s throwing a housewarming party, and he specifically planned it for my day off so I can make it.”
“No.”
“Chelsea, he’s even sending a private jet for me. I mean, assuming I’m not cut by then. If I am, I’m sure I’ll fly commercial. But the point is since it’s your day off, too, it’d be the easiest thing in the world for you to come with me.”
“Whether you get three sacks or thirty, you’ll be attending Satan’s housewarming party on your own.”
“But you coming with me would give us time to work together again! Think about it. We could study film on the plane, both ways, and Roman’s got a state-of-the-art gym at his house and a huge backyard, so we could get in at least a couple hardcore training sessions while we’re out there together, too.”
“You’re insane to even suggest this. I’m not going to a party hosted by the devil.”
“Chelsea, please. He’s not the devil to me. He’s my big brother, and I’m asking you to come with me so you can help me train,ifI’m lucky enough to still be in the hunt by then.”
Crap.When he looks at me so earnestly like that, like a cute little puppy, I melt into a puddle.
“I’m going to the party either way,” he adds. Apparently,he senses he’s making progress with me. “So this would be the only chance we’d have to train together again. Don’t you miss working together? I sure do.” He frowns. “Unless, of course, you’re working with Moriarty on our day off. Is that it?”
“No, Jacob’s filming a commercial that day.”
Luca fist-pumps. “It’s fate!”
Damn him. He’s flashing his dimples now. “Is the guest list for Satan’s housewarming party family only?”
“Nope. A bunch of Roman’s new teammates are coming, some with plus-ones, so you’d fit right in. I mean, don’t wear Buckeyes gear or anything. You wouldn’t fit in if you did that. You’d get a ration of shit. But otherwise, I promise you’ll feel right at home.”
I bite my lip. “Does your brother often send private jets for you to come to his little parties?”
“This is a first. Roman’s generous with his money when it comes to family vacations and stuff like that. He just took all of us to Hawaii for my cousin Marco’s wedding, for example. But he’s never once sent a private plane for me or anyone else, as far as I know. I’m guessing he thinks his new girlfriend is wifey material, so he’s sparing no expense to introduce her to everyone all at once, before the regular season kicks off and everyone scatters.”
“Do you like Roman’s new girlfriend?”
“She’s awesome. I haven’t met her in person yet, but we’ve chatted several times on FaceTime, and she’s super sweet.” He pokes my arm. “Unlike you.”
I dryly flip him off, and Luca grins broadly like I’ve just kissed him square on the mouth.
“So stubborn,” he mutters, still smiling.
“You want to see stubborn, look in the mirror.”
“It’s my job to be stubborn, though.”
“Yeah, and it’s my calling.”
He chuckles. “So, do we have a deal, Miss Stubborn? If I get those three sacks tomorrow, you’ll rip your clothes off and jump my bonesandcome with me on a quick trip to LA?”
