Page 73 of Her Game Plan

“I told the coordinator yesterday that we wouldn’t be able to stay. They didn’t even seat us at a table.”

“What? Why?” The confusion in his voice is evident.

I grab his hand and start making my way toward the door. “Because you’ve had a crazy week and have certainly not gotten enough sleep lately. Though that is partially my fault. Or it’s your fault because you’ve started sleeping without a shirt on. And that’s not playing fair.” I catch the pleased grin that crosses his face as we make our way through the hotel.

Callan turns to face me as we wait at the valet stand for his car to be brought around. “You didn’t have to cut your time short tonight because of me. I know how important this is to you.” His jaw is tight, his dark green eyes full of something that looks like regret.

I squeeze his hand. “I mean, I fully plan on taking advantage of the extra time tonight with you, but also, I knew how tired you would be.” Giving him my most innocent smile, I offer, “If you want, we can go back inside. I didn’t realize you’d want to stay.”

“That’s not—” He’s cut off by the arrival of his vehicle.

“I get to pick the music,” I call as soon as my butt hits the seat. It’s our new rule: Whoever calls it first gets to pick. Though I’m not sure he understands the game since I always win.

I scroll through, knowing exactly what playlist I want tonight. The music starts playing, and Callan grabs my hand before putting the car in drive. “Are you sure you didn’t need to talk to anyone else?”

I shake my head. “That was everyone. I think Preston Hale is our best shot. Particularly since he wants to marry you and have your babies.”

Callan snorts, shooting me a look that’s torn between amusement and annoyance.

I shrug. “He does. We both know it. I don’t think Snyder or Newson are good fits. The guy who owns Hillyard might be, but probably as the official sports bar of the Stallions or something. I still need to look the company up, but I can’t imagine a regional restaurant chain is pulling in the profit to be the level of sponsor I’m looking for. I’ll likely hand him over to the team to see what makes sense.”

He runs his thumb over mine. “You’ll get it figured out.”

I kiss the back of his hand. “Thanks.”

He lets out a breathy chuckle. “Thank you.”

“For what?”

He darts a soft glance at me. “For thinking about what I needed tonight.” The confusion lacing his tone makes me want to punch so many people. Starting with his parents, moving on to his friends, and then ending with every woman he’s ever been with. And I might throw in Nan, for good measure. Not that I’ll be telling him that, or that I think she doesn’t put Callan first. She certainly does. Maybe too much. Not that I have much to go on. I’ve avoided Sunshine Hills like the plague since my first visit. No need to do that again.

“You’re worth changing plans for, Callan.” I mean every word of it. In fact, he’s already changing my plans for this to be fake.

Which means my plan to stay single will fall right behind it.

Chapter 28

Charlotte

When you own a professional football team, you learn to celebrate Christmas on any day except December 25th. Fortunately, the Stallions played Phoenix at home this year, so we’re not on the road like usual, and we’re actually getting to celebrate Christmas together this year. Unfortunately, the Stallions lost a close one this morning, so no one is in the best mood.

Heading into the final week of the regular season at 9–7 isn’t ideal. And if Callan wasn’t already putting too much blame on himself for the Stallions’ record, he certainly is after getting sacked four times today.

“You ready to go?” I ask, sliding a red sweater on and tugging the hem until it covers the waistband of my jeans.

“No,” he groans from where he’s spread out on our bed, already clad in a dark green three-quarter zip that is doing fucking amazing things for his eyes. The poor guy didn’t get home until five, and dinner is at seven, so we have some time but not a lot. And we have to pick up Nan before driving to my parents’.

“Worried your grandma will insult me in front of my dad?” I sit on the bed next to him, and he reaches out, resting his hand on my leg.

“No. I talked to her. She promised to be on her best behavior.”

I grimace. “Callan! I told you not to mention it to her.”

He sits up, resting on both elbows. “Charlotte, she was rude to you. There was no way in hell I was not going to mention it, even if your parents hadn’t invited her over for Christmas dinner. I assured her you aren’t using me for my money. Honestly, I pulled up an article talking about how much money your dad has. It didn’t take much more convincing than that. I’m sure she will apologize to you.”

Callan is nothing if not optimistic. Though maybe he’s not worried about Nan because he’s not feeling the same shift in our relationship that I am, so he doesn’t care if she dislikes me, as long as she isn’t rude.

“Shall we go?” he asks, pulling himself to a full seated position in a way that almost feels like bragging about his ab strength. I would’ve had to wet fish it onto my side to get out of bed.