Page 59 of Lavender and Linebackers

My jaw clenches as I look down at him. Yep, down. I am taller than him. “Is there a reason you feel the need to exacerbate this conversation?”

He holds up his hands. “Bro, all I’m saying is you are not subtle.”

“It’s not like that,” I argue, sounding defensive. I understand how perceptions are formed, but damn, anyone can see that she is stunning. “I’m staring at her because we’re supposed to be here networking together for the team. I’m waiting for her to give me some sort of signal. It’s one of our assigned events, and I’m certain Gretchen is going to pop up at any moment and scold me for not being with her already.”

“Gretchen scares me.” Rico laughs.

“You have no idea,” I tell him.

“Well, then go over there and get it over with,” Bryan tells me, and I let out a deep sigh.

He’s right. I need to stop stalling.

Nodding to each of them, I make my way toward her and feel my heart rate ratchet up as my chest tightens. I have no reason to be nervous around her, so why are my hands getting all sweaty?

The museum has been transformed into a Dr. Seuss wonderland. Different sections are themed based on one of his books, and all around the gala space are large, colorful trees from The Lorax. Needing a moment to myself, I glance over my shoulder to see if my teammates are watching me. They aren’t. They’ve moved over to the bar, so I dip behind one of the trees. It’s easy to see her from there, and I soak in the private moment when I can fully take her in.

God, she is beautiful. This is the worst kind of torture.

She’s wearing a shimmery teal dress to represent the Tarpons. There are tiny straps over her shoulders. The dress dips down to show off some of her cleavage. It does some bunch thing at her waist, and then the fabric cascades to the floor. It’s elegant and looks comfortable at the same time. No, she looks elegant and lovely, and I’m just the fool who apparently didn’t learn his lesson the first time around.

Letting out another sigh, I pull on the sleeves of my shirt making sure the cuffs are visible, straighten my back, and step out from the tree to make my way over. Her eyes widen as she sees me coming and excuses herself to meet me. Kelli shoots me a dirty look. I’m not surprised, but tonight, Alice and I are supposed to do this.

“Hey,” I tell her when she stops in front of me. Lavender drifts my way, and I simultaneously stiffen and relax. That smell has always been therapeutic for me. “You look beautiful tonight.”

She looks down at herself, and then her gaze drags up from my feet to my head. This weird feeling in my stomach swirls around at her perusal.

“Thanks. You don’t look so bad yourself.”

Heat floods into my cheeks. I stick my finger under the edge of my collar and tug. Did this shirt get tighter? An awkward silence falls between us as she stares down at the bracelet she’s fidgeting with and I stare at her.

“Listen.” Her gaze pops up to find mine. “I think I owe you an apology for the game last weekend.” I tuck my hands into my pockets to finagle a way to wipe them off. I’m trying to act apologetic and nonchalant at the same time. I’m not sure that it’s working, though.

She frowns. “I think you do, too.” And then she crosses her arms over her chest.

Well, shit. I definitely hurt her feelings.

“I’m sorry. I know we scored, but I messed that play up, and I was in my head. For what it’s worth, I was looking for you. I just . . .” I let out a deep sigh and pull one hand to run it over my face. “I’m trying to do my best, and Sully is always talking about the handbook and the rules. I don’t know where the line gets drawn between the campaign and the handbook. I ran past, and then the moment was over. I’m sorry. Did I get you in trouble?”

She drops her arms. “No, I didn’t get in trouble.”

“Good. I really am sorry,” I tell her.

“Okay.” She gives me a small smile. There are no traces of animosity, and I know we’re once again good. Well, as good as she and I can be.

“Where do you think we should start?” I want her to lead us today. I want her to be happy and feel in control.

“Well, this is all about the media and representing the Tarpons, so let’s go get our picture taken, say hi to people while we’re standing in line, and then make our way to the silent auction.”

“All right.”

Alice turns, and my hand falls to her lower back as we make our way to the line for the charity step and repeat. Her dress is cut low in the back, we’re skin to skin. I feel like I’m indecently touching her, but that’s not going to stop me. She doesn’t ask me to either. She shivers once, as if my hand startled her, and then kept walking.

One by one, Alice charms everyone around us. She’s good at opening conversations and introducing us. We take more photos than we have at any other event, and eventually, we’re standing next to the Cat in the Hat. Alice slides under my arm, where one arm wraps around her other hand, and one rests on my chest, and I tentatively place my hand on her hip. She’s small, and this material is so thin, I can feel the heat of her skin, and it makes the heat inside me radiate off my back. This shirt is going to be wet by the time the night is over.

With that, I am pathetic.

The tiniest bit of contact and my body reacts like it’s the Fourth of July.