Page 22 of The Player I Can’t Pick

After I sweet-talk her for a minute, Guy asks if I’m ready. We start slowly down the path, and he looks over at me. “You like this pace, or do you want to ride?”

I can barely contain my excitement. “I want to ride.”

He points toward the path ahead. “Let’s go.”

We take off, and I’m not sure how much time passes, but I know my cheeks hurt from smiling.

Eventually, Guy points toward the water, and we guide the horses closer to the stream. We both climb down, and he ties them nearby.

He points toward a shaded spot before taking off his backpack. He pulls out a blanket and spreads it across the ground, then digs out a small cooler.

I sit down. “What is this? A picnic?”

He sits beside me. “Yeah. I figured since you won’t go out in public with me, I needed to step it up if I’m going to have a chance.”

I laugh. “Trust me. If this is a date, it’s the best one I’ve ever been on.”

He stops what he’s doing and looks at me. “It’s definitely a date.”

My gaze drops to his lips before moving to the cooler in his hands.

He keeps pulling out food until I start laughing. “Wow. What did you bring?”

He shows me everything as he takes it out. “Sandwiches, chips, fruit, cookies, and water. I thought about bringing wine, but I noticed you were drinking water at the bar the other night, so I figured this was safer.”

I nod. “Water is perfect.” I swallow hard. “But first, can I ask you for something?”

He nods readily. “Of course. Anything.”

I blink and muster up all my courage. “Will you kiss me, Guy? The morning has been so perfect and that⁠—”

He moves closer to me and wraps his arms around me. “I thought you’d never ask.”

He kisses me as if he’s been waiting for it and can’t wait another second. My heart is practically pounding out of my chest, and I melt into him, wanting all he’s ready to give.

CHAPTER 9

GUY

In this moment, I’m not thinking about anything but Nicole. I’m not worried about the next game or how I played in the last one. All I’m thinking about is how good this feels. Hell, it feels right.

I break the kiss and rest my forehead against hers. “Sorry. I told you we could take it slow, and I practically ravage you the first chance I get.”

Her lips are red and swollen. “I asked for it.”

That makes me smile. “Yes, you did.”

I hold a sandwich out to her, and we settle back onto the blanket. We eat in comfortable silence, and every time I glance at Nicole, she has a huge smile on her face. “What are you thinking about?” I ask.

She blinks at me. “This is fun. I wasn’t sure what to expect, but I’m really enjoying myself.”

“Good, because I’m hoping to get a second date out of you.”

She chews the bite she just took, swallows, and sets her sandwich down. “Can I ask you something?”

“Anything.”

“What made you ask me out?” She looks down at her hands. “I’m just curious because I’m nothing like the women you’ve dated.”