Page 39 of The Player I Can’t Pick

I laugh once. “I know you’re not.”

Her mouth drops open. “What is that supposed to mean?”

I shake my head. “You said it. You’re nothing like the women I’ve dated before.” I move closer. “You’re beautiful. You’re smart, determined, and dedicated.”

She huffs. “I was referring to the fact that I’m not skinny or that I don’t look good in a bikini.”

My mouth practically waters at the thought. “I would love to see you in a bikini.”

She closes her eyes and shakes her head. “Guy, you’re not listening. People online are mean, and I don’t want to be known as the fat girl who bagged Guy Brody and then got dumped by him.” She blows out a breath. “This is getting too complicated. Maybe we should cool it for a while. Take a break.”

I hold up my hand. “Wait. Hold up. Take a break? You want to take a break?”

She shakes her head. “Look, I know you’re not used to this, but I have a lot going on right now. I thought I’d be able to find a teaching job easily, but nowhere is hiring. I don’t even know how long I’m going to be here if I can’t find a job and⁠—”

I sit up straighter. Hell, no. She’s not leaving. I pull my phone from my pocket and find Jason Wolf’s number. As I hit call, I look at her. “What grade do you want to teach?”

She shakes her head. “It doesn’t work like that.”

I just stare at her.

She sighs. “Kindergarten or first grade, but I’m a new teacher. I can’t exactly cherry-pick, Guy.”

Jason answers.

“Hey, man. It’s Guy.”

“Guy Brody. I just watched you on television. Good game tonight.”

“Thanks. I’m actually calling to ask you a favor.”

“Name it.”

I look straight at Nicole. “You happen to need a kindergarten or first-grade teacher?”

Nicole’s mouth drops open, and both of her hands fly to her cheeks.

Jason laughs. “You looking for a day job?”

I smile. “A good friend of mine just moved to town, and she’s looking.”

There’s a brief pause before Jason says, “As long as she’s qualified, tell her to call the school tomorrow. I still have a kindergarten position open, and I can bring her in for an interview.”

“Perfect. Thanks, Jason. I owe you.”

“No problem. See you at the gym.”

I end the call and look at Nicole. “Call Whiskey Run Elementary tomorrow and ask for Jason Wolf. He’s the principal. He has a kindergarten opening and said he’ll interview you.”

Her eyes get even wider. “Are you kidding me?”

“I’m not kidding.”

“You just happen to know the principal of an elementary school?”

I nod. “We went to high school together, and we hit the gym sometimes.” My hand returns to her thigh. “So no more talking about leaving.”

She stares at me. And then I see it. She’s finally starting to understand that I’m serious about her.