by Robyn M Ryan
“Actually, I was.” Dave took a breath, then ran his hand through his hair. “I hoped you’d come to the game. Didn’t find you when I went up to the suite. Something come up?”
“Caryn needed help with the babies.”
He nodded and she watched his brown eyes search hers. “When you sent the text, I meant it when I asked you to come.”
“And I came. Pushed my way through that sea of bodies. Got hit on at least ten times, before I finally saw your group. You do realize I’m not that tall and can’t see over people’s heads?” Lauren tried to tamp down the sarcasm. “When I finally located you, the puck bunnies had you trapped way over on the far side of the group. I didn’t want to fight another crowd—all those puck bunnies—to get you to notice me. Obviously, you were enjoying their attention so much, you forgot about me.”
“Lauren, I kept looking for you. You know those women don’t mean anything.”
“I was here at least ten minutes trying to catch your eye, Marty. So don’t try to tell me you didn’t enjoy the company.”
She saw remorse replaced by frustration. “Maybe I did lose track of time. I swear that you are the only person I wanted by my side. Yes, I should have met you at the door. How about if we start over? Let me walk you in the way I should have?”
Lauren studied his eyes for a long moment before holding up her hand toward the Uber car that had just parked at the curb. “Maybe some other time, Marty. You don’t want to disappoint your new fan club.”
He reached for her hand. “You know how I feel about puck bunnies. I don’t encourage them—I just try to be polite without letting anyone cross the line.”
“Then maybe you need to know I don’t enjoy watching a bunch of gorgeous women hanging all over you.” She pulled her hand from his grasp. “I know I have no right to feel this way. Even so, that doesn’t mean I’m going to stand here and watch.” She nodded toward the car. “My Uber’s here. It’s late. We just got our signals crossed tonight.”
“I’m sorry, Lauren.”
She forced herself to shrug nonchalantly. “Not a big deal, Mr. Martin. I’ll catch up with you tomorrow.” She kissed his cheek, then got into the car.
#
Dave watched the car drive away, knowing he had screwed up. Big time. Thought we took a step forward at lunch today—now back to square one. Or worse. She’s right—I didn’t think. Too busy trying not to offend any fans to make sure Lauren arrived safely. He pulled a handful of paper slips from his pocket and dropped them all in the nearby trash can. Phone numbers. Dozens of phone numbers. He’d lost count of the number of selfies taken by women who posed provocatively and pressed up against his body. Lauren would have kept the “vultures” at a safe distance if I’d paid attention or waited near the door. He cringed at the thought that Lauren may have watched as one woman slipped her hand over his crotch as the picture flashed, another tucked her hand inside his pants pocket, and too many others fingered his waistband.
He reentered the bar to pay the running tab and let his teammates know he was leaving. As he walked along the Riverwalk area, his thoughts drifted back to Lauren, remembering the lunch they’d shared. Just a few hours ago? As usual, her mind jumped from topic to topic so quickly he’d had a hard time keeping up his side of the conversation. Was it because of those dancing green eyes? The sound of her laughter, the flirtatious comments?
He remembered Lauren telling him they didn’t know each other when she’d rejected his idea of an exclusive relationship a few years ago. She claimed all they had in common was sex—supercharged electricity that neither could—or would—resist.
Today, she’d told him about her job dilemma, and he’d listened, trying to keep a neutral expression and tone. Did she want my opinion as a friend? Or was she looking for something else? Dave had kept his views to himself and tried not to influence her decision. Still, he hoped she’d decide to stay in Tampa. Give them a chance to reset the relationship, then watch it develop. Maybe get out of that “friend zone.”
If she’ll consider it after tonight. Hope my fuck-up doesn’t push her toward that apartment in Paris.
This time, it would take a lot more than groveling to persuade her to push that reset button.
11
LAUREN LOOKED AGAIN at the enormous bouquet of spring flowers delivered first thing in the morning with the apology note from Dave. He didn’t know she’d realized last night that she had overreacted at the bar, but she didn’t intend to tell him that anytime soon. I’ll keep him guessing a while longer. She had yet to see him—he’d left for practice before she awoke.
So, she tried to clear her brain and compose a response to the McRainey offer. She re-read her email to Jim Wesley for the tenth time. Caryn’s suggestion that she call him before sending the email tugged at her conscience. The professional thing to do. If he accepts the proposal, I can name at least two co-workers from the last project who will commit…Just don’t want to listen to whatever mood he’s in today. She picked up her phone and pressed the number. Maybe he’ll be out, and I can leave a message.
She picked at her nail polish as she waited for someone to answer. Just when she thought she’d get transferred to voice mail, Wesley answered the call.
Lauren took a deep breath and summarized the offer to submit a proposal on a contract basis. “I have two consultants on board—one is fluent in Italian and the other French. They both were part of our last project, and it’s fortunate they could commit to an open-ended project like this.” She paused to catch her breath and take a sip of water.
“So, just to be clear, you’ve declined the offer to join McRainey as senior management.”
“Yes, Caryn and I have a partnership agreement that I do not want to break.”
“I’d think you’d jump at the chance to leap into this type of position at the level we offered.”
Great, he’s in a pissy mood. “It is a fantastic opportunity, Jim. I believe we can serve you just as effectively as consultants.” When he didn’t reply, she continued. “I’ve outlined a proposal I can email to you right now.”
“That’s not the direction we plan to take in expanding this project. We want employee ownership of the concept, someone who’s willing to embrace the McRainey culture.”
“So…you don’t want to take a look at this proposal?”
“That answer is a definite no. If either of the consultants you mentioned wishes to apply for the job, have them forward resumes directly to me.” He paused for a beat. “When we met the other day, you appeared enthusiastic about the opportunity. Now, you’re proposing handing it off to two of your contractors instead.”
“It’s an exciting opportunity, Jim. As I’ve mentioned, Caryn and I are partners. I cannot walk away from my responsibilities. That’s why we hoped to submit this proposal to continue to work with McRainey as consultants.”
“That’s your final decision?” His voice held no warmth.
“Yes, it is. We’d love to continue our partnership with McRainey, but I cannot accept your job offer, even one as exciting and generous as this.”
“Have to say, I’m very disappointed, Lauren. You have an unlimited future at McRainey—I’m sorry you don’t recognize what the company has offered.”
Lauren started to correct him but instead decided to end the conversation. “Thank you for the opportunity, Jim, and for your vote of confidence. I hope we’ll work together on future projects.”
Well, that went about as well as expected. Lauren slipped the phone into her pocket and wandered to the front of the house, where she found Kelly Peterson and Terri Rogers visiting Caryn.
“Getting your baby fixes?” she said.
“Trying to convince Caryn she can leave Jenna and Daniel and get out of here for a while,” Kelly said.
“We promise we won’t break them.” Terri giggled. “Spoil them rotten, maybe—you know they’re safe with us.”
“I don’t need to go anywhere.” Caryn shook her head. “I don’t want to jus
t drive around—would you?”
“Why not go shopping? Your little angels are growing like weeds, in case you haven’t noticed. You can’t have too many baby outfits, right?”
“Well, if you ask Drew…”
“Go to lunch with me?” Lauren changed the subject. “We can make it a business lunch if that will get you to agree…So many things we need to discuss.”
Lauren saw the skepticism in her friend’s eyes, but she conceded with a sigh. “Okay. You know, you three don’t play fair.”
“If that’s what it takes.” Kelly reached for Jenna. “Go, enjoy. You deserve this.”
#
Lauren inhaled the fresh Gulf air and felt the stress flow from her body. “I need to come here more often.” She glanced at Caryn as she slipped her sandals from her feet and tossed them in the back of the car. “Shall we take our picnic to the beach?” When Caryn nodded, she grabbed the package of food they’d ordered and popped the trunk to retrieve some beach towels.
“I don’t know the last time I saw the beach,” Caryn said. “This was a good idea. I forget how relaxed I get just looking at the water.”
“Maybe a future field trip with your angels?” Lauren teased as they carried the supplies to a quiet section of the beach, then spread the towels.
“Maybe in a few months.” Caryn helped Lauren unpack the box lunches and drinks. “I know they’ll love it when they’re mobile—and Andrew’s on a mission to have them swimming by summer.”
“I’ve read about babies swimming at very early ages,” Lauren said. “Guess the objective is to teach them to enjoy the water before they know to fear it.”
“And keep me from obsessing about our swimming pool.” Caryn laughed. She sipped her water then met Lauren’s eyes. “Did you decide to chat with Mr. Wesley?”
“Yep.” Lauren took a deep breath. “He’s not interested in working with us as consultants—nor any of those super talented subs who made the seminars so successful. He suggested I tell them to contact him directly if they are interested in the job.” Lauren shrugged as she unwrapped her sandwich.
“Charming as ever, I’m sure.”
Lauren made a face. “His tone was quite condescending—like I was a child making a huge mistake.”
“That should wash away any doubts you might have. I wouldn’t touch that project for any amount of money—not as an employee.”
Lauren shrugged. “Oh, I agree…”
“But?”
“Amanda will tell me I’ve made a huge mistake.” Lauren averted her eyes and turned toward the soft Gulf waves. When I tell her. If I tell her.
“Why? She wants you to be happy, right? Did you tell her about working with Wesley, much less as an employee?”
“Somewhat. Amanda thinks I don’t want to take the job because I hope to get together with Jim Wesley.” Lauren sighed. “I don’t think she believed me when I told her no way.” Lauren glanced at Caryn. “She only wants to hear positives—it’s like my success reflects on her. Maybe it does, if you think about it. If she hadn’t taken me in, who knows where I’d be or what type of job I’d have. Bartender? Waitress? Housekeeper in a hotel?”
Caryn shoved her shoulder. “Nothing wrong with those professions if that’s what you’d chosen. Sure, your sister gave you opportunities—but you took advantage of those opportunities and decided the path you’d take.”
Lauren leaned back and turned her face toward the sun. “I haven’t told her about my other choice; staying in Tampa. Maybe I won’t say anything for a while.”
“Does she dislike professional sports? You’ve been working with agents and athletes for years.”
Lauren’s laugh conveyed no humor. “She’s against my getting involved with an athlete…specifically, one who just landed in Tampa.”
“Dave? Even after meeting him? Why in the world would she object if you did?”
Lauren met her friend’s eyes. “She said as long as we just stay friends, it’s fine. Enjoy the perks, but don’t start to believe he’s interested in anything more than a good time. Friends with benefits…you know. Kinda like what we have right now.”
“You do want more than that, right?” Caryn asked quietly. “And judging by the size of the bouquet you received this morning, I think he wants more than friendship.”
“No, he’s just trying to get back on my good side after last night’s fiasco.” Lauren tried to contain her sudden burst of laughter. “How many times did I have to tell you not to pay attention to those women when you were dating Andrew?”
“It’s hard, Lauren. I still get angry sometimes and jump to conclusions. I know Drew loves me, and I do trust him. But… ”
“…Easier said than done.” Lauren shrugged as she completed the thought. “I keep telling you Marty doesn’t think about me that way. We’re pals, nothing’s changed. Besides, I’m not exactly the girl you take home to meet the parents.”
Caryn dropped her sandwich and grabbed Lauren’s shoulders, shaking her gently. “Why would you say that? You’re a wonderful person, a beautiful friend. Whoever captures your heart will be a lucky man.”
“I’ve told you Gentry women don’t get their ‘happily-ever-after.’” She grinned suddenly. “Don’t worry about me, Caryn. I enjoy his company…and those perks and benefits. Really not expecting anything else. Life’s good.”
She watched Caryn start to speak, then bit her lip as she closed her mouth. If she knew the truth, she’d agree…then feel sorry for me. Not going to happen.
12
DAVE SIGNED THE contract and handed it and a check to the realtor. He’d decided on a house—a ranch like the one he’d toured with Lauren. Just around the corner from his friends, the home overlooked a lake and featured a huge screened porch. His favorite area? The private lanai attached to the master bedroom, with what the agent called a personal swimming pool plus “a spa pool” he’d thought was a hot tub.
“The resale value on this will climb, Mr. Martin,” Darcy assured him. “Should you need to sell, homes in here do not stay on the market more than a few days.”
“So I hear. Looks good.” He held his hand toward the agent. “How quickly can we close?”
“With a cash deal, it should not take too long to pull the paperwork together. I can give you a call once the closing attorney gives me a date range.” They shook hands and walked out the front door.
“You wouldn’t have an extra key, would you?”
Darcy shook her head. “Not before closing. But, if you want to have an inspector come out or maybe an interior designer, I’m happy to meet them at any time. If your girlfriend wants to approve your choice just give me a call.”
“Thanks. I’m sure we’ll see you soon.” Dave took his time walking along the property line after the realtor left. Girlfriend? Can just hear Lauren correcting that—"Oh, we’re just friends.” Maybe for now, Ms. Gentry. As long as you don’t jet away to Paris, this could be our chance to see if anything develops…If I didn’t torpedo that chance. He wondered if she’d accept his offer to move in—as a roommate, of course. She could have her own space on the other end of the house. He’d accept her rent payment because he knew she’d never agree if he didn’t. He paused near the lake’s edge, scanning the water for any of the alligators that Darcy had mentioned lived in the community’s many lakes. He laughed to himself when he saw the “No Fishing” signs. No kidding. Who wants to hook an alligator? He inspected the outside of the screened porch, then wandered over to look at the private pool and lanai. A smile crossed his face as he imagined relaxing in the hot tub…spa pool…after home games…with an alluring auburn-haired woman he needed to convince to share the new home with him.
#
Lauren and Caryn discussed the details of the short-term project with the Suns. “Can you think of anything to add?” Lauren asked as she read through the contract a third time.
“I can’t…except that it’s open-ended until they hire Payton’s replacement. We could put in a two-to-three-month
initial term—then give each party a chance to suggest revisions or terminate the contract. Then we won’t get sucked into another never-ending McRainey black hole.”
Lauren tried to suppress a giggle. “I seriously doubt that, Caryn. Everyone seemed very easy going when I went in. Still it never hurts to sit down after a few weeks to ensure the client is happy with our work. We’d have an opportunity to address any issues on our end.” She bit back a grin. “I think this will be a fun assignment.”
“Good, you deserve something fun, and you can name the starting date. You deserve a couple weeks’ relaxation after the past eight months. You still thinking about a cruise? Or do you want to visit your sister?”
Lauren’s stomach turned at that thought. “Really, I’m ready to jump in. I may plan a trip to Paris for Cassie’s graduation.”
They turned at the quiet knock on the door. Dave leaned against the doorframe. “Can I borrow Lauren for a few minutes?” A grin slowly crossed his face.
“Oh, I think we’re finished.” Caryn laughed as she glanced at Lauren. “We need to discuss anything else?”
“Nope, we’re good. Marty, what can I do to help you?”
“Take a walk with me?”
“Oh, an offer I cannot refuse.” Lauren grinned as she stood and straightened her chair. “A walk sounds wonderful. I have a favor to ask you, too.” She walked beside him outside. “Those flowers are beautiful. You didn’t need to do that, Marty.”
“Yes, I did. No excuses for last night. It won’t happen again. Promise.” Dave reached for Lauren’s hand. “Forgive me?”
“Nothing to forgive, Mr. Martin. Just a case of my overreacting as usual. But, I do love the flowers.”
“I guarantee it will not happen again…if you’ll agree to join me next time I invite you to a post-game celebration.” He paused. “Have you decided on your next assignment?”