by Hart, Taylor
Anthony pulled his eyes away from the woman and picked up another football, ready for the first group.
“Still can’t stop yourself from the cheerleader addiction?”
There was a brief lag as Anthony registered the familiar voice. His heart stopped, and he turned slowly, uncertain whether he was just hearing things.
Cassidy Stone stood next to him with her arms crossed, her honey-blonde hair still flowing down her shoulders as it had done in high school. She wasn’t giving him the hero-worship look she used to give him from the sidelines, although she still had those Cleopatra eyes that had always mesmerized him.
“Cassidy?” he asked, like she was a mythical being that had appeared out of thin air in front of him.
Their eyes held and he thought about all that had happened between them, all those years ago. Truthfully, he’d thought about it so many times, even looked her up a few years ago to discover she was a famous writer for the magazine Elite Athletes based out of Florida.
Her lips turned up, not exactly in a smile, but a tight, controlled assessment of him. “I’m the freelance reporter assigned to get some statements from you guys and write a puff article about this event. Lucky me.” Her piercing stare took his breath away.
The football slipped out of his hands. His mouth went dry. Reflexively, he looked at her ring finger, which was bare. “I heard you were engaged,” he blurted out before he could stop himself. He’d remembered someone mentioning it. Kade? His father? He tried to remember when he’d heard it. Maybe last year after his injury.
Looking down at the fumbled ball, then back to him, she shook her head and pursed her lips. “None of your business, I don’t think.”
Another whistle blew, followed by someone yelling to gather for instructions.
Cassidy glanced at the group, then back to him. “If you just want to give me a quick quote,” she said curtly.
Anthony watched all the kids and players start to gather to Mr. Knight, but he was glued to this spot. He turned to her, and the past washed over him, thinking of the day he’d buried his mother. The first night he’d ever kissed her.
More memories assaulted him, including the one where he’d watched as she and her father had left, dust kicking up from the gravel as he stood there. “I’d rather talk, Poe,” he said softly, using his old nickname for her.
Anger flared in Cassidy’s blue eyes. “Don’t call me that. If you don’t want to give me a quote, that’s fine. I’ll interview your brother first.” She rushed away from him. “Kade!”
Kade turned, and a stupid grin swept over his face. “Cassidy Stone?” He opened his arms.
She laughed as they met and fell into a hug.
All the old jealousy flared through him, but only for a second. He still could not believe she had been standing in front of him.
Happiness burst into him. Cassidy Stone was here … and she wasn’t wearing a ring.
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Also by Taylor Hart
Bachelor Billionaire Romances
The Country Groom
The Unfinished Groom
The Barefoot Groom
The Masquerading Groom
The Christmas Groom
Rescue Me: Park City Firefighter Romance (A Bachelor Billionaire Companion)
The Lost Groom
The Undercover Groom
The Last Play Series
Last Play
The Rookie
Just Play
A Player for Christmas
Second String
End Zone
Hail Mary
Snow Valley Series
A Christmas in Snow Valley: The Christmas Eve Kiss
Summer in Snow Valley: First Love
Spring in Snow Valley: The Bet
About the Author
Taylor Hart has always been drawn to a good love triangle, hot chocolate and long conversations with new friends. Writing has always been a passion that has consumed her dreams and forced her to sit in a trance for long hours, completely obsessed with people that don’t really exist. Taylor would have been a country star if she could have carried a tune—maybe in the next life. Find Taylor at:
www.taylorhartbooks.com │ Twitter: @taylorfaithhart │ Facebook: Taylor Hart