The bottle stilled inches from his mouth. Of course! The sudden explanation for his confusion of the last few hours loosened the noose strangling his windpipe. Though others might disagree with the notion, he didn’t consider himself particularly vain where it came to the fairer sex. Women simply came easily to him. Always had. A smile, a little conversation, and he was in.
Not so with CC Calhoun. He’d never had a woman shut him down as casually and completely as she had, and the rejection stung. No wonder his thought processes were fucked up. When bruised, the male ego acted irrationally.
“Can you blame her?” Gracie tipped the lip of her beer bottle his way. “Karma, baby. That trail of broken hearts you’ve left behind has come back to bite you in the ass.”
He grunted. Karma or not, he would see CC Calhoun again. He didn’t have a choice. Staring into her panicked eyes, he’d been rocked by the gut-deep impression that the moment and the woman were more important than any other he’d faced in the past. Now that he was thinking more clearly, he was inclined to chalk the bizarre notion up to his irrational ego, but he had to be sure.
He knew women. Knew when one was playing hard to get and when one didn’t want to be bothered. CC fell in the latter category, and yet her reaction to his kiss said the opposite. There’d been definite interest in her haunting eyes, despite the fact she didn’t seem to have a clue who he was. Oh, yeah. He’d see CC again, whether she liked it or not.
He’d never had to resort to stalker tactics to find feminine companionship, but to disprove the whole love at first sight theory? What the hell? Gracie was right. There was a first time for everything.
He eyed Murphy, sitting like a perfect gentleman at Gracie’s feet. A slow smile pulled at the corner of his lips as the germ of an idea formed. “A smart man makes his own karma. What’s the name of that dog finishing school?”
Chapter 4
Tuck trotted down the steps of city hall with an easy whistle. It paid to have contacts in the halls of power. Especially wine snobs with an obsession for rare vintages. He grinned and patted the front pocket of his jeans where the slip of paper with CC’s address rested. Best two hundred bucks he’d spent in a long time.
Tracking her down had proven ridiculously easy. How hard could it be to convince her to spend some time with him? Last night, he’d had a really dirty dream about her, and while he appreciated his mind’s ability to fill in the little details he’d been fantasizing about since meeting her, he preferred waking up to the real thing instead of sweaty and uncomfortable. He meant to get his hands on her for more than just an accidental touch. Then, once he’d had his fill, he’d finally be able to exercise the sexy little blonde from his mind.
The ball cap, pulled low on his forehead, did its job of disguising him from the occasional fan looking for an autograph. He hailed a cab, winking at a passing pair of matronly women out for a stroll on a warm summer morning. One of the old girls winked back, and he threw back his head and laughed. He was still chuckling when he climbed into the battered vehicle. Damn, he was pitiful, grinning like a teenager who’d gotten the homecoming queen’s number, but he couldn’t bring himself to care.
With training camp less than a month away, his time was his own, and he meant to use it wisely. He couldn’t think of a better way to fill that time than seducing CC Calhoun.
Anticipation thrummed through his veins. As much as he enjoyed the grueling schedule of the football season, the long hours didn’t leave much time for extra-curricular activities. Consequently, the type of women he normally saw didn’t exactly play hard to get. One-night stands and friends with benefits were fine with him, but a man appreciated a challenge now and then. If CC’s reluctance the other day was any indication of what he faced, he’d have his work cut out for him, which suited him fine. It had been far too long since he’d experienced the thrill of an actual chase.
He directed the cabbie toward the lower east side. Five minutes later, the cab pulled to the curb in front of CC’s building. He tipped the man and stepped out to eye the well-tended brownstone. Though Gracie scoffed when he’d detailed his intentions, the plan he had in mind would work. The overpriced certificate in his pocket gave him the excuse he needed for showing up at CC’s door. After all, what woman would pass up a week of free obedience training when she had to deal with an exuberant Rottweiler every day?
He owed the mutt a thank-you. Her dog had presented the perfect opportunity to approach CC outside the coffee shop. As he’d watched the oversized pup dancing around the group of teenage girls, he was reminded of the day he’d met Murphy, and the echo of remembered pain contracted his balls. A wise man would have taken the discomfort as an omen and stayed clear of the potential carnage, but he couldn’t regret stepping in to save CC.
He grinned. Landing on his ass had never been sweeter.
As chance would have it, providence offered him an unfettered moment to appreciate the target of his seductive plans. CC’s door opened, and dragged by her dog, she stumbled onto the wide front stoop.
“Damn it, Walter. Stop!”
Tuck grinned. For such a small woman, she made quite an impression. The other day’s faded jeans had cupped a sweetheart ass that made his mouth water. The short sundress, flowing over her slim form, might have robbed him of the tantalizing view of her sweet backside, but the length of exposed leg more than made up for the loss.
Toned and shapely, her calves and lower thighs made his fingers itch to ride the smooth columns up and over the rounded globes he remembered. The fantasy had the same effect as when he’d cradled her in his lap, and he slammed the mental door shut on the image. From her behavior the other day, she wasn’t going to be happy to see him. The last thing he needed was to show up on her doorstep with a boner tenting the zipper of his jeans.
For a little added insurance, he adjusted his step to a slow, stilted gait and hobbled up the walkway toward her. When she looked up and saw him, she stiffened. Disbelief flashed in her eyes.
“What are you doing here?” Walter nearly wrenched her arm from the socket. The leash snapped taught as he bolted forward. His body wriggled in happy welcome.
Tuck offered her his most winning smile. “I was in the neighborhood?”
“Nice try.” Walter attempted another lunge. She held him fast. “Let me rephrase that. What are you doing in my neighborhood?”
“Looking for you.”
He chuckled at her suspicious scowl. Yep, he had his work cut out for him. First things first. Time to play the guilt card. He moved a little closer, increasing the limp he’d affected, and hoped he wasn’t overplaying it.
Her gaze dropped to his legs. “You’re limping.”
“Yeah, I am.” He blasted her with a wicked smile. “I had a little accident the other day.”
Her scowl immediately became defensive. “I didn’t ask you to jump into the middle of things. If you’re hurt, it’s your own fault.”
The vehemence of her response surprised him. He raised a brow and glanced at Walter. The dog’s rear end wagged so vigorously he was amazed the animal managed to remain on his feet.
“I’ll tell you what.” He met her gaze and kept his smile in place. “I promise not to sue, if you promise—”
“Ha! Try it, pal. I’ll countersue you for public molestation.”
He chuckled. She had a point, and wouldn’t that spectacle go over well with the league front office? “You didn’t let me finish.”
Suspicion darkened those eyes he’d stared into in his dirty dream, but she didn’t interrupt again.
“I promise not to sue, if you promise to accept my gift.”
Long, dark blond lashes fluttered when she blinked. “What gift?”
He tucked a hand in his back pocket, retrieved the small envelope, and held it out. “Go ahead. Take it.” When she refused, he dipped his head closer. “Did I mention I have a really good lawyer?”
She hesitated a moment, her lips flattening further, then snatched the envelope from his f
ingers with ill grace. Her brows puckered as she read the embossed label. “Paws Finishing School?”
“It’s a certificate for a week-long obedience program. I thought Walter could use some lessons in manners.”
Her gaze flicked to her dog, who was attempting to stretch his leash far enough to lift his leg on her neighbor’s rose bush. “He could definitely use some lessons in manners, but”—she held out the envelope—”I can’t take this.”
Tuck shoved both hands into the front pockets of his jeans and grinned. “A really great lawyer.”
She sighed. “Look. I appreciate the thought, and to tell the truth, I’ve been planning to enroll him somewhere, but—”
“Perfect. Now you’re all set.”
“But I can’t let you pay for it. Why would you, anyway?”
He waved off her question. “It’s no big deal. I won the certificate at a silent auction.” A big fat whopper if he’d ever told one, but the white lie was for a good cause. “I don’t have a dog, so if you don’t take it, I’ll just give it to someone else.”
“What about that idiot mutt you mentioned?”
He smiled. “Oh, he’s not mine. We just hang out sometimes.”
She cocked her head. A butterscotch curl escaped the knot of hair gathered at the top of her head, sliding over her forehead to wrap around her chin. His fingers tingled with the desire to tuck the glossy lock behind her ear, just for the chance to touch her.
“Why would you bid on a dog obedience program when you don’t have a dog?”
Prickly and beautiful. Major turn-on. His cock twitched. “It was for a good cause.”
His own.
He jerked his chin toward the envelope. “Paws Finishing School has a four month waiting list, but that certificate moves you to the front of the line.” And Gracie had laughed her ass off at the outrageous sum he’d had to pay to convince the instructor to include Walter in this week’s class. “Class starts tomorrow morning.”
“Tomorrow?” Her eyes went wide.
Yep. Eyes that can make a man forget what he is saying.
He sucked air through his teeth. “Yeah, I know. Short notice. You’ll need to arrange to be there, at least for a few of the lessons, but I can take him to the first one for you if you’ve got scheduling issues.”
“No!” Her full lower lip creased beneath the nervous scrape of her straight, white teeth before she cleared her throat. “I mean, no, my schedule is flexible.”
Instead of leaning forward and kissing her senseless like he wanted, he pressed his case. “Just think, no more pulled arm muscles. No more getting knocked on your ass.” He grinned at her narrow-eyed stare. “Take the certificate, CC. I might not be the kind to sue over a little rambunctious play, but others may not be as forgiving.”
She pressed her lips together in a tight line, but after a long moment, she nodded. “Thank you.”
“You’re welcome.” He bent to scratch Walter’s neck. “Where are the two of you headed?”
She sighed, her exasperation clear in her jerking movements as she hefted the canvas bag in her free hand. “I have some library books to return.”
“The library, huh?” He straightened. “It so happens I’m headed that way. I’ll walk with you.”
She eyed him suspiciously. “I have the feeling you’d say that even if you weren’t.”
When she was right, she was right. His condo was in the opposite direction. He smiled.
“And if I say go away?”
“Come on, sweetheart. Cut me some slack. I’m wounded, remember?” Doubt blared at him from her steady stare. “I’ll watch Walter for you while you go inside. Don’t want him chewing through his leash and causing another incident, do you?”
She opened her mouth as if to refuse, then snapped it shut again. Jerking her head in a come on then motion, she whirled to her right and walked away. Tempered satisfaction coursed through him. Although the first victory in their little skirmish belonged to him, the war was far from won. Still, she hadn’t told him to go to hell.
He grinned and slid into an easy stride at her side.
She shot him a sidelong glance. “Can I ask you a question?”
“Anything you want. I’m an open book.”
She quirked a disputing brow. “Are you always this pushy?”
“Pushy?” He slapped a hand to his chest, fingers spread. “You wound me.”
A delicate scoff flared the nostrils of her pert nose. “I wouldn’t worry too much. You seem to be a quick healer.” Her gaze dropped to his legs. “Your limp is practically gone already.”
He chuckled. “Noticed that, did you?”
The ghost of a smile teased her lips.
Tucker two, gorgeous blonde zero.
“I knew you were faking, and it’s a good thing. I’d hate to think Walter destroyed your lucrative football career, Tuck.”
“You know who I am?” Disappointment warred with pleasure. He’d been looking forward to spending time with her without the specter of his fame hovering over them. Then again, if she’d gone looking for information on him, that was a good sign.
“You told me who you are.”
“No, I told you my name. I didn’t think you recognized it.”
She glanced away. “How could I not? I get the paper. I…read an article linking your name with that Gridiron Love Child story the press was so excited about this spring.”
His shoulder muscles bunched painfully. More than likely, she’d read more than one. The press had had a field day with Gracie and Tom in their crosshairs. Jake hadn’t fared much better, nor had Sharon, Tom’s wife. Watching his friends suffer under the scrutiny of ambitious journalists made Tuck’s blood boil. In the way of scandals, the story was old news four months later, but the gossip lingered. CC had obviously heard some of it.
Disappointment tightened his voice. “I don’t dish dirt on my friends.”
She slowed her steps. Her chin at a stubborn angle, she met his gaze, and her eyes went as cool as her tone. “I wouldn’t ask you to. I value my privacy too much to invade someone else’s.”
Damn, antagonizing her was the last thing he wanted. “Sorry, sore spot.”
“Obviously.” She looked away and resumed her clipped pace.
He sighed and caught up. “Most people don’t understand the importance of privacy to someone who’s had to deal with public interest.”
She said nothing and he studied her profile. The tension in her stiffened shoulders spoke volumes.
“But you do.” He threw out the guess.
She was silent for several heartbeats. “Yes, I do.”
Interesting. Was a brush with public scrutiny responsible for yesterday’s over-the-top reaction to the crowd of onlookers? He’d told Gracie CC was shy, but she certainly wasn’t showing any signs of shyness this morning. Reluctance yes, but not shyness. He wanted to ask why. The tight line of her lips told him he’d be wise to wait.
“What about you?”
She turned her head. “What about me?”
“It’s barely noon, and you’re taking a stroll to the library. Don’t you have a job?”
The tension eased from her shoulders. Definitely interesting and a mystery he meant to unravel before long.
“I’m an artist.” She jerked her head back toward her building. “My studio is in my condo. I make my own hours.”
“An artist, huh?” He deepened his voice to a croon. “I’d really like to see your etchings sometime.”
Though she rolled her eyes, they sparkled with humor. Point three to him. He was on a roll.
“Do you paint?”
“Some. Mostly I sculpt.”
“I was teasing about the etchings, but I would like to see your work.”
Her gaze cut to his. “Are you an art lover?”
“I’m a guy. You said your studio’s in your condo.” He grinned. “Two birds, one stone.”
Her quiet chuckle sent a spear of heat straight to his dick.
“Y
ou really are a Beantown Gigolo.”
He rolled his shoulders in a shrug. “I’ve been called worse.”
“I’ll bet you have. You’re not getting anywhere near my etchings or my condo.”
He widened his eyes in easy innocence. They’d see about that.
They reached the library, and she paused at the foot of the steps. The humor of moments ago disappeared beneath her steady regard. “How did you find me?”
The utter seriousness of her tone indicated her apprehension at his answer, but he wasn’t about to admit he’d bribed a public official. “A smart man knows how to keep a secret.”
Disappointment clouded her eyes, but she shrugged, as though his answer didn’t surprise her. “You must have something else to do besides babysit Walter.”
He snagged the leash from her hand. “Go return your books. Walter and I are going to enjoy a little male bonding time.” He didn’t wait for a response, turning his back on her with her dog at his side. “Come on, Walter. See that fine looking poodle with the long legs across the street in the park? She was checking you out when we walked by. Stick with me, buddy. I’ll score you an introduction.”
A laughing sigh reached his ears, and he grinned. Point number four.
Fifteen minutes later, he sat sprawled on a park bench. Walter lay at his feet, eyes closed, snoring softly. In Tuck’s opinion, watching a fine looking woman walk your way was one of life’s little pleasures. Add sparkling green eyes and an open smile on a full mouth, and a man would be hard pressed to come up with anything sweeter. CC Calhoun, crossing the park with her wispy dress fluttering in the breeze, was a sight to behold. She didn’t stroll or strut—like some women. Instead, her hips swished in a precise clipped roll. Her purposeful gait was about as sexy a walk as he’d ever had the chance to ogle. She moved from point A to B without veering off the path she’d set for herself. It would take a determined man to throw her off course, and he was just the man for the job.
To Win Her Trust Page 4