Game Player

by B. J. Harvey

“Zo . . .”

  “Oh no, I know that voice. You should not and cannot cancel a date with Cade Carson. He’s hot, successful, grounded, and he’s been into you for a while.”

  “He’s Noah’s age.”

  “And? What does that have to do with the price of fish?”

  “Fish are smelly.”

  “Focus, Mia!” she says, her voice dropping into the mom zone.

  “There’s . . . someone else distracting me at the moment.”

  “You’re holding out on me. Who is it?”

  Ah fuck. Zoe is like a dog with a bone when it comes to gossip, especially anything to do with Zander, Dani, or me. She always manages to wrangle the information out of us. I’m not going to let her this time. Besides, it’s not like anything has happened . . . much . . .

  “Seriously, Zo, it’s nothing. I don’t even think it’s going anywhere.” Hell I don’t even know if I want to take the risk to be honest. “If it happens, it happens.” Then I’d have to tell her, and Dani, and—oh my god—Zander.

  “But you are still going out with Cade tonight?”

  “Yeah.”

  “Then it’s settled. Dress shopping in Michigan Avenue. My shout.”

  “I’m never gonna say no to free clothes.” And getting out of the house might do me good.

  “Thought you might say that. Then you can tell me all about the distraction.”

  If only she knew.

  Seven twenty-five p.m. and I’m nervous. Like, my palms are so clammy I could probably climb the walls Spiderman-style.

  Breathe, Mia. It’s a date. You like dates. Dates are fun. Dates are nice. Everyone loves dates.

  Then the front door intercom chimes. I walk over to the control panel on the wall. “Hello?”

  “Mia, it’s Cade. Can you buzz me up?”

  “Sure. Just press the door and jiggle it a bit; it can be temperamental.”

  Jiggle it a bit? I’m such a dork.

  “See you soon,” he says before the door unlocks loudly, the sound echoing around my living room.

  I check my purse for essentials; lipstick, keys, money, phone, gum and tampons—because you never know when that little gem might decide to make a surprise appearance—and Cade knocks at the door.

  I do a quick check in the full-length mirror on the wall at the end of my hallway. I found an amazing teal midi dress in Nordstrom during our impromptu shopping expedition. The sleeves are all lace with amazing feather-like stitching that cascades down the arms and the dress itself has an appropriately low V-neck, then clings over the hips and ass before finishing two inches above the knee. It’s sexy but understated, and I fell in love with it on sight. I finished the ensemble with a long draped silver chain that falls around my neck and disappears into my cleavage, and black, strappy four-inch sandals.

  Satisfied with how I look, I walk to the door with my purse in hand and turn the handle, losing my breath when Cade’s gorgeous smile and adorable dimples shine back at me.

  “You look amazing, Mia,” he says, stepping forward and resting his hand on my shoulder as he leans in and kisses my cheek. Moving back, he holds out a bunch of red roses. “And these are for you.”

  I swallow—hard—and grin, taking the flowers from him and tilting them toward my face, smelling the heady scent. Looking back at Cade, I smile again. “Thank you. They’re lovely.”

  “My mother taught me never to turn up on a woman’s doorstep empty handed.” He winks and I inwardly swoon—just a little. This was just supposed to be fun. Now I’ve got Zoe telling me that Cade has been into me for a while and he’s bringing me flowers and Matt’s asking around about him while also making moves on me too.

  When did my life become so fucking complicated? Three weeks ago, I was clear-headed and fancy-free.

  Now? I’ve got two guys chasing me and a bunch of unexplained feelings for my brother-in-law’s brother that I cannot comprehend or even start to process.

  Fuck, I need a drink.

  “You okay? You seem like you’re a million miles away?” Cade asks, and I shake my head. “I’m good. Shall we go?”

  “Sounds like a great idea.” He holds out his hand to me and without any hesitation, I entwine my fingers in his, and he leads me out of my apartment.

  A fifteen-minute car ride later, we pull up outside what I know is one of the best—and most expensive—restaurants in the city. I turn my head to look at Cade. “We’re having dinner here?”

  He shrugs and gives me a magnificent and completely nonplussed grin. “I wanted to make a good impression. First dates count, don’t you know?”

  My mouth wants to drop open, then close again, then open again. That grin of his is dangerous. It has superpowers, I swear to God. He could shoot that smile my way and I’d give him his heart’s desire. It’s that good. “Your smile is dangerous.”

  He raises an eyebrow and smirks. “Why’s that?”

  “You’re Captain America with an edge.”

  His smile grows wider. “Let’s hope the edge doesn’t scare you off,” he replies softly.

  I feel myself leaning toward him, as if I’m a puppet on a string and he’s reeling me in.

  Shit. Abort. Abort. At least try to resist the charm offensive, Mia.

  “Shall we go inside?” I ask, looking out the window to the restaurant.

  “Sounds good.” Then he’s out of the car and moments later, opening my door. Holding his hand out to me, he helps me to the sidewalk and rests his hand on my lower back as we walk into the restaurant.

  Once we’re seated inside—Cade pulling out my chair and everything—my anxiety hits like a ten-ton Mack truck. Bouncing my feet, I can’t seem to clear my head from the millions of racing thoughts going through my mind.

  Last night, I was with Matt—as in with him. He kissed me, he did more than kiss me—well, still kissing, but in a thoroughly more enjoyable way—and now I’m sitting across the table from another guy, a really nice guy who’s not a player and wasn’t put on this earth to claim pussy like it’s a daily requirement to get into Heaven.

  “Mia?”

  I’m snapped out of my revelry by Cade’s smooth-as-velvet voice.

  “I’m sorry,” I reply, my cheeks going hot as I look down to the table in front of me, wringing my hands to quell the sudden need to move the cutlery. When he doesn’t say anything, I look up to see his warm eyes watching me. “I was out with Zoe all afternoon, and I’m starting to fade.” It’s not a lie as such—it’s just not the reason why I’m away with the fairies.

  Reaching over the table, Cade puts his hand over mine, and I get lost in his dusky gray eyes. “Breathe, Mia,” he says in a velvety voice, “I’m not thinking of this as a first date, because we already know each other. But I’ve wanted to take you out for almost as long as I’ve known you.” He gives my fingers a gentle squeeze. “There are no expectations, and absolutely no pressure on what could happen or what should happen. Does that put your mind at ease?”

  Just like that, my mind clears and all I see is Cade.

  Damn Matt for messing with my head.

  I make the decision to enjoy the time with Cade. It’s dinner, just dinner. Yes, I’m going to enjoy this—the food, the wine, and the company of the handsome man sitting across from me.

  Painting on my best flirting grin, I roll my hand over inside of his big masculine one and return the squeeze. “So are you going to feed me now?” I tease.

  He answers with an equally scorching smile. “Let’s start with a drink.” He signals the waiter, who was apparently waiting patiently while Cade managed my mini freak-out.

  The waiter hands me a wine list and I quickly scan the options before lifting my head to watch Cade bite his lip as he studies his menu.

  He’s classically handsome, with a strong jaw and broad shoulders, as tall as my brother—so at least six foot—and with dark brown hair that has a tinge of red in it that is as intriguing as it is hot. His gray eyes lift up to glance at me over the menu and a knowing grin gr
ows over his perfectly shaped lips.

  Why was I freaking out again? Any and all thoughts of anything and anyone other than Cade Carsen completely disappear with the look he’s giving me. I breathe out slowly, releasing any lingering tension as I go.

  “Now, that’s what I like to see,” he says, with the dimples out and proud. “Want to make a deal?”

  “What?” I ask with a laugh. “It’s a bit too early to be thinking I’m a sure thing, don’t you think?” I grin over the table at him.

  His eyes widen before he chuckles, and my smile grows bigger. “I’m gonna have to watch myself with you, I think . . .”

  I lean my torso forward, my breasts resting on the table. “Live wild, Dr. Carsen. You never know how much fun you might have,” I reply.

  “You choose the wine, I choose the food . . .” he says, leaning forward toward me.

  “As long as that includes the tiramisu, I’m game if you are.”

  “You women and that tiramisu. Does it have some special aphrodisiac qualities I don’t know about?”

  “I haven’t had it before, but as a member of the girls’ club and therefore adhering to the girl code, I can neither confirm nor deny.”

  He laughs again, and I lean back to enjoy the show.

  Hot doctor? Check. Sexy smile? Check. Absence of family complications? Yes. Coochie quiver? There’s potential for lift off but my snatch is still enjoying the afterglow of last night’s activities.

  We just stare at each other, goofy grins on our faces, until the waiter clears his throat and we both swivel our heads toward him at the same time.

  “Sorry. My date is entirely too gorgeous and way out of my league. I’m staring at her just in case she’s a figment of my imagination,” Cade explains, giving me a sly wink, and I snort in the most unladylike of fashions.

  Deciding I really need to join in this party, I offer the waiter my own explanation. “Actually, Dr. Carsen here was completing an impromptu eye exam for me, since I’ve been having a terrible eye twitch.” For added measure, I widen my eyes a little.

  The waiter’s mouth twitches with amusement. “It’s always good to see a member of our medical fraternity going above and beyond, especially when he’s completely aware of the fact that he’s punching well above his weight in the date department.”

  I giggle loudly. “I totally like this guy. Can we keep him?” I ask Cade bouncing in my seat over enthusiastically.

  Cade just looks at me and shakes his head, before turning back to the waiter. He orders an antipasto platter for the starter then veal osso buco and a penne alla vodka for the mains, finally ending with my beloved tiramisu for dessert. Then both men look in my direction, and Cade raises an eyebrow at me.

  “Oh yeah, the wine,” I reply. Taking one last look at the wine list, I order a Pinot Grigio. Cade just grins at me and I have to admit, I get lost in his eyes for a little while before I shake it off and pour myself a glass of water from a bottle the waiter left on the table for us.

  “How’s working for Noah going?” he asks, leaning forward and resting his elbows on the table. God, he’s so pretty.

  “Really good. I get paid to spend time with my nephew. What could be better?”

  “Yeah. I’ve got three brothers and two sisters. I’ve got my fair share of nieces and nephews now.”

  I whistle in astonishment. “Five siblings? I thought our family was big.”

  “Nope. I’m the youngest of five. Can you imagine the shit they gave me growing up?”

  “Even your sisters?”

  “Especially my sisters.”

  I smile at him. “We were all pretty close growing up. With my dad being sick and stuff, we kind of had to be.”

  He reaches over and brushes his fingers over my knuckles. “You’re kind of amazing, you know that?”

  Well, shit. That feels nice.

  My cheeks grow hot, and I reach out and take another sip of water, sighing in relief when the waiter returns to our table with the wine and two glasses.

  The rest of the night continues in a similar fashion. We talk, we laugh, and in amongst it all, Cade showers me with compliments. Little things. Things that make me feel good inside. Then, between the mains and dessert, he decides to go for broke.

  “So you and Matt?”

  I choke on my wine, coughing and spluttering as I try to recover.

  “Shit, are you okay?” he asks, with a furrowed brow.

  Taking a much-needed gulp of air, my chest loosens and I nod. I feel like I’ve been caught making out.

  “Does Noah know?”

  “Fuck no,” I spit out. “Nothing is going on, Cade. He kissed me at the arena to make a point.”

  “Was the point made?”

  I decide the best course of action here is to turn on the charm. “I’m here with you. Does that answer your question?” I ask, with a jaunty smile.

  In response, Cade lifts his wine glass up and tilts it toward me. I match him and clink my drink against his. “To long-awaited dates with beautiful women.”

  “More than one?” I tease, quirking an eyebrow at him.

  “Cute and a smartass—how did I get so lucky?”

  Fuck he’s adorable when he smiles, and those dimples . . .

  My mind drifts to Matt and his devilish grin that melts all panties within a thirty mile radius. If he looked at me the way Cade does, I’d be putty in his hands. Who am I kidding? I’m already helpless when it comes to Matt Taylor.

  The thing is, as much as I’m attracted to Cade, that zing you feel from the top of your head to the tips of your toes is just not there. I’ve been on many dates, and I’ve never felt that whole body experience—the one where you want to just meld yourself to the other person and become one—like in the Body Snatchers movie.

  The only time I’ve come close to that feeling was last night with Matt, and that was just from looking at him across the room. Then in the bathroom, even while we were arguing I could feel it. It was a magnetic pull that I could not—cannot—ignore.

  Cade acts like the perfect gentleman after we leave the restaurant. He doesn’t push me or try anything other than lead me back to his car and hold my hand on the way to my apartment.

  Never in my history of dating—and there have been a lot of dates—have I regretted not considering a second go. It’s just not my style. Without the zing, the charge, that lightning bolt of awareness that I know I’ll feel with the right guy, I don’t want to lead anyone on, and Cade is no exception.

  “I’ll see you later,” he says when we arrive at my front door. I turn to face him, lifting my head and looking into his eyes. He stares at me for a while before gently running his knuckles down my cheek. “This isn’t gonna happen, is it?” he asks, and I detect disappointment in his voice.

  “I had a really good time, Cade. It’s just—”

  “Too little, too late?”

  “Perfect guy with really bad timing,” I reply honestly.

  “Fair enough. At least we had a nice night.”

  “It was fun,” I reply honestly.

  “Fun,” he replies with a chuckle. “You sure know how to wound a guy’s ego, Mia.”

  “I’m sorry!” I rush out.

  “Hey, I’m joking . . . sort of. I’m glad we had this.”

  “Me too,” I say, holding on to his shoulders and brushing my lips against his. His hands go to my hips and he holds me to him. “I’ll see you around?” I whisper against his mouth.

  “You’re killing me,” he groans before letting me go, and I feel how much I’m affecting him, and if I was not all mind-fucked by Matt, I’d seriously consider taking a ride on the Cade train. Natalie would be both sad and proud right now.

  “Bye Cade.”

  “I hope he deserves you, Mia. I really do, and if he screws you over and you need someone to beat him up, you know where I am.”

  I tried to stay away. I really did, but knowing she was out on a date with Cade Carsen, a good guy, a guy who is older than me, more settl
ed, and without a string of broken hearts and ripped panties behind him.

  Watching them say goodnight on her doorstep was torture, plain and simple. I had to grit my teeth and fist my hands to stop myself from rushing up there and pushing him away from her. My hard-on for Mia Roberts is screwing with my common sense.

  I almost put my foot in it with Noah this morning. At first, I casually asked about Cade, what he was up to and how I’d heard a “rumor” he was going out with Mia that night. Noah being Noah, didn’t miss a beat, and straight away started interrogating me about why I was so interested in Mia’s love life. I managed to steer him away from the truth, thankfully.

  Hiding out of sight when Cade left the complex, I waited for Mia to unlock her door and close it behind her before taking the stairs two at a time to get to her. Because of this, I was out of breath but still angry as hell from seeing her kiss him, when I knocked—okay, pounded—on her door.

  It swung open and she was just about to say something when she saw who it was and gasped. “Matt? What are you . . . how did you—”

  Putting a hand on her stomach, I ease her back and slam the door closed behind me before walking her backward and hooking my hand around her waist to steady her when her legs hit the coffee table.

  Her wide blue eyes are cute as fuck, as is the constant gaping mouth that reminds me how much I want to see her lips wrapped around my cock.

  “I want you. I need you. I’m gonna have you,” I growl, leaning her back at the same time as I lower her onto the table and drop to my knees between her parted legs. “This dress . . .” I put my palm between her breasts and gently shove her until she’s on her back and I’m leaning over her as I ease my other hand under her dress and slowly push it up to her hips, “ . . . should’ve been for me.”

  Dropping my head down, I run my nose from the bottom of the V-neck up to her neck, trailing my tongue behind it for good measure and loving the full-body shudder she gives me almost as much as I love watching her arms reach up and tightly grip the edge of the table above her head.

  “These shoes . . .” I run my fingers down her inner thigh and over the back of her calves then wrap them around her ankle, carefully lifting it up and around until it’s hooked over my forearm, “ . . . were designed to dig into my back.”