Playing for Keeps (Indianapolis Eagles #3)

by Samantha Lind

  “I don’t really know what my plan was going to be yet. I just need to get myself out there.”

  “Please let us help you set up a dating profile!” Kinley practically squeals. “We are going to get you so many men falling at your feet, Richard isn’t going to know what to do with his jealous self.”

  “Uh, I’m not sure if I want to start with the whole dating app website thing right away. Can’t I just meet a nice guy the old-fashioned way?” I whine.

  “And how’s that? Do you plan on heading out to the clubs, bump into the good-looking guy in the produce section at the grocery store? Oh, I know, we could set you up on a blind date!” Kinley says.

  “No to the clubs, possibly to the grocery store, and a maybe on the blind date. Who do you really know who’s single, male, and isn’t associated with the Eagles? You know less people in this town than I do.”

  “Yeah, yeah, beggars can’t be choosers. We can get help from Scott and Brian,” Kinley says, motioning between her and Becca.

  “I’m serious, no one associated with the Eagles. And preferably no one in the sports business. I don’t like to mix business with pleasure.”

  “Oh my gosh, I’ve got the perfect person to set you up with on a blind date!” Kinley says, smacking the table in excitement.

  “Who’s that?” I ask.

  “One of the doctors I work with! He’s pretty dreamy-looking, and such a nice guy! Let me put some feelers out and I’ll pass on your contact information if he’s on board with it.”

  We finally move the conversation off my dating woes, back to baby Michael, and then on to Kinley and Brian. They’ve been married for a couple months now, and she updates us on her honeymoon planning. They’re headed to Bora Bora this summer after the season ends, since they weren’t able to take a full honeymoon when they got married in December.

  We finally part ways, and I’m feeling so refreshed after spending time with my girlfriends. I’ve always had a hard time making lots of friends, but Becca and then Kinley have included me in their group since the day I first met Becca, and they’ve become some of my closest friends that I have here.

  After leaving the mall, I head home to get Max and his stuff and then head for Richard’s house. With my extended time at the mall with my lunch, I’m sure Richard will be home by the time I get over to his house. I was kind of hoping to drop Max off before he got back and avoid any awkwardness that I feel is creeping in between the two of us.

  Chapter Six

  Richard

  As soon as we’ve landed and been cleared to head home, I grab my bag and make my way out to my truck. This past week on the road had been shitty, not only because we only came away from the four-game road trip with only three points, but also because being on the road is starting to kick my ass.

  I’m in the mood for a good steak, a shower, getting out of this suit, and maybe if I’m lucky, an orgasm that’s not obtained by my hand.

  And not necessarily in that order.

  I make it home and my house is quiet. Madison must still have Max, so while I wait for her to bring him back, I quickly unpack my suitcase, tossing all my dirty laundry into the washer, and set out my suits that need to be taken to the cleaners. Once I’ve got all that taken care of, I strip out of the suit I traveled in and take a quick shower.

  After pulling on a Henley and some jeans, I make my way out to the living room and turn on the TV, then head into the kitchen to see if I can scrounge up anything to cook for dinner. Finding my fridge and freezer empty, and not wanting to grocery shop, I decide that going out tonight sounds a whole lot better.

  Plopping down on the couch, I send Madison a quick text. I feel like something is off between us, but I just can’t put my finger on what it is exactly. One thing that I’ve learned about Madison over the years we’ve known each other is that when something is bothering her, she mulls it over before she’ll talk to anyone about it. And there’s no sense in trying to pull it out of her as she’ll just clam up and refuse to talk.

  Richard: Hey, I’m home. Just wanted to let you know so that you can drop Max off whenever. Also, are you up for grabbing dinner tonight with me?

  I toss my phone down on the couch and turn my attention back to the TV, getting wrapped up in the spring training baseball game that’s on.

  The game is close to wrapping up when I realize I’ve never heard back from Mads, and looking at my text, it doesn’t look like she’s seen or even read it yet, so she must be busy with a work crisis today. I decide to see if any of the guys want to head out with me, not that I expect any of them to want to go out after having been gone for a week.

  Richard: Any of you guys up for dinner tonight?

  Scott: Not a chance in hell, man. I’ve got a sleeping baby on my chest and my wife half asleep curled up next to me.

  Brian: No fucking way, man. I have way too many plans with my wife tonight that don’t involve clothes or leaving our place.

  Mark: Sorry man, I’ve already got plans. Maybe next time.

  It doesn’t surprise me when I get nowhere with the guys. If Mads doesn’t get back to me soon, I’ll just go out and grab something myself.

  I turn back to the baseball game, watching as the Lightning pull off the come-from-behind win over the Cardinals.

  Just as the game ends, I hear the lock turn and Max barking. I head toward the front door just as it opens, and Max barges his way past Madison and straight for me. I drop to my knees and pet a very excited Max. He is always happy to see me when I return from road trips; hell, he goes crazy when I’ve only been gone a few hours.

  After I’ve satisfied my dog with an adequate greeting, he scampers off to find his water bowl and then collapses on his dog bed in the living room. I turn to Madison, taking her in. She looks beautiful today, dressed casually, in jeans and a nice top. Her body language is a little off, almost as if she’s nervous about something.

  “Hey, thanks for keeping him for me. How was your week?” I ask, breaking the silence between us.

  “It was good. He did great, like always.”

  “I’m glad, and I figured he would. Did you get my text?”

  “No, sorry. I’ve been running around all afternoon. I slipped out of work early and ran into Becca and Kinley at the mall. We ended up having lunch together before I finished up my errands.”

  “Ah, sounds like a fun time.”

  “It was. I really like getting together with them, and it was great to see Becca out and about, and to see baby Michael. I guess he still has his days and nights mixed up, and with Scott being gone, she was starting to go a little crazy and needed out of the house.”

  “I’m glad you had a good time with them. Did you want to grab some dinner with me tonight? I’ve got nothing here to cook, and was going to head out somewhere if you’d like to join me?”

  “Sure. I just need to head home after, as I have an early meeting,” she says, almost cautiously.

  “Do you just want to drive yourself? Then you can head home from the restaurant?”

  “That works. Where did you want to go?”

  “I’ve been craving a good steak all day, so does Pier 49 sound okay to you?”

  “That’s fine with me,” Mads replies, turning on her heel and stepping toward the door. “I’ll meet you there.” She pulls the door open and is gone.

  I quickly grab my keys off the hook in my kitchen and head to my truck. Something is definitely off with Madison, but unless she’s ready to talk about it, there will be no prying it out of her.

  Upon arriving at the restaurant, I get us on the list for a table and we head to the bar to order a drink and wait.

  “What can I get you guys?” the bartender asks, setting down a coaster in front of both of us.

  “I’ll take a Cosmo,” Madison replies.

  “And for you, sir?”

  “A Blue Moon, on tap, if you have it.”

  “16 or 24-ounce?” she questions.

  “24, please,” I tell her, tossing my
credit card down on the bar top for her to take.

  “Coming right up,” she tells us, taking my card with her as she steps away to start our drinks.

  As we wait, the silence lingers between us, and I find my thoughts wandering back to my dream from before I left.

  “Here you guys go, can I get you anything else while you wait? An appetizer?”

  I look to Madison to see what she thinks, not caring one way or the other. “It’s up to you. If you want something now, we can order an appetizer.”

  “How long did they say the wait for a table would be?”

  “She said it shouldn’t be more than twenty-five to thirty minutes.”

  “I’m good then, if you are.”

  “I think we’ll pass for now,” I tell the bartender. “If we change our minds, I’ll flag you down.”

  “Sounds good. Let me know if I can get either of you anything else,” she says, smiling at us before moving down the bar to help another customer.

  “I’m going to run to the ladies’ room quick, I’ll be right back,” Mads tells me just as I turn toward her, ready to get this lingering weirdness between us settled.

  “Okay, I’ll be right here.” I grab my beer and take a hefty drink from it.

  As I sit and wait for Madison to return, the things I want to say to her, tell her, flood my mind. But first I need to figure out what is going on with her.

  Just as Madison returns to the bar, the pager we were given starts buzzing, notifying us that our table is ready.

  “Oh, that was quick. Definitely not twenty-five minutes like they thought it would be,” Madison says as we grab our drinks and head up to the hostess stand, where we’re immediately escorted to our table and handed menus. Within moments of the hostess leaving the table, our server approaches, introduces himself, and informs us of the specials for the evening.

  “I’ll give you both a couple of minutes to look over the menu. I’ll be back with some fresh bread and butter. Can I get either of you anything else?”

  “I’m good for now,” Madison tells him.

  “I’m good, as well,” I reply, before he walks away.

  Once our order is in and we’ve both grabbed one of the hot rolls our server delivered, I finally break the ice to try and figure out what is bothering Madison.

  “Is everything okay? You seem a little off today.”

  Sighing, Madison looks up to meet my gaze. “Um, I… I’ve decided to start dating again.”

  What the fuck?!

  “Okay, did you meet someone?”

  “No. Not yet, at least.”

  “What made you have a change of heart?”

  “Everything, Richard. I’m not getting any younger. My dad is always bugging me to settle down, get married, and give him some grandkids to love on and spoil. And I’ve realized over the last few months that I’m lonely. Yes, I have some amazing friends. But I really miss having someone to share all the good and the bad with. Someone to wake up next to every morning, someone to have a lazy day with, or go out and explore the day away with.”

  “Sounds like you’ve really given it some thought.”

  “I have, and after my lunch today with Kinley and Becca, they gave me that last little push I needed to actually go forward with it.”

  “You’re not going to use one of those stupid apps or websites, are you?”

  “I hadn’t planned on it. Kinley actually asked if she could set me up on a blind date with one of the doctors she works with. I just told them both I wouldn’t date anyone in the sports industry. I don’t want to mix business with pleasure.”

  “Well, just be careful, please. Text me when you go out on any dates and when you get home, so that I know you’re safe.”

  “Okay, Dad. What am I, sixteen?” She laughs.

  “I’m serious, Mads. Guys can be creeps and I don’t want you getting hurt. You’re important to me,” I tell her honestly.

  “Thank you for worrying about me, but I’m a big girl, Richard. I can hold my own, and you know that.”

  Our conversation moves on and the air between us shifts back to our normal easiness. We talk about anything and everything that comes to mind while we enjoy our dinner.

  As happy as I am that I figured out what was on Madison’s mind, it kills me a little inside, knowing that she wants someone else. But as I sit here and talk with her, I make a vow to myself that I will win her over. I will show her that I can be that man she wants and deserves. I will play to win her heart, and I’ll be playing for keeps.

  Chapter Seven

  Madison

  Dinner last night with Richard went better than I could have expected. He took my news pretty well, and it actually didn’t seem to bother him much when I told him I was ready to start dating again. I guess it just goes to show the feelings I have for him are truly one-sided. I saw no hint that he was upset by my confession, other than being worried about me when I go out. I love that he’s worried about my safety, I just wish he was worried about more than that.

  My meeting at work crawled by this morning, and the afternoon wasn’t much better. My clients have all been pretty quiet lately, keeping themselves out of trouble and not in much need of my help. Even with representing athletes from multiple sports, my workload is kind of like a rollercoaster. I have a few busy times each year, but then have many slow times when not much is going on, as long as they keep themselves out of trouble. So, when my phone rings, and Kinley’s name and photo pops up, my mood brightens.

  “Hey, Kin. How are you today?”

  “What the fuck did you do to Murph last night?” she asks in lieu of a greeting.

  “What do you mean, what did I do to him? We had dinner, nothing else.”

  “Brian said he was in quite the shit mood. Only thing he’d tell the guys is that he had dinner with you last night and you dropped a bomb on him.”

  “All I told him was that I was ready to date again, and that you offered to set me up with one of the single doctors you work with.”

  “Ah, so we have a jealous man on our hands,” Kinley proclaims.

  “I don’t think so. He showed no emotions when I told him. The only minor inkling of emotion was him telling me to text him before and after I go on any dates, like I’m a teenager who needs to check in with her parents. I reminded him I’m a big girl who can take care of herself.”

  “Interesting. I still say he’s in love with you and you’ve just poked the bear.”

  “And I think you’re delusional.”

  “Well, I do have good news for you. I’ve given your number to Doctor McHottie AKA David. He’s going to call you once he’s off call, so make sure to answer your phone if you get a call from an unknown number tonight.”

  “That was fast! I didn’t think you were serious about setting us up on a blind date.”

  “Serious as a heart attack! And you better tell me after he calls, and when and if you guys plan anything. I want to be around when Murph finds out! He’s going to be so pissed. I just know it.”

  We chat for a few more minutes and after promising to give her all the details after I talk to David, we end our call. For the first time since I agreed to all of this, I feel a little lighter and maybe a little bit excited about the prospect of meeting someone new and dating again.

  I left work shortly after my call with Kinley. After stopping to grab a bottle of wine on my way home, I make it home and change directly into some sweats. I order in some sushi and make myself comfortable on the couch, my DVR all set to play some of my favorite shows. Not knowing exactly when I should expect a call from David, I keep my cell nearby and get lost in the backlog of shows I have recorded.

  I’ve finished my sushi rolls I ordered and am halfway through my second glass of wine when my phone lights up, flashing a number I don’t have programmed. I tentatively answer before it goes to voicemail.

  “Hello?” I greet, trying to cover up my nervousness.

  “Hello,” a deep sexy-as-can-be voice replies. “Is this
Madison?”

  “Yes. David, I presume?”

  “Yes,” he confirms on a chuckle. “Thanks for taking my call. Kinley told me all about you, and what she told me piqued my interest. I’d love to meet you in person. Maybe over a drink or dinner soon?”

  “That would be great. What does your schedule look like?”

  “I’m on call until tomorrow night at six, but if I end up at the hospital most of tonight, I’ll probably be ready to crash by the time I’m off. So, would Thursday night work? I don’t want to set something up for tomorrow night and then have to cancel on you last minute.”

  “Thursday will work. What time were you thinking? As long as things are quiet at the office, I can slip out early, if needed.”

  “I guess that depends on if you wanted to just meet for drinks, or dinner, as well,” he says.

  “How about drinks, then dinner? Maybe around 5:30 or six. I can meet you somewhere.”

  “5:30 sounds great, maybe downtown. How does the 12.05 Distillery & Tasting Room sound?”

  “I haven’t been there, I don’t think, so it sounds great.”

  We chat for a few more minutes before hanging up, then I do as promised and text Kinley about my upcoming date with David.

  Later that night, with the butterflies flittering around my stomach, I lay in bed and think about the excitement of having this date planned with a hopefully nice guy. Maybe my luck when it comes to love, and romance, is about to make an abrupt U-turn. I fall asleep, hoping for the best and praying that everything falls into place as it should.

  Chapter Eight

  Richard

  “Dude, you need to figure your shit out. You’re acting like a dick,” Brian tells me, as we’re getting dressed after practice. “What exactly happened with Madison?”