Playing for Keeps: Book 2 (Playing the Game Duet)

by Gina Drayer

  Playing For Keeps

  Playing the Game Duet: Book 2

  Gina Drayer

  Contents

  Newsletter

  New York Press

  1. Emily

  2. Cooper

  3. Emily

  4. Cooper

  5. Emily

  6. Cooper

  7. Cooper

  Sports Time Weekly

  8. Emily

  9. Emily

  New York Press

  10. Cooper

  11. Emily

  12. Emily

  Star New York

  13. Emily

  14. Cooper

  Star New York

  15. Emily

  16. Emily

  17. Cooper

  18. Emily

  19. Cooper

  New York Press

  20. Cooper

  21. Emily

  22. Cooper

  23. Emily

  24. Cooper

  25. Emily

  Sports Time Weekly

  Chapter 26

  Musings

  Before You Go

  Also by Gina Drayer

  Modern Girl’s Guide to Vacation Flings

  Newsletter

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  New York Press

  There’s Still Time To Find That Perfect Last Minute Gift

  If the thought of last minute Christmas shopping at crowded department stores makes you shudder, come spend your holiday dollars at the sixth annual Bronx Holiday Market. NYC’s best gift shopping spot has everything from bonfires, carolers, and festive eats to one-of-a-kind Christmas presents. Stay for dinner and snack on grub from the city’s best food trucks, and don’t miss Santa.

  1

  Emily

  Heavy grey clouds hung low in the sky, threatening snow. Normally, I’d welcome the first snow of the season, but as I directed the vendors to their assigned booths, I cursed the timing. I sat there compulsively checking the weather, praying the storm would swing north. The last thing I needed was snow to scare the crowds away from our annual street fair.

  On the bright side, my newfound weather fixation helped keep my mind off my other pressing issue; the unopened pregnancy test in my upstairs bathroom. I knew ignoring the test wasn’t going to change the outcome. I should have just taken the test last night. At least that way I’d know. Knowing for sure had to be better than this torturous back and forth.

  What if I was pregnant?

  How could I let this happen?

  I used to think I was a smart woman. We didn’t use a condom once. Once! The sad thing was, I knew better. I knew even if I was on birth control this could happen. Part of my job involved counseling teens about the risk of unprotected sex. How will I be able to look them in the eyes and tell them to be careful, when I couldn’t even follow my own advice?

  There were a ton of things I needed to consider. I was twenty-eight and single, but I wasn’t sure I was ready for a baby. I’ve killed every houseplant I’ve ever had. I couldn’t cook. Not to mention the fact that I was a workaholic.

  Could I still be as dedicated to my job if I had a baby? Would I even want to spend so much time away from home? Should I move to a bigger place?

  I hadn’t even thought about my housing situation yet. I loved my brownstone. I loved my neighborhood. But it was on a busy street. There wasn’t a park or any green space close. There were better schools. Maybe I should have a place with a yard?

  And what about my relationship with Cooper—or lack thereof? How would he handle the news?

  I couldn’t imagine him being happy. The man could barely handle the idea of a girlfriend. And if I thought I wasn’t ready, I knew he wasn’t. A baby would freak him out.

  But I wasn’t really being fair. I shouldn’t expect him to take the news any better than I was myself. Neither of us expected this, but I knew deep down, he was a good guy and would make sure his child didn’t want for a single thing.

  But what if I wasn’t pregnant?

  Surprisingly, that outcome was equally scary. I was twenty-eight and single. There were no other men in my life. The goal of having my own family felt like a distant dream. And while being a single mother wasn’t ideal, it was, at least, a beginning.

  If I wasn’t pregnant, I’d be relieved, but a part of me would also mourn the child that could have been.

  “Are you feeling okay?” Ben asked as he approached the registration booth.

  Even bundled up in a heavy wool jacket and gloves, the handsome real estate mogul oozed sophistication. He looked like he just stepped off the cover of GQ’s winter edition. His short dark hair was no match for the stiff breeze that whipped around the tall buildings. But even his messy locks added a certain devilish allure to his look. A few months ago, I would have been charmed by his soft touch and concerned gaze.

  That was before an unpredictable, long-haired third-baseman stole my heart.

  “I’m fine. I just didn’t sleep well. What are you doing here so early?” I asked, trying to change the subject.

  I didn’t need another person hounding me about my health. Yes, I looked like crap. But that was to be expected. The street fair had me stressed, I wasn’t sleeping, and I was just getting over some stomach bug.

  At least, those were all the reasons I told everyone else. In reality, I was heartbroken and possibly pregnant.

  “I was out checking on a property and thought I’d stop by to see how things were going,” he said, scanning the street.

  “So far, everything’s going great,” I said, feeling the need to knock on wood. The event didn’t officially start until five. There was still two more hours of setup, but most of the vendors were already here. “I know I’ve already thanked you, but I want to again. With your help, we’ve already doubled our profits, and the event hasn’t even taken place. And if the hits on our website are any indication, our attendance is going to be way up this year. That is if the weather holds.”

  “I was happy to help. What you’re doing is important. Just because I’m a real estate developer doesn’t mean I’m unaware of the impact development has on lower-income residents. We need safety nets like your shelter. So I’m more than happy to help.”

  “But you could have just written a check. You didn’t have to personally help promote the event or talk your clients into buying booth space.”

  “But then I wouldn’t have gotten to know you so well. Besides, I’m not the only one who helped. I’m sure Cooper did a lot to promote the event, too,” he said, dismissing my praise. “Speaking of our favorite hot-head, have you heard from him today? I wanted to talk to him before the event and clear the air. The asshole hasn’t returned any of my calls. Do you know what time he’s going to be here?”

  I hadn’t spoken to Cooper in almost three weeks. Not since I left him standing on my sidewalk. The only contact we’d had since he stormed out of my office was the single text he sent last night, letting me know he’d be here today.

  Even that impersonal text, set off a fresh round of tears. Our relationship had been short, but intense. And I wasn’t dealing with it very well.

  However, no one else knew about our breakup. Per the contract we both signed, I was his girlfriend until after the first of the year. In public, we had to act like we were madly in love.

  I pasted on a smile and shrugged. “He didn’t say. But y
ou know Cooper, he’ll show up when he’s ready.”

  And hopefully not cause a scene.

  “If you don’t want me to come tonight—”

  “Of course, I want you to come. You’ve helped me out so much these last few weeks. You need to see the end result. Cooper’s issue with our friendship is ridiculous, and I told him as much. I have enough problems to deal with today. I can’t baby his bruised ego.”

  Problems like that pregnancy test I still had to take. My stomach churned, and I took another sip of my sprite to settle the nausea.

  Ben frowned and narrowed his eyes, giving me a good once over. I knew he was on the verge of asking me if I was okay again. And I swear, if one more person asked, I was going to lose it.

  “Besides, I’m going to be busy with the wrapping station. I’d really appreciate it if you could handle any press that shows up. You’re so much better at that than I am.”

  “As long as you’re sure, I’ll be here at six.” He turned to leave and waved to my assistant Tony on the way back to his car.

  It might have been better if Ben stayed home, but after the way Cooper behaved, I didn’t owe him a thing. His anger was unfounded. His accusations were cruel. I work with a lot of men, and he couldn’t go around hitting every guy he thought wanted to sleep with me.

  Besides, I wasn’t interested in Ben. Even after the horrible things Cooper had said, even after breaking up with him, he was the only man I wanted.

  2

  Cooper

  The driver dropped me off at the intersection of Clay Avenue & Claremont Pkwy. As I crossed the street, it felt like I was walking onto the set of a Hallmark holiday classic movie. Red and green booths decorated with wreaths and garland lined Clay Avenue. Strings of warm, white Christmas lights crisscrossed the street casting a soft glow on everything below. The crisp winter air was filled with the smells of roasted chestnuts, fresh cut pine, and gingerbread. Mingled with the soft murmur of the crowd were the sounds of carolers, a guitar player strumming silent night, and I swear, I even heard sleigh bells.

  The festivities at the street fair started over an hour ago. I’d wanted to come earlier, but worried that Emily would toss me out. Now that there was a crowd, she wouldn’t make a scene. She’d be forced to play nice, and we could finally talk.

  I drifted up the street, avoiding strollers and young kids running up and down the path, looking for Emily. I finally found her by the small bonfire, attempting to get a group of teenagers to sing along with some Christmas carols. She was bundled up in a heavy winter coat, her wild hair hidden under a stocking cap. The cold air had made her cheeks and nose rosey. I wanted to pull her into my arms and warm her up, but I held back, watching as she gently encouraged the rag-tag group of kids as they attempted another song.

  “How about Winter Wonderland?” she asked.

  “We don’t know that one,” an older girl said. “We can do Jingle Bells again?”

  “We’ve already sung it twice. Are you sure you don’t know any other songs? O Come All Ye Faithful? The Christmas Song?”

  She sang the first line about chestnuts and open fires. Her voice was clear and sweet. I closed my eyes and let the sound wash over me. How come I didn’t know she could sing like that?

  Because you really didn’t know that much about her.

  “Why don’t you sing something, Ms. Emily? What about that song about the king and the snow that you’ve been humming all week?”

  “I’m not sure I remember all the words,” she said, scrunching her nose. “Let me see…”

  She took a deep breath. “Good King Wenceslas looked out on the feast of Stephen. When the snow lay round about deep and crisp and even. Um… something, something, something. When a poor man came in sight gath'ring winter fuel.” She laughed. “Sorry guys, I probably should have brought a songbook. I’m not sure anyone knows the rest of that song.”

  Ben appeared out of the crowd and joined her, singing the second verse. “When the good king asked his page who is outside calling? Does he have a place to stay while the snow is falling?”

  “How do you know that song?”

  He held his hands up, shrugging. “Catholic school and four years of choir in high school.”

  Emily laughed again and gave him a hug.

  “I’m glad you came after all. Four years of choir you say? Maybe you can whip these kids into shape. They’re supposed to be my carolers, but they only know jingle bells.”

  That fucking prick. I knew he wasn’t being honest. Despite all the messages he left, assuring me there was nothing going on, I knew Ben wouldn’t hesitate to steal my girlfriend. He couldn’t help himself. He had no boundaries.

  And that was exactly why I didn’t want Emily hanging out with him. She didn’t get it. It’s not that I didn’t trust her. It was that jackass—the one with his arm around my girl—I didn’t trust.

  I wanted to pound the shit out of my so-called friend, but that hadn’t gone over very well last time. This time I was going to be smart about it. I had an advantage he didn’t. Emily was still my girlfriend—at least in public.

  “Sorry, I’m late, Baby,” I said. I stepped between the two of them and pulled her into my arms for a kiss.

  She stiffened in my arms, but the second our lips touched, she melted. Her arms slid around my neck, pulling me down. I angled my head, seeking to deepen the kiss. Fuck. I missed the feel of her in my arms. She didn’t resist as I pulled her closer. Her scent surrounded me, and I tasted chocolate and peppermint on her lips. Sweet and a little spicy just like her.

  I barely registered the sounds of the kids whooping and egging us on until she pulled back.

  “Get a room.”

  “Man, he’s really into her.”

  “You go, Miss E. He’s hot.”

  Emily blushed and stepped back. “Cooper. I was just… I…” She shook her head and glanced around. “Why don’t you guys go see if Tony needs any help?”

  Within seconds, all the kids scattered. All of them, but Mica, a young boy I’d met over a month ago at the shelter. It seemed like a lifetime had passed.

  Mica approached us, arms crossed. “Hey, I thought you were going to give me some pointers. You totally ghosted on me.”

  I glanced at Emily, who had a smug I told you so look. I wasn’t getting any help from her.

  “Yeah, sorry about that. I’ve been really busy, but I promise to make it up to you. How would you and a couple of your friends like to come down to the stadium and practice there?”

  “At the stadium?” Mica asked, perking up. But just as quickly, his shoulders dropped, and he shot me a guarded look. “Are you sure you’re not too busy? A big star like you and all probably doesn’t have time for me.”

  Who knew being judged by a kid would feel so bad? I’d broken a promise, and I had no credibility where this kid was concerned. “I get it. You don’t trust me, but I promise this time. Nothing will stop me. We can’t do it right away. Between Christmas and New Year’s, a lot of the staff is off next week. But in January, before I leave for spring training. We’ll make a day of it.”

  “Whatever.” He pushed his way past me, and I felt like a complete jerk.

  “I don’t think that kid believed you,” Ben said.

  “Thank you, captain obvious,” I bit back.

  “Captain? So is that an official military title or just a ceremonial one?”

  I turned and glared at him. “What are you even doing here? And why did you have your arm around Emily? I thought I made it very clear. She’s mine.”

  “And I thought I made it clear; I don’t belong to you.” Emily shook her head and stepped back. “I don’t have time to deal with this. I need to check on…” She looked over her shoulder as if she was looking for an exit from a burning building. “I’m sure something needs my attention.”

  She disappeared into the crowd, and I turned to chase after her, but Ben stopped me.

  “What the fuck is your problem?” Ben asked.

  �
�You. You’re my problem.” I yanked my arm away. “I thought I told you to stay the fuck away from my woman?”

  “Do you even hear yourself? We’ve been friends for a long time, and I’ve never seen you act like this—talk to a woman the way you’ve talked to Emily. I’m surprised she hasn’t tossed your ass to the curb.”

  “My relationship with Emily is none of your business,” I said and tried to walk away, but Ben stepped in my path.

  “I know it’s not my business, but I like her. And—”

  “I fucking knew it. I’m not going to let you take her without a fight.”

  “There. That’s what I’m talking about. Do you have any idea how big of a jerk you sound like when you say things like that? You might as well just whip it out and piss all over her. You’re treating her like property. She’s not an object you can own.”

  “I know that,” I said, feeling off balance by the turn in the conversation. “I’m just making sure you know she’s off limits.”

  “Trust me, I got the message,” he said, rubbing his chin. “But even if I didn’t, you shouldn’t tell her you think she’s cheating on you every time I’m around.”