She replaced the top on the pot and sauntered over to him, holding a wooden spoon. “Want a taste?” She offered him the small sample.
“Of you or the chili?”
“The chili!” She smacked his shoulder lightly.
He sucked the food in and made an appreciative sound. “God, that’s good.”
She beamed at him. Pete pulled her close and lowered his mouth to hers. She opened, and he explored.
When they broke, he grinned at her. “And that’s good too.”
Jo pulled out of his embrace. “My turn in the shower,” she said, heading toward the bathroom.
Pete returned to the bedroom to gather his clothes and try to get the image of her wet and naked out of his brain. He dressed and borrowed a comb from her dressing table. Again, he marveled at the various pots, jars, tubes, and bottles with all sorts of magical ingredients guaranteed to make any woman beautiful. She doesn’t need that junk. She’s beautiful without that crap. He made a face.
When she entered the bedroom wearing only a towel, tucked in around her chest, he thought his dick had won the war. “If you don’t get dressed in about thirty seconds, there won’t be any need for clothes.”
Her eyes widened until she realized he was kidding. Then, she blushed again and headed for the dresser. She whipped out panties and started humming the song, “The Stripper.”
“This is if you played it backwards,” she said, slipping the lingerie over her hips.
Pete nearly fell on the floor laughing. Thank God. Her sense of humor had cooled down his hard-on. He slipped on his shirt. Jo was clothed in a flash. She offered her hand then directed him back to the kitchen, where a feast was laid out on the small dining table facing a sliding glass door that led to a deck.
Pete dug into his salad, his gaze roaming over her T-shirt and jeans, something he’d never seen her wear. She dressed so formally for work—suit, blouse or shell, high heels, stockings, and her gorgeous hair pulled back into a pony tail. He liked the way she looked now, dressed down, like her guard had been shed along with her suit jacket.
She asked him a few questions about the office then the conversation stopped while they ate.
“I’m a little worried about Devon Drake,” he admitted.
“Drake?”
“Yeah. We got him from St. Louis.”
“I remember him.”
“He was supposed to be a shutdown corner, but hasn’t lived up to his rep.”
“Oh?”
“Last year, he moved up here to be closer to his family. I don’t know exactly what was going on, but his mom died. I think he’s got a sister here. By the end of the season, he didn’t have a great record. I actually pulled him out of a couple of games.”
“I’m surprised. He was a star in St. Louis.”
“I know. That’s why Lyle and I wanted him. But something’s happened. Something’s changed.”
“I still have friends in St. Louis. I’ll see if I can get his stats.”
“That would be great. If I can compare his last year with the Sidewinders to his first with us, maybe I can find something. Thanks.”
“No problem. I liked Drake. He’s one of the good guys. I’d like to see him succeed.”
“He’s number one on my list of guys who need heavy-duty training at camp this year. He’s got the potential. We need to bring him up to speed.”
“Speed? God, I used to watch him, and he was amazing. He could outrun any wide receiver.”
“Yeah, he beat out some of our guys on key plays.”
“He’s a nice kid,” she said, taking a spoonful of the hot dish.
“He’s no kid. He’s twenty-six.”
She laughed. “At thirty-two, twenty-six looks like a kid to me.”
“You’re a kid. Only thirty-two?” He grinned as he scooped up the last of the chili.
Jo pushed up from the table.
“Sit. I’ll clean this up. Go change. Then, you can help me into my tuxedo.”
“Tuxedo?” Her eyebrows rose.
“Yeah. That’s how they dress at these things.”
“I thought this wasn’t professional.”
“It isn’t. But in ballroom dancing, how you look, what you wear, it’s all part of the performance.”
“You’re willing to put on a tux?”
“But I need help. When I appeared in these things before, the girls were here to help me.”
“So, I need a long gown?”
He nodded. “Is that a problem?”
“Not at all. Be back in a few.”
Whistling, Pete washed and dried the dishes and put away the leftover food. Jo in a long dress. Can’t wait. As he was drying his hands, she came down the hall.
“I can’t seem to get the zipper quite all the way up in the back. Could you help?” Her head was down, so she didn’t see the expression on his face.
“Holy shit,” he muttered under his breath.
“What?” She looked up. Emerald earrings, matching an emerald choker, hung from her earlobes. Jo was encased in the most glittery, golden gown he’d ever seen. It hugged her form over the hips, but flared down from there to be plenty wide enough to dance in. The bodice was form-fitting and strapless. Her shoulders glowed with a reflected, golden aura from the fabric. Her makeup was subtle, and her hair was pinned up in a French twist, showing off her graceful neck.
He was speechless.
The pleasant scent of lilacs wafted through the air then hugged her shoulders like an invisible cape. He pulled the zip up all the way.
“You’re…gorgeous. I never expected…”
Her eyes widened. “Is this too much?”
“Absolutely not. You’ll win for beauty alone before you even step on the dance floor.”
“Glad you like it.” She glanced at a tiny, gold wristwatch. “It’s six. Shouldn’t we get to your house? How long does it take you to get dressed?”
“Long enough. Let’s go.” He took her elbow, and she plucked a black stole from the closet.
They took his car, since he knew the way. Pete could have flown to his house without a car or plane, he was so high. His heartbeat thumped in his ear, and his palms grew sweaty. Could he handle this amazing woman? Hell, he could handle the big, muscular, rowdy, pain-in-the-ass personalities on the team. He could sure as hell handle one, petite woman…couldn’t he?
* * * *
The ballroom at the hotel had been darkened and colored lights glowed, moving around the room. A mirror ball glittered, throwing reflections on the walls. There were tables lining the perimeter of the dance floor. Each had a candle throwing off a soft glow that created a romantic atmosphere.
Coach took Jo’s hand and led her into the room. A maître d’ stopped them. They shook hands, exchanging a few words, while Pete slipped his wallet out of his pocket and handed over his credit card. Jo stood behind him, tapping her foot while her heartbeat increased.
“Ah, Coach Bass! So nice to have you back with us.”
“Nice to see you too, Anthony.”
“You missed the last one.”
Pete shrugged. “No lady.”
Anthony trained his gaze on the woman hiding behind the athlete. “Who’s this?”
“This is Jo Parker,” the coach said, slipping his arm around her, urging her forward. Jo smiled at the stranger. “Jo, Anthony.”
“Coach, you’re really trading up with this one.”
Pete chuckled. “Think I’ve finally reached the top.”
“I’d say so.” Anthony’s eyes widened as his gaze took in Jo from head to toe. “This way, beautiful lady.”
She followed him to a choice table not too near the band. Once seated, Jo couldn’t take her eyes off the coach. As sexy as he was, sweaty in his workout shorts, he was even more so in his tuxedo. She had helped with the studs and tied his tie. Just like a wife.
Now his clear, light eyes looked at her with amusement mixed with desire. “What are you staring at?”
“You.”
>
“Why?”
“You look so…so…fantastic. I’ve never seen you dressed up before. You clean up good, Coach Bass.”
He bowed his head to cover his obvious embarrassment at her compliment. “Thank you, ma’am.”
A waiter stopped at their table.
“Drink?” Pete asked.
“Drambuie, please. Straight up.”
“Make that two.”
Their sweet, golden liqueur arrived quickly. A little courage from this glass. Jo took a big sip. The warmth of the drink relaxed her.
“It’s better to dance with a little booze in you.”
Before they could finish their drinks, the band began to play.
Anthony appeared on the floor with a mic. “First dance is a waltz. Easy-peasy, folks. ‘Blue Danube’ waltz. This isn’t an elimination round. Just a warm up. Come on. Let’s get this competition started.”
Pete stood and offered her his arm. She smiled up into his eyes as she joined him. His big hand on her waist guided her closer to him as they awaited the ending of the intro.
Once the piece got under way, Pete guided her around the floor. The music started out slowly, allowing her to match his steps. As the tempo picked up, Jo fell into his rhythm as if they had been dancing together all their lives.
She grinned as he whirled her around. He pulled her slightly closer, his strong arm and confident legs leading her. The music penetrated to her bones, and moving with the beat became second nature. She held her arms up, shoulders square. Frame, keep my frame steady. He twirled her out then back again.
The next song was “Hernando’s Hideaway.”
“Tango,” he whispered.
She stepped closer to him. He folded her into his embrace, hip to hip. Following his direction, Jo took the proper position before the music began. As she moved seamlessly with him, their bodies totally in sync, Jo recalled how together they had been in bed earlier. Stirrings in her loins heated her as the dance progressed.
She raised her gaze to his. His eyes seemed to strip away her dress. Her nipples hardened under his stare as the sexy melody continued. Totally absorbed in Coach Bass and their routine, Jo didn’t notice other couples being tapped on the shoulder until they remained with only three others. The song ended. A break had been scheduled. Jo hightailed it back to the table and gulped down a glass of water.
Pete downed his too then took her hand between his. “You were wonderful.”
“No, it was you. You’re so easy to follow.”
“Chemistry. We had chemistry.”
If we’d had any more chemistry, we’d have been doing it on the floor. She nodded, unwilling to share her thoughts. She read his eyes, filmed by a faraway but lusty look. He’s reliving this afternoon. She chuckled to herself.
The sound bumped him from his reverie. “What’s funny?”
“Nothing.” She dropped her gaze to her hands, which were twisting a cloth napkin.
“Come on. You’re keeping something from me. Share the laugh.”
“Nope.” She looked up, defiance in her heart. You don’t get to know my every thought.
“A woman of mystery,” he said, leaning closer, staring directly into her eyes.
It’s like he can read my mind.
The band tuned up, indicating the dancing was about to begin again.
“Only a few couples left. We can take them,” he whispered as they took a place.
He’s got my competitive spirit. She stifled her chuckle this time so she wouldn’t have to explain. “Damn right we can. Lead on, Coach Bass.”
The first few notes indicated “Rock Around the Clock.”
“Lindy,” Pete muttered, “You ready?”
“Let’s go!” She balanced on the ball of her front foot as the dance started.
After three more, Pete and Jo were the clear winners. Audience applause gave them the small, gold, plastic trophy. Pete gave it to Jo to take home. They kissed to satisfy the chanting of the spectators, downed more water, and then hit the parking lot.
It was almost midnight when Pete pulled onto the highway. Jo gazed out at the full moon shining down on them. “It’s a beautiful night.” She settled back into the comfortable seat.
“Thank you for coming with me.”
“I had fun. You’re a great dancer.”
“So are you.” He glanced over at her, and she knew what was on his mind. “How about we pick up Daisy, and you both spend the night at my house?”
“I never spend the night” flew out of her mouth before she could think.
He looked over at her. “Never?”
“Nope.”
“How come?”
“I’m not comfortable sleeping in someone else’s bed. And I’m a bit embarrassed to say I don’t always want to wake up to someone I slept with the night before.”
“Does that mean me?”
She couldn’t deny the hurt in his voice. She laid her hand on his arm. “No, no, not you. Never you. It just became a rule I made to avoid sticky situations.”
“Seems like you have a lot of rules.”
“Guess I do.”
“Maybe it’s time to break a few. You can see the moon while lying in my bed. It’s a great way to go to sleep—the sound of the ocean, the light of the moon…”
“I’ll bet it is. I’m not ready to do that.”
“I guess we haven’t known each other that long.”
He pulled up to her house and killed the motor. They unbuckled their seatbelts. He leaned over to kiss her. Jo raised her face to his, eager for his mouth, his touch. He closed his hand over her breast, his thumb caressing the skin bared by her dress. Exhaustion warred with desire in her veins.
“Josie,” he muttered. “I think we’d better stop, or get arrested.”
“Like two kids making out in a parked car.” She laughed. “What would your girls say?”
He sat up straight. “I don’t want to think what they would say. Nothing good.” His smile melted away.
Jo cupped his cheek. “I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to spoil the mood.”
“You didn’t. It’s just that I’ve kept this part of my life away from my girls.”
She raised her brows. “Didn’t you date?”
“No overnight dates, and no sex in my house.”
“That must have been tough.”
“Not really. It made for a much more relaxed time with Alyssa and Lexie. I never had to worry about them seeing that side of their old man.”
“I suppose that makes sense.”
“My girls have always come first. I protect them at all costs.”
“It must have been hard raising them by yourself.”
“Damn right. But the worst is over. Now, I get to enjoy them on a more adult basis.”
“Does that mean admitting you have a sex life?”
“That’s still private. No reason for the girls to know anything about that.”
“I suppose not.”
“I think they’d be horrified.” He laughed. “They think I’m some kind of saint.”
“Daddy’s little girls.”
“That’s it. Yeah. Weren’t you a daddy’s little girl, too?”
“For a while. Maybe. When I was little and still cute. That wore off by the time I was seven.”
“You’re still cute.” He brushed his lips against hers.
She grinned at him.
Pete slipped his arm over her shoulders. “Hard to get too close in this car.”
She glanced at her watch. “It’s getting late.”
“Tomorrow is Sunday. I’d love to make chocolate chip pancakes for you at my house. Please stay over.”
She shook her head. “And I’ve got to walk Daisy.”
He sighed. “Will you at least consider it for some time in the future?”
“I will.”
“Good.”
“I had a wonderful time tonight, today, the whole thing,” she stammered.
“Me, too.” He opened the door th
en zipped around to her side to help her out.
Hand in hand, they walked up her front steps.
“I’d invite you in, but…”
He raised his hand. “I know. The ‘no overnight’ rule. Gotcha.”
“Thanks for understanding.”
The barking of the pug on the other side of the door stopped further conversation. Before she went inside, Pete gave her one more fantastic kiss. When Jo opened the door, Daisy came flying out, barking at him. He crouched down. The dog stopped short, staring at him with a wary eye.
“Come ’ere, girl,” he said in a persuasive voice.
Jo joined him and bent to kiss his cheek. “He’s a friend, Daisy.”
The pooch watched them closely. After another kiss, Jo motioned the animal to get closer. Daisy inched toward him. Pete offered his hand, and she sniffed it. He reached over slowly and petted her head. Turning tail, the dog ran in the house and returned quickly with a toy in her mouth.
“I guess you’re in. Now, she wants to play,” Jo said.
Pete laughed, shook his head, and headed back to his car. He waved as he opened the door. Jo chewed her lip. The air around her was colder because he had moved away. An idea struck, and she raised her hand and called out. “Wait!” She ran down the hill to his car as he was putting it in gear. “Wait! Wait!”
He hit the brakes and opened his window. “What’s up?”
Breathless, she stood for a second, gasping for air. “Tomorrow.”
He nodded. “Sunday?”
“Is the offer for chocolate chip pancakes still good if I don’t stay the night?”
He smiled. “Of course. Bring Daisy.”
“Great! Thank you. It sounded so wonderful.”
“We’ll take her for a walk on the beach.”
“She’d love that.”
“But would you love that?
“You know I would.” She leaned into the car to kiss him. “What time?”
“Eleven. Okay?”
“Perfect,” she agreed.
“See you then.”
Pete Sebastian, Coach Page 8