“Do you mind breakfast to go? I want to get back on the road soon.”
“Sure. That’s fine.” She looked at the steering wheel, then back at Tyler. “If you want a break from driving, I can take a turn.”
Tyler’s Range Rover was practically brand-new. Did he trust Brielle to drive? Not sure, he said, “Maybe later.” Then he opened his door and got out. He had taken several steps toward the mini mart when he realized Brielle was still in the SUV.
He turned around and walked back to the SUV, opening the passenger door once he reached it. “Something wrong?”
A mirth-filled smile curved her mouth. “The only thing wrong is my boyfriend didn’t open the door for me.”
Embarrassed that he hadn’t thought of that, he said, “Oh. Right. Sorry.” And when she held out her hand for him to help her out, he took it, holding on as she jumped to the pavement.
“Thank you,” she said, her voice brisk as she removed her hand from his. Then she strode toward the mini mart. Tyler hurried to catch up, opening the door to the mini mart and holding it for her. She smiled up at him, the brightness of her green eyes drawing him in.
He followed her inside, his gaze kind of riveted to her to see what she would do next.
She stopped to look over the sausage, egg, and biscuit sandwiches, then moved on to the breakfast burritos. She turned and faced him. “What are you going to get?”
To his surprise, he hadn’t thought about food for the last several minutes. His thoughts had been all about her. Shifting his gaze to the offerings, he reached for a breakfast burrito. “Two of these plus something to drink.”
She looked at the food on display. “Hmm. I guess I’ll get a breakfast sandwich.”
After he’d purchased their food, they walked side by side out to his SUV. Tyler had learned his lesson, and while balancing his food in one hand, he opened Brielle’s door for her, then helped her climb inside.
“Thank you,” she said with a pleased look on her face.
Glad he’d gotten it right, he went to the driver’s side and got behind the wheel.
“Are you going to be able to eat and drive?” Brielle asked.
“I think I can manage.”
A doubtful look crossed her face. “I’d hate for you to get any of that greasy burrito on your pretty leather seats.”
He chuckled. “Yeah. I’d hate that too. I guess we can take a few minutes and eat before getting back on the road.”
While he took a large bite, she nibbled at her sandwich. Maybe nibble wasn’t the right word, but compared to him it would take her much longer to eat. Good thing she wasn’t driving.
Once he finished, they hit the road.
“When did you get this car?” she asked as she wiped her fingers on a napkin.
He counted backwards. “Four months ago.”
Her gaze bounced around the interior. “It’s very nice.”
“Thanks.” A pause. “What do you drive?”
She grimaced. “An old Toyota. It’s kind of on its last legs.”
Tyler had gone through a time when he didn’t have much money, so he knew what it was like to struggle. That time made him appreciate the financial benefits of his job all the more. “If you could have any car in the world, what would you get?”
Tilting her head, she said, “I’ve never thought about that.” She softly chuckled. “I don’t even know what’s out there.”
He’d always had an interest in cars, especially exotic ones. In fact, he owned a Dodge Viper. It wasn’t nearly as exotic as the Bugatti Chiron, but he couldn’t bring himself to spend that kind of money on a car.
“I have some suggestions for you,” he said as they drove. Then he rattled off a list of cars he thought she might like—mostly sports cars, though nothing exotic.
“I don’t know,” she said. “I can’t really see myself in any of those. I think I’d prefer something more practical. Really, anything fairly new would be amazing.”
A woman with simple tastes. He liked that. “Remember, I said if you could have any car. No need to be practical.”
She smiled. “I can’t help it. I mean, one day I want to have kids. I can’t see strapping a car seat into a Corvette.”
Laughing, he said, “Yeah. That wouldn’t work too well since there’s only two seats.”
“Exactly.” She paused. “What about you? Do you want kids one day?”
The question caught him off guard. Even so, he said, “I know my mom hopes I do. She’s dying to be a grandmother.”
“But what about you?” Then a sly smile curved her lips. “As my boyfriend, I think this is something we ought to discuss.”
He shook his head, but he was smiling. “All right.” His focus had been on football for so long that kids had been buried deep in his mind. Especially since he had yet to find a woman to have them with. That was kind of important.
He pictured a mini-Brielle—grass-green eyes, blonde hair, sweet-natured. He could see himself wrapped around that little girl’s finger. Then he pictured a sturdy little boy—into sports, into hiking, into all the things Tyler loved. To his surprise, the idea excited him.
“Yeah, I can see myself having kids one day.”
Lips pursing into a smirk, Brielle said, “Your mom will be thrilled.”
He threw one hand into the air. “Hold on.” Then he looked at her. “You’re not going to tell her I said that, are you?”
Eyes twinkling, she said, “Don’t know. Depends on the conversations she and I have.”
This wasn’t what he had in mind with this set up. “Don’t forget. This is a job.”
“Really?” Her eyebrows had risen. “Earlier you said we actually are boyfriend and girlfriend. Have you changed your mind?”
Suddenly, he wasn’t sure he’d be able to handle this girl.
Chapter Eleven
Brielle wasn’t sure why she was giving Tyler such a hard time, but she had to admit, it was kind of fun.
The deer in the headlights look he was giving her now made her want to chuckle. She wouldn’t really tell his mother that he wanted kids, but it was fun to tease him.
“No,” he said. “I meant it when I said we’re boyfriend and girlfriend. That’s the only way this will work.”
She liked the sound of that. It had been a while since she’d had a boyfriend. Many months. And she’d missed having that other half. Knowing that—at least for the next week—she would have a bona fide boyfriend gave her a thrill. Especially one as hot as Tyler.
Deciding to let him off the hook, she smiled. “I was just teasing you. I won’t say anything to your mom.”
He sighed. “Thank you. You have no idea how much more difficult that would make it for me when I tell her we’ve broken up.”
Jolted, her mouth fell open. She’d just been mentally celebrating having a boyfriend and already he was moving on to the break-up. She knew she was being slightly ridiculous, but she couldn’t deny the hurt that she felt at his words. Slamming her lips together, she reminded herself that in reality, this was a job. Still, the casual way he’d stated that they would be breaking up had stung.
“She would blame me for delaying the arrival of her grandchildren,” Tyler said as if he hadn’t just sliced into her heart. “It would be worse than telling them I’m not dating anyone.” He glanced her way. “What’s wrong?”
Was her disappointment so transparent? She couldn’t let him know. That would just make the next week beyond awkward. “Nothing. I, uh, I was just thinking how rough it must be to have your family hassling you about your love life.”
He guffawed. “You have no idea.” Then he sobered. “Or maybe you do?”
“No. My mom’s not in any hurry for me to get married. Then again, my oldest brother already gave her two grandkids.”
“Lucky you. The pressure’s off.”
Wanting to talk about something else, she said, “Tell me about your job.”
He paused. “Okay. What do you want to know?”
“What’s it like to rub shoulders with the players on the team? Are they down-to-earth or are they that stereotypical NFL player? You know—cocky and entitled.”
He squinted for half a second.
What was that all about? Was he close friends with some of the players? Had she offended him somehow? She’d just been trying to make conversation, but at his reaction she said in a half-questioning, half-statement, “Uh, never mind?” No reason to rub him the wrong way on their first full day as boyfriend and girlfriend.
Was that how she thought NFL players were? Cocky and entitled? That’s not how he was. At least he didn’t think he was. And his friends weren’t either. He had to set her straight. Had to show her that he wasn’t that way. Then again, she had no idea he was on the team. Even so, he would make an extra effort this week to prove to her that he wasn’t cocky and entitled.
“No. They’re not like that at all.” Then he glanced her way. “What makes you think NFL players are cocky and entitled?”
Shoulders lifting in a shrug, she said, “I don’t know. The way they pound their chests when they make a good play, or the way they celebrate in the end zone when they score a touchdown.”
She had no clue what it was like when hundreds of hours in the gym and studying film translated into just enough to evade a Pro Bowl defender. When his lifelong dream of crossing the goal line in overtime was realized. When adrenaline was surging through his veins after making the gaming winning play. It was like nothing else. Why wouldn’t he celebrate?
Slightly offended, he worked to push aside his feelings. She didn’t know what she was talking about.
Wait. Did she know more about football than she’d let on? “So, you watch football?”
“Not really. My brothers do though, so I’ve seen a game or two.”
Okay. He was still safe. But how much longer could he hide his true identity? He wasn’t sure, but he really liked that they were getting to know each other without the distraction of his celebrity. And his wealth. Brielle thought he was a regular guy who sat behind a desk. A guy who went to the office each day and came home each night. Nothing exciting. Nothing special. He liked it that way.
But how would he get his family to stay away from the subject of football?
Tyler seemed deep in thought and she had no idea what he was thinking about. She didn’t know his poker face, his angry face, his happy face—she didn’t know any of his faces. Maybe by the end of the week she would.
Clearly, talking about work wasn’t the way to get to know him, so she changed tactics. “Besides camping, what do you like to do for fun?”
His face brightened and she knew this was a better topic.
“When I have time, I like to build furniture.”
Her eyebrows rose. “Really?”
He smiled. “Yes, really. Why do you seem so surprised?”
“I don’t know. I guess I shouldn’t be. I mean, I don’t know you at all.” Her eyes twinkled. “For all I know, you enjoy crocheting while you watch TV.”
He barked a laugh.
“What kind of furniture do you build?”
Still smiling, he said, “Bookcases, dressers, tables.”
Beyond impressed, Brielle heard herself say, “I’d love to see some of what you’ve built.” Shut up! When this week is over you’ll never see him again. She had to get a hold of herself. Or maybe she was just too good at this role, in some part of herself actually believing that she was his girlfriend. What was up with that?
“Uh, yeah,” he said, his eyes pointed toward the road.
Face burning with embarrassment, Brielle picked invisible Luna hairs from her jeans.
“What do you like to do?” Tyler asked.
Besides make a fool of myself? “I love to read, and I’ve been known to do a cross-stitch or two.”
Looking perplexed, he said, “What’s cross-stitch?”
“It’s where you create a picture using a needle and thread, but you do it making little x’s on the fabric.”
“Oh.”
“Not as practical as building furniture, but I find it therapeutic.”
Giving her a sidelong glance, he said, “Did you bring any to work on while we’re camping?”
“Why? Do you want to try it?”
He laughed. “Nope. Kind of curious what it looks like though.”
Flattered that he was taking an interest, she smiled. “I didn’t bring any, but when we get back—” She cut herself off before finishing her sentence.
“Yeah? When we get back?”
Shaking her head, she said, “It doesn’t matter, right? This is a one week gig.”
When Tyler had offered her the job he’d meant it as a one-week thing, but the more time he spent with Brielle, the more he imagined what it would be like if their pretend relationship continued past the Yellowstone trip. But obviously she wasn’t interested in that. This was all about the paycheck for her.
A whisper of disappointment brushed over him, but he pushed it aside. Today was only the first day. They needed to focus on what was in front of them, not think about the future.
Chapter Twelve
As they drove through West Yellowstone, Brielle’s excitement grew. Everywhere she looked she saw rows of stores, but they weren’t like the stores in Sacramento. These ones had a touch of the old west to them—wooden shingles, the word “Outpost” or “Trading Post” or “Saddlery” in their names, and several places had life-sized bison out front painted in bright colors. And then they passed a place that must offer river rafting, because there was a life-sized raft on the roof filled with full-sized bears—bears wearing life jackets. One even held an oar.
Laughing at the sight, Brielle couldn’t stop smiling.
“We’re almost to the gate,” Tyler said as he glanced at her.
His words drew her attention away from the sights outside the window and to his face—a face that showed how pleased he was that she was enjoying herself. “What wildlife do you think we’ll see first?”
“Hmm. If I were to guess, I’d say elk.”
Any wildlife would give her a thrill, but she hoped he was right. A majestic elk with a large set of antlers would be amazing to see.
Soon it was their turn to pay the entrance fee. Tyler handed the ranger some cash, and the ranger handed him a map and some other papers, then they pulled forward. Tyler handed the stack of papers to Brielle, then with a grin, he said, “There should be a checklist in there of the wildlife we might see. You can keep track.”
She knew he was being somewhat facetious, but she loved the idea. “I will.”
He chuckled, but she just smiled.
They drove on, following the other cars that had just arrived. There were quite a few.
“Is it always this busy?” Brielle asked as she scanned the trees on both side of the road, on the look-out for animals.
“In August? Yep. I’m sure we’ll get caught in a few bison jams.”
That got her attention and she turned to look at him. “What’s a bison jam?”
Grinning, he said, “When the traffic gets backed up because bison are either crossing the road or walking down the middle of the road. Or sometimes they just stand in the road. In any case, when those things happen, everyone wants to get a look so traffic comes to a standstill.”
“Bison,” she said, her eyes wide. “I can hardly wait.”
Tyler smirked. “By the end of the week when you see a bison you’ll be saying, ‘Another bison. Let’s not stop.’”
She found that hard to believe, but he’d come for the last eleven years, so maybe he knew what he was talking about.
“There are two pairs of binoculars in the backseat,” he said, gesturing with his thumb. “Grab them, will you? It’s always a good idea to have them handy because you never know when you’ll see something interesting.”
Stretching her arm, she managed to grab both pair and she set them on the center console. The way he kept talking about seeing animals, she just kne
w this week was going to be a blast. As long as she didn’t think about their inevitable break-up.
“We only have one rule when it comes to spotting animals,” he said.
“What?”
One side of his mouth quirked up. “No false sightings.”
That brought a smile to her face. “Yeah. I can see how that would be annoying.”
“Especially for the driver who suddenly pulls over to see what you’re calling out.” He paused. “Anyway, there’s plenty to see without trying to play a joke. And when you’re the first one to spot something, that’s always fun.”
“Is it very hard to spot wildlife?” After asking, she shifted her gaze to a meadow on her side of the car.
“Watch for movement. That’s the best way. And when a bunch of cars are pulled over that usually means it’s something interesting. And if there are rangers around, it’s probably a bear.”
A thrill of excitement shot up her spine. A bear! That would be amazing. From a safe distance.
Her finger went to the glass on her window. “I see something!”
Tyler pulled over at the first turnout, which was a short distance from where Brielle had spotted something. He loved her enthusiasm. If she was uninterested at this point, he would have to consider breaking up with her before the week was through. He loved Yellowstone too much to spend his treasured week with someone who had no interest.
Before he had a chance to ask her what she’d seen, she had the binocs pressed to her face.
“I think it’s an elk!”
With a practiced glance, he was able to confirm what she saw, but before he spent time looking at it, he let his gaze slide over Brielle. Sitting up perfectly straight on the seat, her body twisted so she could look out the window, her shoulders tense with obvious excitement, her silvery blonde hair cascading over her shoulders and halfway down her back. She was exquisite.
More glad than ever that she’d accepted this job, Tyler dragged his gaze away from her and to the elk in the meadow. He pressed his binocs to his eyes.
Game On (Fair Catch Series, Book Six) Page 5