Be My Game Changer: A Sports Romance(21)

Me: Is that what you tell yourself in the mirror?

I bite back a smile, imagining him checking himself out in the mirror.

Carter: Only when I need an extra boost to get through the day after I’m turned down by a gorgeous woman.

Me: I’m sure you’ll recover soon enough.

Carter: Doubt it.

I don’t respond, but Carter doesn’t waste any time sending another message.

Carter: E.J. says you look extra tired today.

Looking up, I find E.J. focusing on his assignment before he looks to me. A half-smile breaks across his face, and I somehow know he’s aware that he’s been caught crossing enemy lines. Little traitor.

Me: Yeah. Someone decided to spring a big event on my family at the last minute.

Carter: Lyle said everything was under control, but the crew will be there today to help out. I’ll be there all day Thursday to make sure the whole shebang goes smoothly. Start to finish.

Lyle? He’s on first name basis with my dad. Fantastic. This is going to be more disastrous than I first thought.

Me: I’ll be there too.

I make a note to put in for a personal day on Thursday. It’s last minute, but I haven’t taken many this year, none this semester, in fact, but the thought of Carter running around with my parents all day has me more on edge than missing a day of work.

Carter: It’s a date.

Me: No. It’s not.

Carter: Third date to be exact.

Me: Not a date, and definitely not a third one.

Carter: Coffee was first date.

Me: No, it wasn’t, but that still doesn’t make it the third date.

Carter: Two coffee dates does, though. Three creams and two sugars. Any pastries, croissants, donuts? Fruit? You didn’t eat anything last time, so I don’t know what you like.

I’d like a reality check. How, how, how does Carter paying enough attention to know how I take my coffee make me giddy?

Me: Never agreed to a first or second coffee date.

Carter: It’s the least I can do since E.J. said you look like you could really use some coffee today, and it’s kinda my fault with the signing and everything.

Me: Yeah. It is your fault. No “kinda” about it.

Carter: See you second period.

I’m in trouble. Messaging him had been a rash decision last night because I’d been waiting outside the stadium for a good half hour. After watching several players and staff leave, it was easy to be pissed even more at him, so I sent him the text as a means to make myself feel better. I wanted to see him in person, tell him not to mess with my parents to his absurdly handsome face, and then I’d stupidly admitted he’s screwing with my feelings.

It may very well have been dumb to say it aloud, but I’m aware he clearly is because I keep glancing at the door until the second period bell rings. And then he appears right on time, two coffees in hand along with a paper sack. And as much as I need the coffee, I’m excited to see the person holding the beverages.

He passes me one of the paper cups, leaning over as he says, “E.J. was wrong. You look extra gorgeous today.” Stepping back, he pulls up a chair, casually taking a seat as he sips from his matching cup.

I take it back.

I’m not in trouble.

I’m wholly, completely, utterly screwed.





16





CARTER





She fumbles around with some notebooks on her desk before finally relaxing and enjoying her coffee. But she’s still avoiding looking my way. But she’s not telling me to leave. After her reaction last night to the signing news, I really thought I’d messed it all up. But maybe things can work out after all. Brooks will be happy to hear it.

“Why don’t you come to the game tonight?”

Shock crosses her face before it’s masked with annoyance. “I have plans to clean up a feed store tonight thanks to someone.”

“The crew should be there helping, so I’m sure they can spare you for a few hours.” Because I really want her at the game.

“It would be a good time to catch up on my sleep, I need a few extra z’s.” She grins as she lifts the cups to her lips to take a sip. “But I already told my dad I’d help out tonight.”

“Then I’ll meet you there after the game.”

“We’ll probably be done before that. I mean … gosh, I hope so, anyway.”

“Then let me take you out on a real date tonight.”

She remains silent for a second before saying, “But I thought we’re already set for the third date.”

“I definitely think this calls for a fourth date on Thursday with the third one tonight.”

“I have class in the morning. And don’t you have to practice or something?”

“Then I guess we’ll have to squeeze in some more coffee dates until this weekend when you don’t have an early class.”

She shifts uncomfortably. “Aren’t you starting tonight?”

The fact that she knows that makes me happier than it should. “Yep.”

“You should probably be focusing on that, then. Oh, speaking of focusing, Coach Garcia asked if you could give his players a quick word of encouragement. Apparently, it’s been a rough season for the team.”

“I can handle that. And my attention is focused exactly where it needs to be.” My season is going excellent—I’m three for three—and I’m finally making some progress with the stunning woman in front of me. I can’t describe what it feels like for her to actually see me for me, to take me at face value without factoring in all the other added bullshit. It’s an astounding experience.