Scored(14)

“Aw, that’s so sweet of him.”

“Yeah, he’s a real peach,” he says, sarcasm dripping from his tone.

I tap my chin. “Maybe he saw a picture of us in Finley’s office. Last year on Mother’s Day, I gave her a framed picture of us. It has the word sisters etched at the top.”

“That makes sense. Sam’s a pretty observant guy.”

“You’re not? Because if I recall correctly, you were the one to find my missing stickers.”

“They were in my favorite spots.” He winks at me, and my face gets all hot. “Anyway, I avoid your sister’s office at all costs. To be called in is like getting sent to the principal’s office. No offense.”

“None taken.” I can’t deny that my sister is a stickler for the rules and has almost unattainable standards. “Why does Sam need mentoring from your team’s quarterback?”

“He’s second string and needs the field time. Aiden won’t admit it, but I’m pretty damn sure he’s close to retiring.”

“He wants to leave at the top of his game,” I muse. “He’s always been like that.”

Dallas’ brows crash together. “You know him?”

“Since I was thirteen.”

“More context please.”

“Aiden’s from my hometown. He and Finley dated in college,” I explain. “They both majored in Sports Management, and they broke up their sophomore year. It’s old news, which is probably why you didn’t know. Most people don’t. Might be in his management contract to never mention it. Let’s just say it wasn’t the best of breakups and the saga continues.”

“Damn,” he mutters, then raises his voice. “Is that why she’d have my balls if we were to date?”

I tilt my head to one side. “That’s part of it.”

“And the other?”

For the first time since I met him, memories of my childhood that I’d rather stay buried attempt to force their way to the surface. “That’s not something I’m comfortable sharing.”

He holds up his hands. “Fair enough. About tonight. Can I pick you up right after work?”

“How about I meet you there? I need to go home, shower, change, and check for splinters. Plus, the floors are disgusting if you think about it. Everyone walking on them, dragging in whatever’s on the street.”

“Did you just read that?”

I make a grand gesture to the library and then tap the side of my head. “Those books and this brain aren’t just for show, fella.”

“You’re adorable,” he says, taking me aback. “What did I say wrong?”

“Nothing.” My cheeks heat, and I cover them with my hands. “It’s um… well, I’m quirky, not adorable. Adorable describes cheerleaders and puppies… and my best friend, Layton, who is neither a cheerleader or a puppy.”

“Guys dig quirky. It’s the new sexy.”

Time for more honesty.

If Dallas truly wants my help because he’s attracted to me, then he needs to know exactly what he’s in for. I don’t hop into bed easily at all. “The last guy I went out with called me a certifiable nut job, but I’m pretty sure it was because I wouldn’t blow him on our first date because he paid for dinner… like a gentleman.”

“The fuck?” The good humor drains from the room. “What kind of asshole… never mind.” He cracks his knuckles. “I hope you put him in his place.”

“I told him the correct definition for a gentleman didn’t include the words ‘demands blow jobs in payment for dinner’.” I smile sadly. “It wasn’t my best comeback, but I was caught off-guard.”

“Who wouldn’t be?”

I twist my lips. “You’ve never talked to a girl like that?”

He’s already shaking his head. “My mother would kill me. My dad wouldn’t be so kind.”

“I guess the rumors about you have been greatly exaggerated,” I say with a smile.

“How would you know about the rumors?”

“I Snoogled you.”

“You what me?”

“Snoop and Googled.” I mime pushing the words together. “Snoogled.”

He nods and smiles… and it’s not one of those ‘placate the crazy chick’ smiles either. “I like that. You can Snoogle me anytime you want… or you can get to know the real me in person, direct from the source. That’s what librarians like, right? First editions… rare finds. Consider me both.”

In that moment, I fall a little in love with Dallas Drake for not making fun of me. “I’ll do it.”

“You’ll help me help Sam out?”

“Yes, and not just because we don’t have to do anything illegal or with snakes in pits either.” I touch his hand and get almost giddy when my skin starts to tingle. “It’s because you have really hot forearms and tried to catch me when I fell.”

“Yeah, I do,” he agrees. “But I didn’t try. I did catch you.”

He leans in closer to me, closing the distance between us.

My pulse pounds.

My skin gets hot.

I lick my lips, wanting to kiss him.