Page 4 of The Bad Boy's Good Girl

Hell. What was he supposed to say to that? “Nope. I haven’t noticed anything.” I might go to hell, but I refuse to tell Brooks what I’ve done.

* * *

Nola knew it was coming, had known for a few weeks that Brooks had been gearing up to say something to her. He’d invited her to lunch at their favorite burger joint, which meant what he had to say was either really good or really bad. “What’s on your mind, Brooks?”

He flashed that one dimpled smile that she’d seen countless women swoon over but he never seemed to notice. “Am I that transparent?”

“Well, it is my job to know what you want or need before you do.” And she did her job better than anyone else. “So, spill it.”

He sipped his sparkling water, set the glass down carefully and wiped away the circle of condensation before he looked at her again. “You’d tell me if something were wrong, wouldn’t you?”

He looked so concerned her whole demeanor immediately softened. “If something were wrong, I would.”

“You’re so damn sad all the time, Nola, it breaks my heart.”

Mine, too.“I am sad, Brooks. My Grammie is gone and I’m all alone and it feels like it.” She had a hard time remembering she had no one to call at the end of each day. No one to share silly work stories with or a thick slice of chocolate peanut butter cheesecake.

His smile flashed, sardonic and far away. “Some days I forget Mom isn’t going to call or walk through the door. When our first game became a best seller, I picked up the phone to call her and then cried like a baby.”

“What about your foster parents?” He never spoke about them though she knew he stopped by once a week for dinner because she kept his calendar.

“They wanted me to get a real job. Still see this as a hobby or something.”

“Lucrative hobby,” she shot back.

“No kidding.” He grinned at the waitress who brought their orders and the woman nearly tipped the basket of fries into Nola’s lap. “Thanks.”

“You’re welcome,” she cooed before walking away with a huge swing in her hips.

“Jeez, Brooks, you’re like catnip for these women.”

He frowned in confusion but chose to ignore the comment. “Are you sure you’re okay?”

Hell, no. I slept with your brother and I want to do it again, but he’s already forgotten about me and our night together.“I will be, Brooks. Thanks for caring.”

He nodded. “So are you going to be at the tournament?”

“No.” She planned to come in early to set up but she would be long gone before anyone showed up. Hopefully.

“What will you do for the holiday?”

She shrugged. “I’ll find a way to keep busy, Brooks, don’t worry.”

“Can’t help it,” he said and took a big bite of his burger.

“You’re a good friend.” The truth was he was her only friend since she’d spent the past few years finishing school and taking care of Grammie, then working and spending her evenings with the old woman. Now though, she knew she owed it to her grandma to get out there and live her life. To explore her new hometown and make a few friends.

“I’m glad you think so,” he told her, seemingly surprised by her words.

Nola smiled. She would also find the perfect woman for her friend. “I really do, Brooks.”

“Good,” his grin widened. “Now you can tell me what’s going on with you and my brother.”

Ah, hell.

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