Page 31 of Touchdowns and Temptations

*Cara: Yeah, and you? Is my car still alive?

I grin and type a reply as the elevator stops on the third floor and the doors open.

*Noah: I hit a bump this morning before practice.

I can't help but grin as I get out of the car and make my way to her office. Several angry messages from Cara arrive immediately.

*Cara: ???

*Cara: I hope you're kidding?

*Cara: Are you crazy?

*Cara: Noah?!

*Cara: Answer me!

*Noah: How am I supposed to answer you calmly when you harassing me like this?

Her assistant is sitting at her desk, just like yesterday, and I approach her.

“Hello,” I greet her, “I'm here to see Mrs. Corse.”

She nods with a smile and stands up. “Just a moment,” she replies pleasantly. “If you could take a seat?” She points to the waiting area with two black chairs and a small table between them. To be honest, I don't think I need to sit there. Cara's waiting for me, and since she thinks I've wrecked her car, even more so.

“Who do my tired eyes see?” I turn around and Michael Corse comes up to me. We've met before at the stadium, before the Foxes signed me. I was watching Alex then. I'd be lying if I said he wasn't one of my sporting idols. “Noah McCarter.”

“Good afternoon, sir,” I clear my throat and shake his hand. “Nice to meet you.”

“The pleasure is all mine,” he says, putting his hands on his hips. “You played well last season. I'm glad we brought you in.”

I am flattered by his appreciation. It was also the right decision for me to come to Boston. If only for the chance to play with my brother. “Thank you very much. I'm very happy to hear that.”

“With you on the team, we'll bring the Super Bowl back to Boston,” he says without putting any pressure on me. “Have you settled in well?”

“Yes,” I answer. “It hasn't been difficult for me. I've liked the city for a long time.”

“You should,” he replies with a smile. “Boston is quickly becoming a home. I know what I'm talking about. In the years I've been elsewhere and my wife and Cara have been here, I've missed them and the city terribly.”

I believe him immediately. I missed my family during college, too.

“Noah!” Cara's voice makes me jump and I turn to face her. The bright summer dress with the colorful floral pattern hugs her slender body perfectly. The decorative bow at her bust makes it look sexier than it really is. Cara's hair is tied back in a ponytail, with a few strands hanging down. “Hey, Dad,” she greets her father.

“Hello, darling!” Michael walks up to her and kisses her on the cheek. “Do you have an appointment?”

“Yes,” she says, “I didn't even know you two had a meeting.”

Cara's gaze meets mine and something flashes in her eyes that doesn't bode well. Oh God, she thinks I actually wanted to meet her dad.

“It was a coincidence!” I say, hoping she'll believe me. Of course, in a way, I admire her father. What this man has done for football is unattainable. Still, I don't put getting to know her above that. “We met in the hallway.”

“Hm.” Cara doesn't look convinced, but she smiles. “Will you come into my office?”

“Sure,” I say and nod to her father. “Goodbye, sir.”

“Goodbye,” he says. “And have a good game this weekend. The opening game can sometimes make or break a whole season.”

If he was trying to encourage me, he definitely needs to practice that again. The only thing he's managed is to make me even more nervous. It's my first game as the starting quarterback for the Boston Foxes.

---