Page 5 of Between the Paragraphs

“We do need to survive this zoo of a conference,” Nikki says, raising her nearly empty glass.

“We also need to survive bad stories and pickup lines,” Maria says, clinking her glass against her friend’s.

I slide into the seat next to Maria, catching her attention as I give her my most charming smile. “Do you mind if I join you?”

She gives me a long glance, and she doesn’t seem all that impressed. It’s a bit of a hit to my ego, as this isn’t something I’m used to, but I’ll power through. I won’t let my brother win this one.

“It’s an open bar,” she says. “I guess you can sit where you want.” Not the most enthusiastic response I’ve ever gotten, but it isn’t a freeze-out, so I call it a win.

The woman next to Maria looks at me for a long moment, and I see recognition in her eyes. “Aren’t you in sports? Your face looks familiar.”

I chuckle. I’m recognized a lot even five years after retiring from the NFL. Then again, my face has been a lot more public since retirement with all of my successful endeavors. My twin gets confused for me at times, but at these conferences, I tend to have more people think I’m him here. It’s nice to have someone know me for me in the world of publishing.

“Mason,” I say, not adding my last name. “I played in the NFL and now host a show among many other endeavors.” I look back to Maria who still doesn’t look impressed. Damn. Maybe she’s harder to crack than I thought. This excites me.

“I’m Nikki. This is Maria,” Nikki says, seeming a lot more open to a conversation than Maria. I know it’s always smart to get the approval of a woman’s friends. I take Nikki’s hand and give it a squeeze, making sure not to flirt. I want Maria to know exactly who I’m here to win over.

“Well then, I’m not sure I want you sitting here. It bores me to have conversations about how many touchdowns a man has scored.”

I throw my head back and laugh. Dang, I’m glad I came over. “I much prefer to score in meaningful ways.” I give her a wink.

Maria raises her eyebrow, still unimpressed. “Wow, that was an original line. Do you practice in your mirror before coming out on the town?” Her new drink is set before her and she switches glasses, seeming far more amused than irritated. I still haven’t impressed her though. Maybe I should take off my shirt. If she doesn’t gasp at that, I have no hope.

Nikki laughs next to her friend, and I can’t stop grinning. “I only practice on special occasions. What are two beautiful women like you doing sitting here all alone?”

“Enjoying our time together and avoiding guys who think they’re smooth,” Maria tells me with an air of confidence that has me drooling.

“Ouch. Tough crowd,” I tell her.

“I’ve heard that before,” Maria says, not offended. I decide to switch strategies. This woman is smart, and I’m not ready to leave.

“Are you up for a challenge?” I ask.

She looks intrigued though she tries to hide it. “You have my attention,” she admits.

“I was thinking we could make this night a lot more interesting.”

She laughs. “Let me guess, by heading up to your room?”

I laugh with her. “I wouldn’t say no to that, but I don’t want to be accused of being predictable,” I assure her.

“What do you have in mind?” she asks after a moment. I’ve cast my bait out and she’s hooked. I still have it.

“I come to these conferences a lot and the one thing I see is hookups. It seems a free for all,” I tell her.

She laughs at this, some of her guard coming down. “Yes, I’d agree with you.” She gives me a long look. “Are you trying to tell me that’s not what you’re after?” She doesn’t hold back. I love it.

“I’m not looking for a hookup at a conference. If a beautiful woman intrigues me, I’m not against it, though.”

She laughs again. “I’m not hooking up with you,” she tells me.

“I’d never imagine you would,” I say.

“So what’s this challenge then?” she asks again.

“Let’s see how many people are currently in this bar hopeful for a hookup,” I tell her.

She now looks confused. “Are we supposed to poll people? Even inebriated, I’m not sure how many people will admit to that.”

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