Page 63 of Hard to Take

“I guess this is our first real date,” I say as I shift into the passenger side of the Range Rover, sliding on my Prada sunglasses.

Miles has the gall to look offended over the lapel of his wool coat. “I took you out for pancakes at Denny’s back in college.”

“That was different. You were watching out for me,” I say as he navigates toward the exit of the lot.

When he pauses for traffic before turning onto the road, he glances toward me. “I might have checked you out once or twice.”

“Stop it.” I pull my glasses down my nose and stare at him over them.

His grin, as blinding as the sun outside, makes my heart do a little flip.

As we drive to our mysterious location, I watch the buildings fly past.

If I want to leave by the start of January, which was the plan all along, I need to nail down a new apartment. I also haven’t mentioned it to my current roommate.

Miles’s phone rings, and he glances at the number. “My agent,” he says. “I can call him back.”

“No. It could be important.”

He hits accept. “What’s up.”

“Just heard something on the shoe deal. You’re not going to like it.”

Miles’s hand tightens on the steering wheel. “Tell me.”

“It shouldn’t come as a surprise, but they’re courting two other players. Guys that have exceeded expectations going into the break, apparently.”

“Anyone I know?”

“They wouldn’t confirm, but I got word that one is Hawkins, out of Boston.”

My nose wrinkles. Jay doesn’t make enemies easily, but the guy is one of my brother’s least favorite players.

“So the fact that we didn’t win the midseason tournament means my stock is falling,” Miles reads.

“That’s what I’m trying to find that out. Sit tight. Wouldn’t hurt you to keep putting up twenty-five a night with a wholesome smile.”

“That easy, huh?”

“That easy.”

His agent clicks off and Miles frowns as he navigates.

I reach over to lay a hand over his. “You’re not out yet. They’re probably just doing their homework.”

I vow to take his mind off it, even before he pulls up in front of a faded façade.

I let out a laugh. “You know how to wow a girl.”

“For the woman who has everything. Eight ninety-nine all-day breakfast.”

We get out, and he holds the door for me to go inside the Denny’s. The hostess finds us a booth with a little privacy. There’s still a chance of us being seen, and he shifts in on the same side as me.

“Two coffees, please,” he orders.

The waiter’s expression lingers a little on Miles. Then he looks at me and mouths, “Lucky.”

I smile and wink.

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