Page 38 of Caught Stealing

“The woman you went on a few dates with?” Thank goodness Koa doesn’t elaborate, but all the men pivot and twist in their chairs to get a glimpse of the redhaired bombshell laughing with her friends.

“Which one? And when did you start dating again?” Asher asks.

“Redhead. And just recently. Didn’t work out though. Turns out her ex was a hockey player, he cheated on her, and ruined it for the rest of us. She’s not interested in athletes.”

Boone raises his eyebrows and lets out a low, quiet whistle. “Not a good one to lose. A girl who laughs like that and doesn’t care who’s watching is a good one.”

Don’t I know it. I can’t stop staring at her. Whatever is in my burger is dribbling down my wrist while I hold it a few inches from my mouth, but I can’t bring myself to address that problem, not with her so completely and utterly exposed. She laughs like nothing can hurt her, and maybe it can’t since she’s ruled out any possibility of getting her heart broken again. But dang, do I want to be the reason she laughs like that.

As if her gut tells her someone is talking about her, her gaze shifts across the room and makes direct contact with mine. Her eyes widen a bit and an easy smile crinkles her eyes. She gives me a little wave.

“That’s an invite. Go talk to her.” Koa nudges me enough to break my stare.

“She’s at a party. I don’t want to bother her.” I lay my burger on the plate and grab a few napkins to sop up the mess dribbling down my hands. Do I want to talk to Lottie? Of course. Any thoughts otherwise are ridiculous, but I highly doubt she wants to be bothered while she’s having fun with her friends.

“I don’t think you’d be bothering her,” Boone says.

“It’s an engagement party. Why would you think she’d want me to barge in?” I narrow my eyes at him.

“Because she’s coming over with a big ol’ smile on her face.”

“What?” I jerk my head in her direction again and find her halfway to our table. “What do I do?”

Koa chuckles and hands me another napkin. “First wipe the mustard off of your face.”

I swipe my mouth and drop the napkin just in time.

“Now act like you’ve met a woman before. For crying out loud, Rossi,” Asher says, hushed enough Lottie doesn’t hear.

“Hi,” Lottie says and gives the table a preview of that megawatt smile that stole my breath the night of our first date. “I’m Lottie, a friend of Andrew’s.”

Ouch, but okay. Fair enough. We are just friends.

Boone stands and offers his chair, which makes me feel like a complete idiot. I should have done that first, but I’m still in shock over this woman. How can she be more beautiful today than she was only a week ago?

She waves off the gesture. “Oh, no thank you. I just wanted to say hi. I need to get back to the party soon.”

Boone nods and says, “Yes, ma’am. I’m Boone Cox. Pleasure to meet you.” When he offers his hand and kisses the back of hers, I have to fight a little rage donkey inside of me that says I should stake my claim. I can’t. She’s not mine, but I want to hit my friend anyway.

Asher leans over Spencer and offers his hand. “I’m Asher Smith, and this is Spencer Pruitt.” Spencer nods.

Koa elbows me and whispers, “Say something,” under his breath.

“Uh, sorry,” I mumble. “This is my friend Koa Keaton, and Josh Callan. All from the Sharks.”

“It’s nice to meet everyone. Do you come here often? It’s my first time here, but I could get used to it. Seems fun.” Lottie says and focuses her gaze on me. I wasn’t expecting to see her until tomorrow, and all I can do is stare at her.

“Yes,” Koa says and nudges me again. “It’s a regular place for us.”

“Ah, okay. I usually spend my time at Delmonico’s with my friends but I’m at an engagement party tonight for a friend from work.” She motions over her shoulder while trying to keep up with small talk. She’s putting herself out there, talking to a bunch of baseball players…for me.

For me.

She doesn’t seem uncomfortable at first look, but now that I look closer, I see her lower lip trembles slightly and she bites it to keep it from showing. Her eyes, once filled with laughter, have a slight deer in the headlights wideness to them now. But she’s doing it. She’s put herself out there, even if it is only a friendly gesture, and has made an effort to get to know my other friends.

And I can’t help wanting her even more.

I stand and offer my arm. “Can I get you a drink?”

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