Page 34 of Pursued by the Player

“No, I took the afternoon off. Nayo is waiting for me over by the docks. Some new immigrants are coming in this afternoon, and he needs my help in finding them places to stay.”

“That’s so great that the two of you found such a great cause to work on together.”

“Yeah, sharing a common passion for helping others has really brought us closer, and I’ve learned so much about Middle Eastern culture.” She hugged Mel and grabbed her purse. “Tell me how it turns out.”

“I will.” Mel smiled and watched her friend exit the café. A common cause. . . As she dumped her empty cup in the trash and made her way back to work, Mel thought about their date and the passion Jett had shown for baseball and the orphanage he stayed in as a child. Slowly, an idea started to form in her mind.

By the time she got back to her desk, she was already sketching ideas for new skirts and accessories in her mind. She had no idea why she didn’t think of this before. The concept was perfect and would show Jett how she felt about him and his past.

* * *

It had beenthree days and still Jett couldn’t get her out of his mind. Things didn’t seem to add up. If all Mel wanted was to use his name on her clothing line, why didn’t she just ask him while they were out on the date? Why send her coworkers to do it for her?

Then again, maybe that was her plan all along. By sending in others to negotiate the deal, it made her look innocent. He realized that on the date, he had revealed a lot about himself, but knew almost nothing about her. Mel was a mystery to him. An internet search showed that she graduated from a local university with a degree in fashion design and that she was still in her first job out of school. Her social media accounts were kept private and her business page held nothing of interest. He had no idea what she liked to do on the weekends or if she preferred reading or going to the movies. She had expertly manipulated him into thinking that they were sharing part of their histories together, but in reality, he was the only one forming a connection. Melody was all business.

“Fuck!” Jet adjusted his cap as the batter hit another home run off of him.

“You’re not on your game, man,” the coach said as he approached the pitcher’s mound. What’s going on?”

“I’m fine coach. Just feeling a little under the weather today.”

“Hmm…” The coach considered him for a moment before speaking. “Just make sure that you are feeling better by tomorrow night’s game. It’s important that there're no distractions. We need a win if we want to make the playoffs.”

“I’m not distracted.”

The coach nodded to the sidelines, where a curvy brunette was watching them. “No?”

Mel.“I didn’t see her, I swear.”

“Sure.” The coach crossed his arms. “Just deal with it and move on, Jett. Women like that need to be peeled off like a band aid. It hurts like hell, but in the long run, you’re better off.”

“I don’t have a problem,” Jett said as he fisted his hands.

“Okay, okay.” The coach glanced around the field. “That’s enough for today. Everyone hit the showers!”

The players all started heading toward the locker room. Mel moved off to one side and let them pass, her gaze firmly fixed on Jett. Why did it feel like she could see into his soul?

Peel it off like a band-aid.

Jett took a deep breath and followed his team toward the lockers. As hard as he tried, he couldn’t stop his eyes from falling onto Mel. She looked beautiful in a classic white tee a pair of jeans that hugged her in all the right places. And on top of her head was his hat. The one he’d given her after the first time they were together in his limo. Just the sight of her made his heart race. How could he have been so wrong about her? Even seeing her now, knowing she was using him, he wanted to go to her and lose himself in her.

“Jett,” Mel said as he approached. “We need to talk.”

“Don’t have time.” God, he was such a fucking chicken.

“Jett, please.”

He shrugged off her hand. “I’ve got nothing to say to women who manipulate people.”

“Ooh,” Diaz said as he passed Jett and headed toward the locker room. “That’s cold, man.”

Jett scowled and turned his back on Mel.

“You can’t ignore me forever.”

“Try me,” Jett said over his shoulder. He had to admit, it wasn’t his finest moment, but he had never been very good at confrontation.

“Jett.”

---