Page 6 of Stealing Home

“It’s a pleasure to meet you both.” Adriana says with a shy smile.

Being able to really look at her, I’m knocked on my ass. She is beyond gorgeous. She has the prettiest caramel colored eyes. Her pink button up and black blazer make her tan skin glow naturally. I feel like I could stare at her with that smile for days.Wait, what? No, I haven’t even spoken to her. I need to stop this train before it leaves the station.

“Hey, let’s go grab lunch so we can get out of Heather’s way. We can bring it back and all eat together.” The words fall out of my mouth before I can stop myself.. “What are you ladies up for?”

My brother looks at me with crazy eyes and Adriana looks like a deer caught in headlights. She looks over at Heather for a hint as to what to do or say. She doesn’t disappoint me either, in her response. I’ve always thought she was the best sister-in-law, but today just confirmed it.

She lifts her eyebrows when she looks over at me and says, “Well, Adriana, it seems like you have the approval of my brother-in-law and husband. They don’t just offer food to us normal people often. How do you feel about pizza?”

“Pizza works for me.” She answers.” If it’s okay to stay for lunch, that is.”

“Of course. It will give us some time to talk while the boys go grab the food.”

“Hey Now! We are men, not boys sis!” I joke with her. “What kind of pizzas are we grabbing?” I ask.

“I’m good with pepperoni or plain.” Adriana tells me.

“You and Ty know what I like, Cole. Don’t mess it up!” Heather teases.

With that, we are out the door, heading down to the pizza shop two blocks away. As we hit the sidewalk, I can feel my brother staring at me.

“What? Why are you staring at me?” Questioning him.

“Because you, who are not looking to date anytime soon, were up there eyeing Heather’s possible personal assistant. I thought you were on a break from women after Layla and all the bullshit that has followed.”

Scrubbing my hand down my face because he isn’t wrong. “Not blind, big brother. She is drop dead gorgeous, can’t help it. Why the hell is Heather interviewing for a personal assistant, anyway?” I ask him since this is the first time hearing about it.

We spend way too much time together for me not to know what is going on. We play professional baseball for the same team, The New York Grizzlies. Ty is the first baseman while my position is catcher. We both feel lucky that we get to not only play the game we grew up loving, but we get to do it together.

Ty goes on to tell me that with the charity foundation they’re starting for the team, Heather needs a personal assistant who can help with a little bit of everything. He also tells me that if they decide to offer her the position, she will move with them to Westchester. I mentally fist bump him because the house next door to theirs just became mine.

I’ll be close by.

We reach the pizza shop and put in our order with the guy at the counter. While we come here often, the staff changes frequently. Ty and I try to be inconspicuous. It doesn’t always work and today is one of those days. Even with sunglasses and New York Beavers hockey caps, the guy who just took our order recognizes us. I look at the guy and motion for it to be a secret, so there isn’t a commotion from those around. Taking a pen fromthe cup by the register, and a menu, both Ty and I sign it before sliding it over. The guy mouths thank you and we go take a seat in the back corner.

We bullshit while we wait. At some point, I zone out thinking about the gorgeous woman that hopefully will also be my new neighbor in a couple of weeks. I haven’t been interested in getting to know someone for a while, but there’s something about Adriana that has me wanting to know everything about her.

Why?I’m not sure why because I’ve sworn off women. Dating hasn’t worked out for me and I’m tired of being used.

CHAPTER THREE

Adriana

“Are you sure you can stay for lunch? I’m so sorry you got backed into a corner on this.” Heather expresses to me.

“It’s fine. No big plans, just meeting my best friend back at her place when she is off work. Are you sure it’s okay if I stay? I know you are interviewing others and don’t want you to feel that you have to spend more time with me if you do not want to or have other interviews.” I say.

“Yes, please stay. Let’s get to these questions, so when the boys get back, we can eat.” With that, Heather and I have my interview underway.

It goes by quickly, feeling more like just a conversation than a formal interview. Heather is easy going and just needs someone who can have her back and help with executing tasks. I assure her I’m the woman for the job.

“So, do you like any other sports besides baseball?” Heather asks since we’re done with the interview and just shooting the shit until the guys come back with food.

“Yes, I’m an avid hockey and football fan. I love catching a basketball game too. But since my team has kind of sucked for the last couple of decades, the need to keep up hasn’t been there. "

“Perfect! I love hockey too. Going to games is one of my favorite things to do, but most of the other wives or girlfriends aren’t interested.” Heather says with a smidge of disappointment.

“Sign me up to be your partner in crime to go with!” I tell Heather as the front door opens.

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