Page 302 of Well Played

“Not much,” he laughed. She laughed and tossed her last fry at him. “Seriously, the girls that get invited as guests get… creative with what they wear.”

“You’ve been before? I thought you got called up this year.”

Nando shrugged. “The team invites the best performers from the minors to the ball. I’ve been before, but this is my first time as an actual Corsair.”

She cocked her head. “Are you sure you want to bring me?”

“Yeah,” he said with a soft smile. “Very sure.”

Her face colored slightly as she turned her gaze to her lap then to the sunset. “I’m really looking forward to it. My cousin is gonna be jonesing for gossip.” She took another sip thenteased, “I hope you don’t mind a ton of selfies, since she’ll be screaming at me if I don’t send her some.”

“I don’t mind,” he laughed. “Your cousin, the doctor? Is she cute?”

“Gorgeous, but halfway around the world right now.” At his questioning look, “She’s stationed in Japan right now.”

He snorted. “I’ve seen them military girls; they may be cute but built bigger than me.”

Lila looked offended. Pulling out her phone, she scrolled through her pictures and showed him one of a pretty young woman in a tan Navy uniform, leaning back against a railing, the sun setting behind her. “That’s my cousin, Jo.”

Nando whistled appreciatively. “She’s definitely cute,” handing back the phone. “But you’re cuter.”

Her cheeks colored and she smiled shyly for a few moments before she smacked him playfully. “You’re bad.”

“Not too bad,” he countered. “I mean, you like me.”

She looked confused. “Of course I like you. What’s not to like?”

“I mean, you like me for me. Not because I play ball or anything, but because you like gaming too. It means I actually had a real chance with you.”

She shook her head. “Seriously? You’re hot, sweet, and if you ever get out of line, I can threaten to draw your blood.”

Nando just laughed. “You think I’m hot?”

“You know you’re hot.”

He scooted over on the blanket. “It’s still nice to hear.” He started to lean in, reaching a hand to her chin…

When the lawn sprinklers came on.

She shrieked and hopped up quickly, grabbing her bag and their shakes. Nando followed after, grabbing their bag of trash and blanket. By the time they reached his car, they stopped, breathing heavily then started giggling. Soon they were neardoubled over in laughter as Nando pulled out his key fob. “Let me get you home where you can dry off.”

He cranked the warm air in the car so they were both semi-dry by the time they reached Lila’s condo. Walking her up to the door, she linked his fingers with his. “Did you want to come in and finish drying off?”

Moving closer, he curled his fingers into hers, pulling her closer. “If you like…”

“Oh, I like…” His lips were barely brushing his when his phone rang. Nando stifled a curse before mumbling sorry and backing away from her to answer.

She watchedhim get more and more agitated as he talked. After a few more moments, he slid the phone back into his pocket and walked back to her.

“Everything ok?” Lila questioned softly.

Nando shook his head. “Yeah, one of the guys was in a car accident and is asking if I can give him a ride home. He’s ok, but the hospital won’t let him go home in an Uber because he’s medicated.”

Lila nodded. “I had fun tonight.”

Nanod took one of her hands in his. “I did too.” He leaned in to kiss her when his text chimed. “Crap. I gotta go.” He pressed a quick kiss to her lips then ran down to his car. “I’ll pick you up at six on Saturday!”

“I’ll be ready,” she breathed as he got into the driver’s side.

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