Page 63 of Sack

“I’m here for Colt.”

“P. Colton? I didn’t know you two were dating.”

Ivy shook her head. “We’re just friends. What about you? Who on the team do you know?”

“Oz invited me.” She held up a hand. “And before you ask, we’re just friends, too.”

Ivy noticed a glimmer of disappointment flash across Emerson’s face before she concealed it. There was more to that story, but Ivy didn’t feel she knew Emerson well enough to pry. So instead, she asked, “How’s business?”

“It’s great.” Emerson sat in the seat next to her and got situated, tucking her bag under her chair and sticking her soda in the cup holder. “We’re so busy, at times there’s more than an hour wait to be seated. I guess having the news spread that a pro football player visits your establishment on a daily basis will really fill the seats.” Her eyes grew wide, and she quickly added, “And I’m sure your media campaign is doing wonders, too.”

Ivy laughed. “Oh, no, I’m sure it’s all Oz. I built a rockin’ website, but I’m not so arrogant I can’t give credit where credit is due.”

“Well, whatever the reason, I’m happy.”

Ivy beamed. “Me, too.” Players started to run out onto the field. “I’m so excited. Oh, by the way, how much do you know about football?”

Emerson laughed. “Not a damn thing.”

Colt was one of the last of his team to emerge from the locker room. Ivy had already seen and said hello to Linc and then Oz before he left with a smiling Emerson. Ivy was standing at the mouth of the tunnel amid a few other waiting stragglers, so she saw Colt before he saw her. He created a presence even in the spacious tunnel he walked down. The overhead lights reflected off his wet hair and spotlighted his approach. His broad shoulders pulled the fabric of his t-shirt taut, as did his arm muscles filling the short sleeves. His jeans fit to perfection and were so soft and worn, they sported a few holes, the biggest of which uncovered his knee, the leftover strings flashing glimpses of tanned skin.

She only had a few seconds to observe him unaware before he spotted her. A big grin transformed his face and he picked up speed until he hit a slow jog. His arms came around her as soon as he reached her, and her feet were off the ground less than a second later as he picked her up and spun her.

Ivy was all smiles. How could she not be, his good mood was contagious. “Happy?”

His lips landed on hers in a hard, but too brief, kiss. “I’m in the mood to celebrate.”

“Emerson and Oz are celebrating at The Parting Glass. We can go there. I think Linc will be there, too.”

He was shaking his head before she even finished. “I was thinking something a little more private.”

“I know what that means.”

He shook his head again. “No… Well, yes, eventually, but I want to celebrate traditionally first.”

“What did you have in mind?”

“You’ll see.”

They drove about twenty minutes before Colt pulled into a swanky hotel, coming to a halt in front of the valet station. The attendant opened her door and Colt swung out his side.

“Great game today, Mr. Colton.” If the attendant was surprised to see Colt emerge from the car, he didn’t show it.

“Thanks.” Colt tossed his keys and the attendant bobbled them a bit before catching them with both hands.

He gave Colt a sheepish grin. “Good thing I’m not a receiver.”

“Hey, a catch is a catch.” Colt took Ivy’s hand and led her through the glass doors.

“Wow. This place is beautiful.” Ivy admired the painted mural on the domed ceiling of the lobby depicting chubby cherubs and women in flowing gauze dresses. Gold fixtures accented the walls and her sneakers squeaked across white marble. She was completely underdressed but so was Colt. At least they were a matched set.

There was a line for the check-in desk with about five people waiting that Colt bypassed. They entered a glass-enclosed office.

“Ah, Mr. Colton.” A woman in a tailored suit stood from behind her desk. “It’s an honor to have you staying with us. Please, take a seat.” She indicated a set of plush chairs.

The woman started frantically typing on her computer. “We were able to accommodate all your specifications.”

“Thank you.”

---