Page 37 of Manny

I put my hands on my hips as he approaches. “I didn’t think they let pretty ball players in this club without a shot?”

He grins, one hand moving through that impressive mane of his. Then we’re pound hugging as he slaps me on the back. “Good to see you, Mans. Fuck, did you get taller or did I get shorter?”

He’s taller than me, by a few inches, and wider set. In fact, people don’t know how he’s so fast being the size that he is.

“Very funny, asshole. I’m the same as you saw me the last time, except I cut my hair.”

He lets me go, looking around as everyone stares at him. Behind him, Tag, Harlem and the twins, Rock and Jett, linger in the background, ready to pounce. Ever since I told them about my friendship with Shep, they’ve been all ears about getting an autograph. Even the grumpiest of them all, Tag, looks less grumpy as he holds onto what looks to be a Dallas Cowboys cap. Tag played professionally until an injury took him out, and now I know the rumors from Luna about collecting caps are true. That dirty dog.

“Should cut it again.” He tugs on the strands as I slap his hand away.

“Ow!”

“Baby.” He turns, grinning from ear to ear. “I like the place. It’s not what I expected.”

“Stripper poles and mud pits?”

“That’s not far off.”

“Shut up and let me introduce you to the guys.” I turn to look over my shoulder.

“I take it it’s these four staring at me?” he says out of the side of his mouth.

“Uh, huh.”

“They look kinda mean.”

I laugh. “Don’t worry,hotshot,I promise they don’t bite.”

8

LACE

I watchManny with his friend Shep and I can’t believe my eyes. Wow. Shep Daniels. He plays for the Cowboys and he’s in his prime right now. He talks animatedly with the boys, and when Manny catches my eye, he waves me over. I smile, picking up my drink as I tell Summer, Jett’s ol’ lady, and Deanna I’ll be right back.

Manny slings an arm around my shoulders as I sidle up to him and proudly announces, “Shep, I’d like you to meet my new roommate, Lace.”

Shep turns, his blue eyes fall on me as I smile up at him. He’s tall. Larger than life, and stands out like a sore thumb. For one, he’s wearing a suit, and it’s obvious he just came from the game. His jacket is slung over the bar, and his white shirt is loose at the nape, and his sleeves rolled up. He’s really cute, but a bit clean-cut and wholesome for my taste.

He goes to shake my hand, then brings it to his lips and presses a kiss to my knuckles. “Enchante.”

I giggle. “Hi.”

“Manny’s told me all about you.”

I balk in surprise, turning toward him.Manny was talking about me?“He— he has?”

“Uh, huh.” His grin is devilish and I’ve no idea what he means, but Manny plasters a smile on his face.

“What he means is, he’s being a giant dick and left his manners back in Dallas.”

He’s still holding my hand. “She is pretty.”

I clear my throat as he rolls his lips.

“Uh, thanks? I think.”

Manny shoves Shep in the shoulder as he laughs. “And I’m being a dick. Shep Daniels. Are you a football fan?”

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