Page 24 of Her Football Star Ex

“You do?” A bewildered expression crossed his face. Like he truly thought I must be crazy.

Maybe he’d read more gossip articles than I thought.

“Of course,” I said. “Dating is all about trying to find a good fit for you, and it’s okay if I’m not it for you.”

“Well, that’s very understanding of you.”

I nodded. Yes, I could be grown up about this.

But since it would be extremely awkward to finish this meal together now, and I really did want to eat every last bite of the salmon and Greek salad sitting on my plate, I decided to have a little fun while I was at it. “I actually wasn’t sure it would work out, either.” I picked up my glass of water and took a sip, hoping to appear as unbothered as I could.

He furrowed his brow. “Why weren’t you sure?”

I set my glass back on the table and picked up my fork and knife again to cut into my food. “I was hoping to find someone to come to the séance I’m having this weekend to talk to my grandmother who died last year, but I didn’t really get the vibe that you’re as in touch with your mystical side as much as I am.”

His eyes went even wider, and I had to work hard to keep a straight face.

“Oh that’s…” He shook his head and pulled his wallet out of his back pocket. “I actually think I should get going.” He plopped enough cash to pay for both our entrees and a tip on the table. “It was interesting to meet you, Emerson.”

“It was great to meet you, too.” I smiled up sweetly at him.

He gathered his coat from beside him and quickly slid out of his seat. “Have a good rest of your night. I, uh, hope you find what you’re looking for.”

I nodded. “I hope you do, too.” I took another bite of my juicy salmon and enjoyed the tangy taste of the lemon glaze as it filled my mouth.

Dave might go to the gossip sites and confirm that I was indeed into dark magic, but this food was totally worth it.

And without another glance my way, Dave left the restaurant and left me to finish what was left of my dinner alone.

Hooray for starting off dating with a bang.

7

Vincent

“Hey,will you take Jaxon to the truck for me?” I asked Cole after we had finished our dessert and were walking toward the parking lot behind the restaurant. “I need to tell Emerson something real quick about Sunday.”

Emerson had looked like she was getting ready to leave just as we were walking out of the restaurant, so I figured I could just hang behind for a minute and catch her before she left in her car.

“Sure.” Cole shrugged, and then turned to Jaxon who was having fun making footprints in the snow that had fallen outside. “Want to race me to your dad’s truck?”

Jaxon’s face lit up with delight and he yelled, “Yes!”

And they were running off a second later.

“Watch out for ice,” I called after them.

I didn’t know if they heard me, but Cole did reach out for Jaxon’s hand, ready to catch him in case they did happen upon some ice.

As I waited by the side of the building for Emerson, I pressed the button on my key fob to start my truck so it could be warming up while they waited.

A moment later, I heard the soft tap of high heels on the snow-dusted pavement, and when I turned to see who it was, I found my ex-wife walking toward me wearing the white wool coat I’d bought her for her birthday two years ago. I hadn’t seen her wear that coat since before the divorce. Should I take that as a sign that her anger toward me had lessened, at least enough that she could now wear something that tied her to me in a small way?

I knew the second she noticed me because her footsteps stuttered and she placed a hand to her chest.

“Oh Vincent!” she said. “What on earth are you doing hiding behind the restaurant?”

“I wasn’t trying to scare you, if that’s what you’re thinking.” I couldn’t help but give her a half smile. “I noticed that you were getting ready to leave and figured I’d wait for you here.”

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