Page 20 of Match Point

“Yes, and make fun of me all you wish. I don’t care. I want a muffin and I want some coffee, because if I don’t get what I want—” she yawned and followed it up with a soft, throaty moan.

The sound cut right into his core. Would she issue that same sultry sound if he kissed the soft skin under her ear? No, don’t go there. He was more comfortable when they were at odds. At least then he could focus on something other than her tempting body. “You were saying? If you don’t get what you want you what, throw a fit?”

“I was going to say puke all over the car, but once again you proved yourself to be a complete—“

“Maggot?” Brake lights from the vehicle in front of him flashed and he changed lanes. The sun was trying to come out, the heavy grey clouds thinning. They were heading up to the mountains and the closer they came, the more his body relaxed.

“Why did you leave the military?” she asked.

He took the exit and accelerated into traffic. “Regular Army wasn’t for me.” A big lie but he couldn’t explain without a lot of history.

“What? It wasn’t structured enough for you?”

The comment hit home for another reason. The problem wasn’t the military, it was him. He’d tried to conform, but in his heart of hearts, he hated conformity. Perhaps that’s why he butted heads with her so much. They might have a lot of differences, but they were also a lot alike.

Chapter Fifteen

Sorcha tucked her hands into the back pocket of her jeans and followed Leo into the backyard, nervous and unsure why. The rambler-style home was surrounded by mountains, the English garden dotted with rhododendrons and roses. She was meeting Leo’s family, but not on a social level. Work was the name of the game. She had a bad feeling that he had some grueling workout for her, one that would kick her ass. Her legs still hurt from their run up the mountain. Her shoulders slumped. She was tired just thinking about it.

“I knew I’d find you out here, Grams,” Leo called out to a striking woman who knelt next to a flower bed, plucking weeds.

“Leo, you made good time.” Grams rocked back on her heels and put a hand to her forehead, her grey hair pulled back in a ponytail.

“Traffic was light.” Leo moved to Grams’ side and kissed her on the cheek before he helped her stand. She was tall and thin, her skin gently lined with age and experience. She smiled, the action softening her sharp features. He wrapped his arm around her shoulders, the affection between them touching. “This is Sorcha, the tennis player I told you about.”

What had he told her? Flattering or inflammatory? Their conversation on the way here had been unexpected. He’d been annoyed with her. What was new? But they’d worked it out and she was glad for it. She really didn’t like confrontation, no matter what everyone thought. Stress wasn’t her friend.

The older woman held out her hand. “Sorcha, I can’t tell you how happy I am to meet you. I’m a big fan.”

“It’s always nice to meet a fan. I hope we’re not imposing. From what Leo said, this was very last-minute.” Grams had a firm handshake, her hands soft beneath Sorcha’s.

“I always have room for one of my kids.” She looped her arms around Leo’s waist and hugged him close. “Leo tells me you’re here for a boot camp. I have the guest house ready and Clark and the boys are busy retrofitting the basketball court with a tennis net and drawing new lines.”

She glanced at Leo; brow raised. The last thing she wanted to do was inconvenience his grandmother. “That’s a lot of work. Leo should have hired somebody to do it.” She cast him a disgruntled stare, but he merely shrugged.

“Oh, it’s no trouble, it gives the boys a project and they’re really excited about meeting you. We watched your Wimbledon win and their homework was to study your stats and ask you informed questions.”

“Grams likes to apply mathematical theory to real life. She feels it gives the kids an edge and motivates them to study. I, of course, excelled at it and used to kick Howler’s ass,” Leo said, grinning, the muscles of his face relaxed.

Was this the same man she’d been dealing with for the past week? If she thought he was attractive before, Leo happy was pretty tempting. If she was into a guy like him. Which she wasn’t. “You’re so modest. I can’t say that I’ve ever been a mathematical equation before,” she said.

“There’s a first time for everything. Are you hungry? Can I get you some lunch?” Grams walked toward the house, arm in arm with Leo. “I just made cookies.”

Sorcha fell into step beside them. They were in the foothills of the mountain that Leo had spoken about on their first run. She hadn’t spent this much time outside in she couldn’t remember how long. It was rather nice after being cooped up inside to avoid the paparazzi. Come to find out, losing your temper in public and bad publicity went hand in hand. She stifled a laugh. “I’d love a cookie and some coffee if you have any.”

“I have both.” Grams opened the sliding door of the house.

Leo stood back and let the women enter a large dining room. A long, planked table dominated the space. The open concept kitchen had a traditional feel. Childish drawings were framed and covered one wall from top to bottom. All in all, the place was homey and smelled divine.

“Did the catering company deliver the food?” Leo asked. Although she couldn’t see him from this angle, she could practically feel the disapproval on his face.

“It’s in the other refrigerator in the cabin. We have plenty of food. I’m not sure why you felt the need to order some.”

“He’s torturing me with a restricted diet.”

Grams swept her from head to toe. “You look like you’re in good shape to me.”

“Good isn’t good enough. She has to be in great shape. The competition has ratcheted up a notch. Howler signed Sorcha up for the Bellevue Invitational tournament and chances are she’ll be competing against Nina Garcia.”

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