Page 1 of A Whole New Trick

1

MORGAN

I never thought muchabout what I’d do if I were still single at thirty, but I can safely say clubbing every weekend isn’t my idea of a good time.

“Isn’t this place great?” Lacy shouts to be heard over the remixed pop song booming over the speakers. She shimmies her shoulders, and her sequined bodycon dress shines under the colorful strobe lights flickering over the dance floor.

I paste a fake smile on my face. My former college teammate is a flight attendant who rarely ever gets a weekend off, and she’s been begging me to go out with her for months. I don’t want my lackluster mood to ruin her night, but I’m about to lose it on the next drunk guy who gropes my ass under the guise of dancing.

“Totally,” I lie, swaying to the beat and making a point to turn my body and glare at the guy trying to slide up behind me. He gets the message and, with an indifferent shrug, moves on to find a different partner.

I don’t understand how I ever enjoyed going to clubs in college. These days, I feel like a grouchy grandma who wants to lecture Lacy about how this isn’t how she will meet quality friends or potential romantic partners.

But that’s not why Lacy is here, so I keep my mouth shut. I’m resigned to being a supportive friend and keeping her company as she unleashes pent-up stress all over the dancefloor.

A hot guy with a red shirt unbuttoned at the neck slides up behind her. Lacy looks over her shoulder with a flirtatious grin and begins to move in rhythm with him.

I grin.

Maybe sheishere for a romantic partner.

I won’t judge. Lacy doesn’t have much time to meet people when she works thirty thousand feet in the air and sleeps in hotel rooms for one night before jetting off to the next destination.

Lacy’s job makes it hard to form a genuine connection with anyone.

So, what’s your excuse?

I ignore the sassy thought and scan the room, searching for any sign of commotion that will surely follow my best friend’s and her boyfriend’s arrival.

Carlee Jones is dating Corey Johnson, the star pitcher for the Texas Lonestars, and her brother is Carter Jones, the star linebacker for the Texas Rough Riders. The four of us grew up together, and while I’m immune to their celebrity, the rest of the Dallas population isn’t.

Carlee texted an hour ago to say they were on the way to this club for Valerie’s surprise birthday party. I haven’t spent much time with Carter’s nanny, but Carlee tells me she thinks there’s something romantic going on between her brother and the beautiful former accountant. I don’t plan on crashing the party, but you can bet that I will scope out the situation from afar. I’m nosy like that.

“Excuse me.” Someone’s elbow hits the back of my head.

“Ow!” I turn with a scowl, ready to snap at the jerk who didn’t watch where they were walking. The dance floor is crowded, but I’m over six feet tall in these heels. I’m easy to see.

“Sorry,” the offending man apologizes before I can speak. “I lost my balance.”

I suck in a sharp breath as recognition hits me. “Cam Lehman?”

The goalie for the Texas Ranchers blinks once, and then his apologetic smile turns into a flirtatious grin. “That’s me,” he shouts over the music. “What’s your name?”

“Morgan.” I hold out my hand. “Nice to meet you.”

His lips twitch as he looks down at my hand before shaking it. “Nice to meet you, Morgan. Not many women recognize me when I’m out.”

Cam may be a professional athlete, but hockey players don’t get as much notice in Dallas—unlike the football and baseball stars who also reside here.

“My family is big into hockey,” I offer in explanation.

“Morgan?” Lacy’s voice sounds in my ear. I turn and see her teetering on her heels. Her eyes are locked on the broad athlete in front of me. “Who’s your friend?”

The man Lacy had been dancing with is all but forgotten.

“Cam.” The goalie holds out his hand. “Should we get off the dance floor to leave room for the dancers?”

“Absolutely.” Lacy keeps her hand in his and pulls him forward. His eyes are wide with surprise as she leads him off the dance floor.

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