Page 39 of A Whole New Trick

I’ve only known Morgan for a short time, but I’m confident she won’t allow herself to fall victim to his schemes. And if she tries, I’ll be right here to tell her she’s making a mistake. I’ll do everything in my power to make sure she never goes back to thatasshole. Morgan is one of a kind. She deserves someone worthy of her—someone who sees her for who she is and doesn’t want to change a damn thing.

Someone like me.

I’ve avoided admitting my feelings to myself for weeks now. I told myself I needed to keep things professional between us and that I should respect Morgan’s choice regarding us.

But every interaction with the spirited brunette leaves me wanting more. I want to know everything about her, including what makes her laugh and her dreams. I want to know what makes her happy and listen to her childhood stories. I’m so fucking far gone for Morgan Caldwell that it’s pathetic.

Especially considering she wants nothing to do with me—not romantically, at least.

I know our fake relationship has endeared me to Morgan. She often thanks me for what I’m doing. She has no idea that, other than playing hockey, there’s nothing else I want to do than spend time with her. It’s quickly become my favorite part of every day.

I refuse to think about what I will do when this arrangement eventually ends.

“Dane? Are you listening to me?”

I blink. Morgan stares at me with narrowed eyes.

I clear my throat and shove down the pain caused by the thought of our ruse ending. I tell myself Morgan will still be my nutritionist—she’ll still be in my life.

Not in the way you want her to be.

“Let me come to the ranch.”

She stiffens. “What?”

I swallow the nerves trying to tell me to abandon this request. If all I have is this time with Morgan, I want to make the most of it. This decision might cause more pain in the long run, but I’m not thinking about the future. I only care about the present.

“Let me come to your uncle’s ranch with you.”

Headlights shine over us as a car turns into the pickup lot and slowly creeps toward us.

Morgan glances at the vehicle and then at her phone, confirming the make and model before lifting her hand in greeting.

Then, she looks up at me again. “You want to come to my uncle’s house?”

“Yes.”

“Why?”

Encouraged that she hasn’t immediately denied my request, I take a breath and say, “Because the rest of the team is going to get drunk at the hotel bar, and I’m not in the mood.”

“But you’re in the mood to meet my brothers?”

Shit.I forgot her brothers were there.

Do I want to meet her brothers?

Hell, yes, I do.

Morgan talks about her three older brothers with Eli all the time. It’s obvious she loves them. They’re a big part of her life. And even though it’s dumb of me, I can’t help but want to know more about Morgan. I want her to tellmestories about how her brothers forced her to be the Pink Power Ranger for three Halloweens because their Mom insisted they have family-themed costumes. At the same time, her brothers alternated who was the Green, Red, and Blue Power Rangers each year.

“But I don’t want to spend the evening alone in my hotel room, either,” I say when I see the budding objection forming on her lips.

Her lips twist as she considers my request.

I keep my hands hanging loosely at my side and my posture relaxed. I don’t want her to know how badly I want her to say yes. If she does, she’ll likely say no to maintain appropriate distance between us. It would be the wise decision.

“Okay.”

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