Page 49 of A Whole New Trick

I’m not surprised Dane was invited. I imagine most of the team was, but I am surprised he wants me to join him.

But why?

Dane laid his cards on the table at my uncle’s ranch. We would’ve kissed on that leather couch if it weren't for my brothers. And if it weren’t for the rest of the Ranchers players hanging out in the hotel lobby bar, seeing us return together, he would’ve come to my hotel room.

It’s been two days since we returned to Dallas. I came over to prep his meals for the week. But, if I’m being honest, I’m also here to see if what happened in New Mexico was a fluke. Maybe he’d changed his mind about us pursuing anything.

His invitation says otherwise.

Butterflies flutter in my stomach. “You want me to go as your nutritionist?”

He gives me a patient look. “As mydate, Caldwell.”

“Are you sure?” Insecurity momentarily masks the confidence I show to the world.

Going to the fundraiser will take our relationship to another level. It could complicate things. How will I know if what happens between us is real or just continuing our ruse?

“Yes.” Dane steps closer and lifts a hand to brush a strand of hair behind my shoulder, hovering near my head when he’s done. “Unless you’ve changed your mind since New Mexico?”

Apprehension flickers in his expression, but resolve has him meeting my gaze. He’ll accept whatever answer I give, but he’s making it clear which one he hopes I choose.

“No. I mean…” I smile softly. “I haven’t changed my mind.”

His answering smile is so bright it makes my heart squeeze with happiness. How in the world do I affect a man as incredible as Dane this way? It doesn’t seem real.

“Perfect.” Dane’s hand slides up to cup my face. My heart beats quickly as he dips his head ever so slowly. “So, I guess that means?—"

“Woah, now. What’s going on here?”

Dane stiffens. Without turning around, he growls, “Get lost, Eli.”

Eli appears behind his brother’s shoulder, wearing a wide, mischievous grin and running clothes.

Dane’s outfit is the same. They must’ve gone on a run together. The iced coffee in Eli’s hand reveals the reason for his later arrival.

“My oh my,” Eli sing-songs, his grin widening. “Do my eyes deceive me, or is my brother about to kiss the one and only Morgan Caldwell?”

“Go away,” Dane growls again.

Eli doesn’t.

I offer Dane a placating smile before stepping back and lifting a hand to Eli. “Hey.”

“Hey, yourself.” His eyes glitter with amusement. “Care to tell me what’s going on here?”

“It’s none of your business,” Dane clips.

I’m surprised Eli doesn’t know what happened between me and Dane in New Mexico. Or, rather, what almost happened. The two brothers are close, and Eli has been dropping hints that Dane is into me since the moment we met.

I didn’t tell the younger Larson about our night at the club, but I’m sure Dane did. Some of Eli’s remarks were too pointed for him not to know. He’d say things like how giving someone a second chance could be good and how people shouldn’t let the past dictate their future.

But maybe I was wrong.

If Dane had told Eli about the club, he would surely have told him about discovering the misunderstandings from that night.

Right?

“Well, it seems getting laid hasn’t made you any less uptight,” Eli tsks. “Pity.”

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