Page 32 of Play Action Pass

“What do you mean,you?”

He sighed and ran a hand through his hair. “I’ve not been completely honest. Coleson is my middle name.”

She blinked. “What’s your first name?”

“Crew. Crew Coleson Kiles. I’m a quarterback with the St. Louis Archers, and … we just won the Super Bowl.”

“Oh.”

“I didn’t mean to omit that from you. I was flying under the radar. I didn’t want to share my grief with the paparazzi.”

She held up a hand. “I completely understand.”

“You do?”

She nodded. “My real name is Emerson Adinson.”

He tilted his head. “That’s a horrible rhyming combination.”

He was being sincere, which only made it funnier, andEmmie burst into laughter. A moment later he joined her.

“I don’t know who you are,” she managed to say when she got herself under control.

“I don’t know who you are either.”

“You mean to say we were both using pseudonyms when we didn’t have to?”

He laughed even harder, nodding.

“Come on, you two,” Mallory said, waving at them. “Go out the employee entrance in the back. I’ll distract them.”

Coleson, or Crew, gave Mallory his ice cream and then grabbed hold of her hand and led her through the privacy door, which led to a narrow hallway. A small break room rested on the right, and a bathroom on the left, and at the end, the exit. He opened the door and stuck his head out to make sure the coast was clear, then he yanked on her hand and off they went, hurrying down the alley. Emmie was glad it wasn’t as disgusting as the New York City alleys.

“My car might be compromised,” he said.

They reached the end and both peaked around the corner. Mallory held court, engaging with the reporters. Crew pulled out his car key and they kept their heads down as they hurried to the car. And then they slipped inside and Crew quickly drove away, leaving the reporters behind.

“So,” she said. “St. Louis, eh?”

“Have you ever been?”

“No, but suddenly I find I have a fascination to visit it.”

He smiled. “I’m kind of hoping you’ll stay longer than a visit.”

She blinked. “What are you implying?”

“I thought that was obvious. I want you to visit and stay.”

Excitement pulsed through her body. Her heart rate jumped, causing all type of butterflies to swarm in her belly.

“We’ve only known each other for a minute,” she said.“What if you get sick of me?”

“What if you don’t like watching football?” he countered.

“What if you find someone else?”

“What if you get bored?”

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