Page 29 of The Player's Obsession

“Well, I’m not judging. I hope she has some creativity; otherwise, your kids will be boring.”

“It’s a first date. She’s good at comebacks. I kinda like it.”

“Mm. Does this mean your obsession with Melanie is over?”

“Oh, hell no. I still plan to rock her wedding. It’s not over until I say it’s over.” As much as I’m stuck in my past and holding onto my win at all costs, it occurs to me that I haven’t bothered to check her social media today.

“Whatever. I have to give you credit for the lengths you’re going to in order to make a point. Will it crush you if Melanie is happy and unfazed by your presence?”

“Mm. Never thought about it. I guess I’ll find out when it happens. I’m still surprised they invited me.”

“Oh, well, maybe they plan to toast and thank you for introducing them.”

An uneasiness hits me in the pit of my stomach. I never thought about that. I hope to God they don’t mention me.

“I want to fly under the radar. I’m sure they will be too absorbed in their wedded bliss by the time the reception takes place to remember anything. Weddings are like that, a blur.”

“So where did you eat tonight?”

“Leon’s Steak House.”

“I love that place. The food is excellent, and the people-watching is entertaining.”

“Funny, I didn’t really notice.”

“You must really like this girl. Otherwise, you would notice and make fun of the elderly men in leisure suits smelling of mothballs. Or their wives with facelifts so tight their ears are practically on the back of their heads.”

True, it is an older crowd. “There were people of our age there, too,” I say in defense and then wonder what I missed. I can recall every flower on the sheer lace bodice of Penelope’s dress and the shape of her full breasts. Her skin is flawless. I can’t recall anyone tonight other than our server and valet. My cock twitches at the memory of her sweet lips.

“Keep me posted. We should place bets on the outcome. My money says she will do it. I’d do it if my legs looked better in a skirt.”

“That doesn’t surprise me. I can count on you to do anything for a laugh.”

“True. However, life is never dull with me around.”

Spoken like the brother I know.

“It’s getting late. Thanks for calling.”

“What about our wager? I could use the money.”

“Bye.” I hang up. I might be crossing the line, but I’m not one to gamble on the misfortune of others, and something tells me Penelope has had her share of it. Even when she smiles, I can tell there’s something hidden behind her soulful eyes.

I flip on the TV in the living room and remember Penelope dancing with the vacuum. I hope that means she enjoys spending time in my house.

Nothing major is happening in the world. I call it a night and head to bed.

I get the impression Penelope works from home. I’ll text her tomorrow and run the jersey over after our team meeting.

I shuck my clothes and slide under the stiff sheets, pulling the duvet over me. I lay there, staring at the ceiling. Why am I not falling asleep? This never happens to me. Normally, I’m out as soon as my head hits the pillow.

Dark brown eyes and a soft, pleasurable kiss are what I’m thinking about. I can’t wait to see her again. I need to convince her to go to the wedding with me, even if it means I have to grovel.

CHAPTER14

Penelope

After crying myself to sleep last night, I woke to find the sun defying my black mood and shining into my apartment. I’m gobsmacked by how annoying it is to have it glaring in my eyes, and it’s second only to my brother’s betrayal.

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