Page 22 of Power Play with My Brother's Irish Friends

I sank into my chair, giving way to the weakness in my knees. “What are you thinking?” The low hiss of my voice helped draw my shoulders straight. I’d never expected to be in this position. Even after looking over all the players’ files and hearing stories from Austin, I never expected to feel anything like this. Not ever again. “How could you be so unprofessional?” I pounded my fist on the desk.

A soft knock preceded Murphy strolling into my office. He took a quick look around, darted a smile in my direction, and collapsed into the seat. “Duncan and then Patrick.” He shook a head full of black hair. “Rough morning. Sorry to make it a triple threat.” He laughed and crossed one ankle over the opposite knee. “What do you need me to do?”

I cleared my mind of all things emotional and concentrated on the job. No more fraternizing with the players. Duncan, Patrick, and Charlie drew me in. They charmed me and made me feel like the only woman in the world. Duncan’s genuineness, his passion and strength, were all part of the role I had to show the world, not take to my bedroom.

The list Coach gave me this morning caught my attention even as I focused on Murphy. Charlie’s name sat tucked between Scott and Miles. My heart gave an extra hard thump at the thought of seeing him today after kissing him last night. Crushing on him for years gave me ample time to find his flaws, but I’d never come across one. Charlie was kindness personified, not to mention thoughtful and gorgeous. All three of them. They were what I called sinfully handsome. But Charlie…Charlie had stolen my heart years ago.

“You’ve been great, Murphy.” I reeled in my errant thoughts, set my hands on the desk, and forced out a professional smile. “I have a few things for you to work on. It’s nothing major, but I do ask that you follow this list.” I slid the paper toward him. Minutes later, another knock sounded.

Murphy stood and let Scott into the room. Almost time for Charlie. I did my best to keep the momentum going, but when Scott’s appointment ended and Charlie never showed, I experienced a sensation of loss so profound that it drove a wedge of doubt straight to my heart. He was avoiding me. And there was only one reason why he’d do that.

He regretted spending time with me last night. Whatever we’d done, he regretted it enough to ignore the call to my office and risk Coach’s anger.

I fisted my hands over my mouth to block the rage gouging me with every heartbeat. My feelings for Patrick and Duncan were new, fresh and careful. What had grown over the years between me and Charlie put it to shame.

Disappointment drained my energy and dropped me back into the chair at the end of the scheduled meetings. No Charlie. Kissing him was a mistake. Maybe Charlie was right to regret it, because it sure as hell made my renewed feelings impossible to ignore.

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