Page 5 of Calling the Shots

Horrible, terrible idea.

The only thing we probably have in common is our connection to the Carters. Coach Carter being my best friend and his daughter Sloane being Gracelyn’s.

A cheer breaks out at the bar and several guys around us high-five. UGA just scored a touchdown to beat USC.

“Go Dawgs!” Gracelyn whoops, pumping her fist into the air.

I stand corrected. Apparently, we have friends and football in common. The makings of a solid relationship.

“You’re a Georgia fan, too, huh?”

She grins, blonde curls bouncing over her shoulders. “Born this way, sorry.”

“No need to apologize. It’s my alma mater.”

“I know.”

I swallow hard, suddenly warm. The bar feels crowded now, and noisy. I very much want to leave—but not alone this time. I’ve had more fun in the last twenty minutes than I’ve had in a good, long while.

“Want to get outta here?” I cut my eyes at Gracelyn, surprised at how much I want her to say ‘yes.’

Gracelyn tips her head, blinking at me, and I hold my breath. Damn, I’m way more nervous than I should be. It’s not like I’m trying to take her home and get her naked or anything.

Not that I don’t want to. But between the age thing and the neighbor thing, a casual hookup seems like a real bad idea.

After a long minute, she nods. “Sure.”

Pulling a twenty out of my wallet, I toss the cash onto the bar and gesture to the bartender.

“See ya, Mack!” The bartender waves as I slide off the stool, my hand hovering over the sheer fabric covering Gracelyn’s lower back.

We weave through the crowd and I pull her closer to me, the seductive scent of some exotic floral perfume drifting off her skin. She smells like a mistake I’d very much like to make tonight.

Awful idea, Mack. She’s way too young. And that shit’s gonna be awkward in the morning.

I hold the door, admiring her perfect peach of an ass as she swishes past me in sky-high heels and makes her way out to the parking lot.

“Well, thanks for the drink.” She slides the tip of her tongue along her lower lip, drawing my attention straight to her mouth.

Look away. Don’t do anything stupid.

“I’m going to grab an Uber before it gets any later.” Fishing her cell out of her bag, her fingers tap on the screen.

“Don’t. I can give you a ride.”

Pausing, her crystal blue eyes fly to mine, pupils wide and dark in the pale glow of the streetlight. “You sure? I hate to put you out.”

“It’s fine. Probably not even out of my way.”

“I live in the townhouses near the high school.”

“See? That’s like a five-minute detour. C’mon.” I shove my hand in my jeans pocket and shuffle to my truck, unlocking the passenger side door for her.

“Wow. No key fob?” She cocks one brow up high, scrunching her nose.

“’Fraid not. This truck is old. Although I prefer ‘vintage.’ Sounds better.”

She giggles, the airy sound floating through the quiet lot.

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