Page 6 of Playmaker

That made me feel…warm and sad at the same time. I didn’t have many friends. Would this guy, with his perfect clothes and perfect world, have anything in common with me? “But we’re not friends.”

Full smile again. “We will be after I show you how to play golf.”

Out of nowhere, an image popped into my brain. Cooper and me, on the deck I’d seen in pictures of Briarwood, laughing and talking. He’d smile, for real, and I’d…

No.That wasn’t happening, and I should just say no, right now. That charm was potent.

He studied me, as if he could read my mind. “How about I give you a lesson or two, you see how it goes, and then, after I’ve proved that I’m not a lunatic, we can make it official.”

“Official?”

“I’ll send in the RSVP.”

This was a crazy idea, and I didn’t do crazy, not anymore. I bit my lip as I weighed the undoubted benefits against the risk to my mental health.

Behind Cooper’s shoulder, I saw Benson, talking to one of the partners. They were both laughing. Something I couldn’t do. When it came to hard work and knowledge and ability, I was perfect partner material. But all this other networking, making-connections bullshit? I was terrible at it.

“I should introduce myself. I’m Cooper. I play for the Blaze.” He held out his hand.

This was the guy who was supposed to make me like hockey. I faked a smile and shook his hand, making sure my grip was firm but not so firm it was threatening. He’d have won a dominance contest, his hand callused and strong. Warm. For a moment, I forgot to pull my own away.

I cleared my throat. “I know who you are.”

“I don’t know who you are though.”

I’d opened my mouth to answer when a voice broke through. “Calliope! There you are.”

A blush warmed my cheeks.Damned fair skin and freckles.I quickly jerked my hand back. What did this look like, standing in a corner holding hands with the hockey player? “Mr. Anderson.” He was the partner who oversaw the tax department of the firm. His silver hair was perfectly coiffed, and his suit looked expensive. Like Cooper’s.

“I didn’t mean to interrupt, but I have someone I’d like you to meet.”

“Of course.” If Anderson wanted me, I was there. Introducing me to someone at the event?Yes.

He waved a hand. “Finish your conversation. We’re at table three. Stop by when you’re ready. Thanks for coming tonight, Cooper. I’m sure you and your teammates are making this a success.”

I should say…I didn’t know what. Partners normally expected associates to jump when they called. He was still smiling at Cooper though.Holy fuck.He thought Cooper and I were…something. And he didn’t look pissed. He looked impressed.

“Of course, Mr. Anderson. I’ll be there in just a minute.”

I was still working through that when Cooper interrupted my thoughts. “See? Just talking to me is impressing your boss. Imagine what taking lessons together would do.”

If anyone knew how to navigate these social waters, it was this man in front of me. I still wasn’t sure what he was up to and what other motives he might have, but this, even if it ended up being just one lesson? It would be more valuable than lessons with the golf pro.

“Okay. We can give this a try. You need a friend date for your wedding who won’t assume that means anything. I need to fit in for the partners’ golf tournament, and you won’t assume anything.”

His grin this time was less charming, less perfect. But no less effective. “What’s your number?”

I hesitated. This was a risk. There were too many unknowns, and I didn’t want to ignore my instincts simply because there could be a lot of upside. But one lesson…that wasn’t a lifetime commitment.

He pulled out his phone from his jacket pocket and I gave him my personal number.

“I’ll message you this week, Calliope.”

I shook my head. “Callie, please.”

“Callie.” He changed something on his phone. “Oh, and one other thing.”

I tensed. Was this the poison pill?

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