Page 21 of Fumbled Beginning

“Please.” Robin waved a hand in the air, cutting her off. “It’s totally fine. Just don’t mention any of this to my husband. He’s a bit of a caveman, and I kinda need JP to keep his limbs attached to his body. My husband is retired, so I’m the breadwinner now, and I’ve got kids to put through college soon.”

I wanted to laugh because Robin and Nick were worth millions. Nick made more money off his investments than when he played in the NFL.

“Would you like to join us?” I asked, hoping the offer didn’t reek of desperation.

She smoothed a hand along the front of her skirt and shifted on her feet. “I wish I could, but I have to get back to work.”

“Can’t you stay for one glass to help us celebrate?” This begging and pleading were so unlike me. Women typically came running in my direction, not the other way around. The irony wasn’t lost on me; it was probably best to stop trying so hard. A challenge was one thing, but at this point, I was questioning my abilities.

“Celebrate?”

“Yep.” I pointed in Robin’s direction. “My shark of an agent just secured me a two-year extension to my contract and got me a nice raise in the process.”

“JP, that’s great.” Without thinking, she flung her body at mine. It was hard not to grin at how hard she squeezed me. Her skin was warm, she smelled good, and she felt too right wrapped up in my arms, so I made zero effort to pull away. I’ve had chemistry with other women before, but nothing like this.

“So, what do you say?” I lifted my chin to the empty seat at our table.

“I’m sorry.” She stepped back. “I’m running to another meeting or I would.”

“A raincheck then?” I stared down at her, feeling my stomach twist in disappointment.

“Sure.” She peered up into my eyes. “I should head back.”

I gave her a crooked smile because, honestly, I was having a hard time keeping it together. “I can walk you out.”

“That’s not necessary.” She moved around me, putting a halt to my attempts to see her out the door. “Stay and celebrate. And congratulations again. I’m glad they decided to keep you. You are a huge asset to the team and a great leader to the younger guys. I can’t wait to watch you play next season.”

Pride swelled in my chest. She had no idea how much those words meant to me.

“Thank you, Rylee.”

She nodded and started moving toward the exit. “It was nice meeting you, Robin.”

“You as well. Tell your brother I said hello.”

I stood and watched her walk out the door. A huge part of me wanted to follow her outside and beg her to give me a shot, but I resigned myself to the fact that wasn’t what she wanted.

Robin must have sensed something because she leaned forward and studied me. “Can I give you a friendly piece of advice?”

I slumped back down in my seat, feeling a lecture coming on. “I have a feeling you’re going to give it to me whether I want it or not.”

“It’s obvious there is something there between you two.”

Christ, I shoved a hand through my hair. She sounded just like Rhett. “You came to that conclusion just from that little exchange?”

“I mean, I’m not blind, but I’m pretty sure even Stevie Wonder could see it.”

“Put your matchmaking hat away,” I grumbled and took a hefty sip of my drink.

“How long before her brother detects something?”

I glanced at her quickly and pushed my flute glass aside. “There is nothing going on between us.”

“But you want there to be.”

Clearing my throat, I played with the corner of my napkin. “It doesn’t matter what I want. She doesn’t see me that way.”

She tilted her head to the side. “I’m not so sure about that. I am a woman and let me tell you something.” She leaned forward and rested her arms on the table. “When she saw us together, before she knew who I was,” she picked up her utensil and held it in the air, “she looked like she wanted to stab me with this salad fork.”

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