Page 11 of Personal Foul

“Want me to wait with you?” He leans forward, brushing a stray hair from my face.

My heart stops before beating erratically.

“N-no. I’m good. Don’t you have something you’re supposed to be doing?” I look away from him.

“A workout, but I can push it back.”

“No need. I’ll be fine. Thank you again for lunch.”

“Okay.” He stuffs his hands in his pockets. “Well, if you need anything, let me know.”

“Will do,” I tell him, but I have no plans to take him up on it.

“Later, mireina.” Garrett walks away.

“Hey Garrett,” I yell once he is several feet away.

He turns around and looks at me.

“Having lunch with you wasn’t as painful as I thought it would be.”

Why did I admit that?

He smirks. “Imagine how good dinner could be.”

I watch him walk away.

He’s the kind of guy a girl could lose her head over.

* * *

Garrett

I’m sittingon the bench in the locker room trying to figure out what to do next. My schedule’s pretty open since the season hasn’t started yet. I want to see Reagan, but I don’t know how to do it without coming on too strong.

“You still interested in Reagan?” Jude Taylor asks, sitting across from me.

“Interested would be an understatement,” I mumble. “Why do you ask?” I finish tying my sneakers.

“Tell me, is this a hit it and quit it kind of thing or are you interested in her for the long haul?”

“Let’s just say Reagan Kelly is the only woman who’s ever made me think about settling down and being a one-woman kind of man. Even in college,” I level with him.

Jude nods. “That’s good.” He looks away before looking back. “About this time of day she needs a pick-me-up. She likes a white chocolate mocha from the mom and pop coffee shop down the street. She likes supporting small businesses.” He stands, turning away from me, grabbing a bag from his locker.

“Why are you helping me?”

“We all deserve someone who will give us as much as we give them. I think you’re the kind of guy who wouldn’t rest if Reagan was unhappy.” He shrugs, walking away.

“Thanks Taylor. I’ll have to ask you later why you know Reagan’s coffee order, but thanks for now,” I chuckle.

He waves over his shoulder.

I put a hustle in my step and head to the coffee shop. After I have her coffee and some banana bread, I head back to the stadium and up to her office. I knock on her door and she looks up, heat flashing through her eyes before she can stop it. The corner of her mouth kicks up for a second.

“What can I do for you, Stone?” She eyes the cup in my hand.

“I was just thinking my favorite lady could use a mid-day pick-me-up, but if I’m wrong, I’m sure the lady at the desk out there would love it.” I turn to walk out of her office.

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