Page 34 of Making the Call
Luke
Shit!Damn! Fuck! This isn’t how I wanted Dani to learn I’m head coach, or meet her family for that matter. Since college, I’ve never been able to be “just Luke,” to anyone. Football was always associated with my name. Meeting Dani was such a breath of fresh air. Knowing she likes me for me and not my status, made my fucking world.
Her expression guts me. She obviously thinks I’ve been lying. Fuck! That was never my intent. Sure, I didn’t tell her I’m head coach, but in all honesty, it never came up. She knows I work for the Rainier Renegades, and I travel with the team, but I haven’t mentioned my specific job title. Regret fills every cell in my body. From the sudden mistrust in Dani’s eyes, I know I need to rectify this. Right the fuck now.But how?
“God…” Dani’s head shakes from side to side. “You must think I’m such a fool.” Barely a whisper, her words knock the wind out of me, worse than a blindside tackle. This cannot be happening.
“Danika,” I plead.How can I explain this and not look like a complete ass?
“I may not know much about football, but I’m guessing that being the youngest head coach in the league is kind of a big deal?” Her eyes narrow, and her lips purse as she waits for my response. Fuck, she’s pissed.
Before I can say anything, her mother interrupts, “We’ll… just… leave you two… alone.” She ushers the rest of her family out of the room. Dani’s brothers begin to protest, but their mom levels them with a single stare. Damn, I see where Dani gets it now. Only Dani’s icy glare is directed entirely at me. Fuck. This is bad.
Once the room clears, Dani prompts me to continue, “Well…” Her narrowed eyes are nearly slits and her face stony. She’s definitely learned a thing or two from her mom. God help her kids when she has them.
Where do I even begin? I’m not an idiot. Omitting facts is just as bad as lies, but I never intended to hide anything. I take a deep breath and go with the truth, hoping it will set me free.
“I’m sorry.” At least my voice sounds confident, when the look in her eyes makes me anything but. “I never meant to keep anything from you. I told you my name. I told you who I work for. When you didn’t recognize me, I just enjoyed the fact that I could be me, without any expectations.”
Clearly this explanation doesn’t cut it.
Her curly brown hair bobs as her chin cocks to the side and piercing-blue eyes continue boring into me. “Remember how I told you I played ball in college, was drafted, then started coaching when my knee took me out of the game?”
“Yes.” Her response is short, but her eyes soften a fraction. I think. Well… at least I hope.
I stop contemplating her reaction and continue, “All that was entirely true. I didn’t become the head coach until last spring, when Ray Carson retired.” Her eyes widen a fraction, letting me know she believes me, to a point.
“Okay…” she draws out as if she’s formulating her words. “But, why didn’t you just tell me you were kind of a big deal?”
“Why didn’t you tell me you were a best-selling author?” I hedge, reaching for strings and hoping she’ll get my point.
The corners of her lips turn, and her face morphs from stony to shy. I know the instant she connects the dots. Her lips turn into the cutest O shape. If I was sure I’ve been forgiven, I’d kiss her expression right off her. She’s so fucking adorable. But I can’t, since I’m not entirely forgiven… yet.
“I’m not really one to brag about my accomplishments.” Her defense is soft, her expression humble. This. Right here. Is why I like her so much.
“Neither do I. There are enough egos in my line of work. Sure, there are times I’ve let mine soar, but with you, I’ve never felt a need.” I reach my hand up to brush a loose curl from her face and rest it on her shoulder as I caress her cheek with my thumb. She leans into it, and my heart races. “I just wanted to be me. I didn’t have to show off or impress you. You didn’t have any expectations or want anything from me. Except… well… orgasms,” I tack on at the end to lighten the mood.
She blushes from her hairline into the depths of the loose tank she’s wearing and maybe beyond. My intent met its mark. Her ocean-blue eyes fill with mirth, and a sexy smile spreads across her beautiful face. “You’ve spoiled me with multiples. Of course, I have expectations, Leighton. You’re a force to be reckoned with.” My heart soars with her wicked sass. I know right then and there I’ve been forgiven.
I pull her close and lean in for a kiss and whisper across her lips, “Are you sure you can handle dating a football coach?”
Without giving her a chance to respond, I slant my lips over hers and kiss her for all I’m worth. Her touch lights my body on fire, the moment our lips meet. If I didn’t know her family was nearby, likely listening, I have the reunion I’d been hoping for since I returned from Dallas. Hell, let’s be real. I’ve been wanting this since I left in the first place.
When I realize I won’t be able to control myself if I don’t stop this now, I regretfully pull back. She feels as reluctant to put an end to our kissing, so I kiss her briefly a few more times before pulling back completely. Each of us pant out a few breaths before our breathing returns to normal.
Suddenly, a saucy grin lights up her face, and she taps the tip of my nose with her finger. “I think I can handle you being the coach, if you realize I know absolutely nothing about football.”
A deep belly laugh erupts. I can’t help it. Can she be anymore perfect? I don’t think I’ll have any troubles staying humble with her in my life.
Dani reaches for my hand and pulls me in the direction of her backyard. “Come on. Let’s go introduce you properly, or I’ll never hear the end of it.”
I can just imagine what her family thinks already. I get here, she attacks me, we fight, and they leave the room. Fuck, Leighton. Way to make an impression. God, I hope they’re at least fans of the Rainier Renegades or I’m really fucked.
* * *
As it turns out, I had little to worry about. Her family’s laid back, just like her. We spend time on their back deck enjoying the beautiful August weather. Sure, her brothers and dad were eager to meet me, but they were almost more interested in my intentions with Dani than my status as coach as the afternoon wore on.
I’m relieved to find they’re avid fans of the Rainier Renegades but typically watch from their TVs at home. I’m stoked when I make their day by inviting them to our home game next weekend. As soon as the idea hit, I sent a text to my assistant. I know I have some seats to use at my discretion each game but hardly use them. I wish I had more time to get a luxury box for them, but when Harlow assures me the seats are still great, I extend the invitation. Dani’s younger brothers jump up and down. Literally. I had no fucking clue they’d react this way. Dani’s embarrassed by their behavior, but I assure her it’s fine.
