Page 51 of Making the Call
“Yes, but only at book conventions. And even then, it’s by my pen name. I’d never get called by my real name by a complete stranger. Anonymity has its perks. I can go out in public looking like a scrub and never be thought of twice. I sit in coffee shops and other places where inspiration hits and write for hours on end and never get a second glance.” She shakes her head and sighs dramatically once again. “It’s crazy enough at book signings. Charlotte Ann gets enough attention at those.”
“I can relate. When I was initially drafted, I had a bit of a following from college, but it died down once I was no longer playing. I’d much rather just keep my head down and do my job without having a random stranger spectate on my latest decision for the team. I never had this much attention as a coach before I took this position. Everyone blamed or applauded Ray if they had an opinion about the team. It’s much different being in the hot seat this season.”
“That must be a lot of pressure to always perform,” Dani surmises.
“It’s not that, necessarily. I’m just not used to random strangers inserting their opinions so much.”
Dani bumps my hip as she takes my hand to walk through the shops downstairs in the marketplace. “Well, you aren’t a sore sight for the eyes, that’s for sure. I must admit, I may have watched you more than the game yesterday. You’re sexy as hell when you’re focused.”
Did she really just say that?She can’t be serious. I quickly dismiss it by muttering “Whatever you say, Dani.” Letting her know I think she’s being utterly absurd.
One of my fondest memories of the day will be when I doubled over in laughter as she bends down to hug Rachel the Pig, the mascot of Pike Place, like it isn’t a big deal. I have my phone out and quickly capture the moment. The pure joy radiating from Dani is infectious. Of course, she takes it upon herself to fill me in on Rachel’s backstory, which prompts me to pull out my wallet and fill the famous pig with cash. Who can deny contributing to such a good cause? But this prompts more impromptu photoshoots for each of us as we enjoy our adventure.
When we finish up with Pike Place Market, Dani and I make our way to the Seattle Center. We share many laughs as she picks out ridiculous things I should try on, or stops to pose for a selfie at one of the tourist attractions.
When we get to the base of the Space Needle, I casually walk Dani toward the line. “Wanna take a ride?”
“Don’t we need tickets?”
I tap my phone. “Already taken care of. Come on. Let’s go.”
The wait is short and as Dani and I step into the elevator, we pick a spot where our view won’t be obstructed as we ascend the Needle. I step closely behind Dani and can feel her body tremble slightly. “You okay?” I whisper so only she can hear.
“Yeah… Not really a huge fan of heights, but I’ve always wanted to come up to see the view. Especially since it’s been remodeled.”
Fuck. I hadn’t even thought she might be afraid of heights. I’m such a dumb fuck. It’s too late now, since we’re already soaring high above the skyline of Seattle. I lean in and wrap my arms around her from behind. Doing my best to distract her, I whisper, “Fun fact. I think you’re one of the most incredible people I know. Those butterflies you’re feeling right now? Well, they have nothing on how I feel when you walk in the room.”
Her gasp is audible as her arms clamp down around mine, causing me to hold her tighter. I don’t give her a chance to say anything before I continue, “I’m completely falling for you.”
She quickly turns to face me, her eyes wide and searching mine. “Are you serious?”
“Absolutely.” I keep my eyes locked on hers to leave zero doubts. The elevator stops, and I quickly pull her through the door to a place away from the vast windows to have a bit more privacy, if you can call it that. “I probably should’ve found a different way to tell you, but I didn’t want to go another moment without you knowing. Feeling you tremble and knowing I’d put you in this position…”
Dani reaches up to my face and runs her palm along my cheek and interrupts my ramble, “Oh, Luke…” she sighs. For a moment, we stare into each other’s eyes. My feelings are reflected like a mirror. Words don’t have to be expressed, to know she clearly feels the same. Relief washes over me in an instant. Not being one to put myself out there often, I’m not even sure what came over me.
She guides my neck to bring my face closer to hers as she steps onto her tiptoes to close the distance between us. The moment our lips meet, I want to lose all control. I want to sweep her into my arms and take her to a place with more privacy. But when I hear a loud man grumbling aboutgetting a room, I slow my pace and level of intensity.
I reluctantly pull back and reach for Dani’s hand. “Come on, let’s get something to eat and enjoy the view from the restaurant.”
It takes about an hour for the room to rotate and see the entire view from below. I’m relieved to know Dani isn’t as nervous being further away from the window. With each passing minute, she noticeably relaxes. Not having planned a date like this in forever, I’m glad I didn’t fuck up completely. I know she’s adventurous, but heights never came up before now.
As we finish our meal, Dani shocks me when she suddenly stands and says, “Let’s go to the observation deck.”
Even as she reaches for my hand, I can’t help but ask, “Are you sure?”
With her head held high and the confidence of a champion, she dons the sexiest smile and simply states, “I’m not giving up this experience with you by being scared.”
If I wasn’t already falling for her, she would’ve had me right there. I eagerly stand, ready to follow her anywhere.
