Page 61 of Racing Heat
“I think I might like that.” I decide to be bold, and I close the distance between us, capturing his lips in a kiss. Just when he starts to deepen it, I pull back and he groans. My smile grows.
“You’re killing me, love,” he rasps out, leaning back so that he can see my face.
“Just wanted to give you something to think about while I watch you play,” I tease.
“Oh, I’ll be thinking about nothing but you while I’m out there.”
“I should hope not.” I make my way toward the field.
He comes jogging up beside me. “Why is that?”
“Well, aren’t you trying to impress me with your keeper skills? It would be really hard to do that if you were so distracted.”
He scoffs behind me, and I turn and shoot him a wink. “Oh, come on, your ego is not that bruised. Let’s go before you’re late for your game.”
Jase comes up beside me and grabs ahold of my hand. “I’m not late yet. We could hide off in one of these trees somewhere. See what I can find.”
I flush when he mentions going off into the woods. “Not the worst idea but not the best. I think the back seat of your car was a better option.”
“Really, why is that?” He drops his hand and wraps an arm around my shoulders, pulling me closer.
I settle into him and look up. “Because I think we might get caught here. More people, more public, and we’re being good at sneaking, so let’s not break our streak.”
“Yes, ma’am. No getting you naked out here in the park. Maybe we can fix that later.” He brushes his lips against my neck, and it sends goose bumps down my back.
“Oh really? What else did you have in mind for the day?”
“I was thinking we could get some lunch after this and, maybe if you’re in the mood, I drive up the coast with you later tonight.”
“What’s up the coast from Tampa?” I ask him. “If I’m remembering my geography, there isn’t really anything up the coast from us.”
“Clearwater is up the coast. We can go there and get some dinner. I found a great place when I was exploring,” he tells me.
“I think I’d like that. Really looking to spend a lot of time with me today, aren’t you?” I ask him, glancing over to catch him smile and chuckle.
“Well, I thought about how daft I was for taking you in the car, and that maybe I should try to do some things right. I thought you might enjoy the gesture,” he says with a shrug. We stop a few feet from his friends, facing each other.
“I would love that. I think it sounds like a great day. Thank you for thinking of it. And for the record, I have no concerns with the way we hooked up last night. In my opinion, it was the perfect ending to the perfect day. I scored in more ways than one.” I shoot him a wink and start walking away from him. “I see some bleachers over there. I’m going to go make some friends with the players’ husbands and wives.”
“Enjoy!” he calls after me.
“Have a great game,” I call in return.
I head over to the bleachers and chose the top row so that I have a back rest, then I watch him talk to some of the other players. He slides a bag off his shoulder and pulls out his goalie gloves. They’re red and black; must be his gloves fromManchester. If I remember correctly, those are his old team’s colors. He pulls out a red pinny and pulls it on.
Jase high-fives and fist-bumps some of the guys and girls. It looks like he knows them pretty well. I peek down at my phone and see that I have a text from Mac.
Mac:Hey, won’t be home tonight. I hope that’s okay. I’m heading to Danny’s for the day
.
I smile and shake my head. Mac always makes sure she checks on me before she runs and hides away with Danny. I appreciate that she does it. I know she feels guilty about spending time with him from time to time, but I love this for her. She’s found someone who is good for her.
Cassie:Have a great night. Thanks for checking in.
I send a kissy face emoji and wonder if I’ll ever be able to send her a text about Jase like that. Or if the four of us could ever hang out together. Mac and I weren’t big on dating in college; most of our time was spent focusing on soccer and studies. I didn’t think I would start anything with anyone here in Tampa. Mostly because I only hang out with the team. Not much of a chance to meet anyone. But there came Jase.
I can’t quite pinpoint when I started to notice him as more than Hendrix’s coach who she would complain about from time to time, even though deep down I think she enjoyed how much he pushed her. He’s made her a better keeper. At some point over the last few weeks, something changed. I noticed the strong jawline. The sexy way he says things with his accent, combining our American words with his English ones. That’s the bonusof Danny spending so much time with Mac—when we all hang out, so does Jase. It allowed me to see him differently. I’m glad Danny brought him into this circle.
