Page 63 of Unexpected Forever
He pauses, gathering up the blueprints. “Rebecca. All the way.” He snaps a rubber band around the rolled papers. “I guess I’ve always had a thing for beautiful, feisty, independent brunettes.”
The look he gives me is downright sinful. When did the room get so hot?
We share a heated stare that’s only broken when his phone rings. He gives me a wicked smile as he moves closer and reaches around me to pick up the ringing interruption.
I should be happy to be saved by the bell, but as his arm brushes against mine, I only feel an impotent frustration.
He slides a finger across the screen to answer. “Hey, Darcy. What’s up?”
“Hey, handsome. Just checking in with one of my favorite players.” The voice is feminine with a hint of sultriness.
Who the fuck is Darcy and why is she talking to him like that?
A feeling I’m not familiar with whips through me. If memory serves, it feels a lot like jealousy.
I don’t like it.
And if the smirk on Nate’s face is any indication, my face is conveying my displeasure.
“I’m not one of your players anymore, Darce.”
“I’m aware of this sad fact. When are you headed back this way? We have a birthday to celebrate.”
The more this woman talks, the more my blood boils. Nate stands there, leaning against the desk, talking to her in front of me like it’s no big deal.
Judging by the conversation and her flirty tone, they’re familiar with each other, and it doesn’t sit well with me. I need to get out of here before I make a fool of myself.
I get his attention and nod to the door with my head, mouthingtalk later,before turning away, not waiting for his response.
But a hand snags my wrist and I’m spun back around. Nate’s hazel eyes hold mine while he talks.
“Listen, I’ve got something to take care of. I’ll be there next week and we can talk more then.”
He ends the call while she’s still talking and tosses the phone on the desk.
“Something you want to ask me, Charley?”
I raise my chin and look him in the eye. “Whose birthday is it?”
A smile plays on his lips. “Mine. It’s the 15th. Is that the only thing you want to know?”
I file that little tidbit away but avert my gaze. “No. What you do and who you talk to aren’t my business.”
He tugs me closer until I’m standing between his muscular thighs. His fingers graze my cheek before tilting my chin up so I have to look at him. “You sure?”
“Yes.” Despite my best efforts, the whispered word is full of uncertainty.
“I’m going to tell you anyway, and you can do what you want with the information.”
I don’t say anything because I really don’t care who she is to him. Not…at…all.
“Darcy Emerson is the head of marketing and communications for the team. I had called her earlier so I could go over my press release with her.”
Some of the tension coiled in my belly loosens.
“She’s also the daughter of the owner. I’ve known her and her brother, Derek, a long time. She’s like a sister to me. I’ve never dated her and have never wanted to date her.” His eyes roam my face. “Especially now.”
My chest flutters, hoping I know what he’s saying. But I’ve been wrong about men before.
