Page 64 of Wildcat
“Hi, dream girl.”
Her sweet laughter crackles over the speakers.
“Entertain me. I’m driving home, and I am beat.”
“And yet you wanted to go out tonight.”
“Still do if you’ve changed your mind. I will tap into those energy reserves for you, dream girl.”
“You have got to stop calling me that.”
Which, of course, only makes me want to call her that even more. “What are you doing tomorrow? Do you have to go to the arena?”
She yawns. “No. Dad is taking a rare day off. But, I need to practice taking some photos outside for an engagement shoot I’m doing next week, and I should probably continue the job hunt. Anna will be back soon.”
“Come to the lake with me. Ash has a place on Laurie Lake. A nice house right on the water.”
“I don’t know.”
“Bring your camera. You can get some great shots there. I will personally guarantee it.”
She hesitates for a few seconds longer. “Okay.”
I pump my fist. “Awesome. I’ll pick you up at six.”
“In the morning?!” She screeches. “What about nine or ten? I need sleep. You won’t like me uncaffeinated and tired. I am not a pleasant morning person.”
“Nothing I haven’t seen before. I’ll take my chances. Night, dream girl.”
I pullup outside of the Miller’s residence at six on the dot. Coach’s Tahoe sits in the driveway next to Scarlett’s car.
Outside,I text her as I watch for any movement at the door or windows. I did not think this through. Are we telling Coach? Because I’m not sure rolling up at the break of dawn after a long road trip to tell him I’m dating his daughter was my best-laid plan.
And if we’re not telling him, what are the chances he’s up and looks outside? Will he know it’s me based on my car? It isn’t as flashy as Declan’s Ferrari or Jack’s Lambo, but my Jaguar has a custom paint job and sick wheels that are just memorable enough he might know it’s me without seeing through the tinted windows.
Luckily, when the front door opens, it’s Scarlett that steps out. Alone. Her hair is pulled up in a high ponytail that swings around her head with every groggy step. I laugh at the grimace on her face as she approaches the car with a small bag slung over her shoulder.
I hop out to open her door. I’m nervous about getting caught, but I’m still a fucking gentleman.
“Are you crazy? My dad is up. He could see you.”
Okay, so not telling him right now. Got it.
“Morning,” I say, biting back a huge grin at how adorably grumpy she looks. She thought this would scare me off? The opposite actually. It just made my whole day, and it’s just getting started.
She slides into the passenger seat, and I shut her in before rounding the car to hop back in.
“Coffee is in the cup holder, Sleeping Beauty.”
She grunts but grabs it and holds it between her hands, closes her eyes, and leans her head back on the seat.
“Does your dad know?”
Her eyes open. “I’m not telling him until I decide I like you fully-clothed.”
I bark out a laugh and pull away from her house. “Fair enough.”
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