Page 24 of Truth or Tequila (Grand Slam 1)

“Gah,” I groan, “way too much information. I also overshare when I’m drunk.”

He holds up his hand when he sees the concern on my face. “That’s the only secret you told me. I swear.”

“You said something earlier about tucking me into bed—”

“Nothing happened. Your friend Maisie was there the entire time. I made sure you got back to your room safely and then left. That’s it. You don’t remember any of that? I’m not even sure how you recognized me today.”

“The eyes,” I say, looking down. “I remember bits and pieces.”

“I’m surprised you even approached me last night if you knew you were coming here today. Or were you too drunk to recognize me?”

“Oh God, I had no idea who you were, but honestly, I wouldn’t have known if I was sober. No offense.”

“None taken. It’s kind of refreshing.” He smiles as he looks at his phone. “It’s kind of early for dinner, but you should probably get some food in your stomach. You want to grab something to eat with me?”

“Oh, Seb, thank you. That’s nice, but I can’t hang out with you. Despite what you’ve seen from me the past twenty-ish hours, I’m usually very professional including keeping my personal life separate from my work.”

He nods. “How long will you be working here?”

“I don’t know. My contracts usually go a month or so.”

“Okay, then I would like to take you to dinner, but I don’t want your answer for about a month.”

“Seb—”

“No.” He holds up his hands again. “I’m giving you a month to think about your answer. I don’t want it before then.”

“I’m going to say no right now. I don’t date my clients even after the job’s done.”

His face hardens. “I’m not your client. The Randalls are. And speaking of them, watch your back.”

“What does that mean?”

“It means they’re rich, entitled assholes who think they can do anything they want.” The muscles in his beautiful arms tense up. “Don’t be alone with them, especially Gentry. Okay?”

“Okay. I think I should go.”

“Sophie,” he says, grabbing my hand as I walk around him to the door. He lets it go when I try to jerk it away. “I’m sorry. Just instinct. Thank you for not punching me this time. It’s just—you seem really sweet and I like talking to you. Can we do a reset here? Maybe talk a little bit some time.”

“Part of my assignment is to get to know the team, so yeah, of course, we can talk. It just can’t be flirty—”

“I won’t flirt with you,” he says, smiling again as he opens the door for me. “But I can’t control how you act toward me. I’m charming as hell. I’ll understand if you need to flirt with me.”

I try not to smile, but end up laughing. “I think I’ll be fine.”

He steps in front of me. “Uh, can I get your cell number? You know for professional reasons.”

“No,” I say, laughing again. “You cannot.”

“Put my number in your phone? Just in case you need me.” He looks down. “I mean, you might need baseball tips or something.”

“Baseball tips?”

He starts shifting back and forth. “Yeah, like if you ever have to know how to throw someone out at second or something. I’m your guy.”

“You know I was in a situation the other day where I needed to do that. If I just would have had your number.”

He points at my phone. “For next time. Start typing.”

After I save his number in my phone, I shake my head and walk away, still smiling. I can feel his eyes watching me. It sends a warm feeling all the way through my body. I close my eyes as I try desperately not to turn around and look at him one more time.

* * *

---