Page 19 of The Boyfriend Material Novellas

“Like now? Because I can see it in your eyes.” She stops in front of me, gesturing to my face. “There’s a hint of sadness.”

“Hey now, I’m not a sad guy.”

“I know that. I can tell already. But it’s also okay if you miss something you loved madly.”

“You don’t devote two decades of your life to something if you don’t love it deep in your bones.” My emotions are close to the surface as I say it, but then I hold up my hand and give amoving onwave. “Most of the time, I’m simply happy I was able to do it at all. And I love, absolutely love, what I do now, especially since I’ll be tasked with expanding the agency into Florida. I’m opening the Miami offices early next year.”

“That’s fantastic. That’s such an important area to be in, with so many pro athletes in Florida.”

“Exactly, plus my sisters are there, and my mom and dad. To say I’m excited about this next phase of my career would be an understatement.”

She hums thoughtfully as we resume walking. “So, you reinvented yourself, and you’re good with it.”

“Exactly. I loved playing, but the ACL tear also gave me a chance to find something else I love doing. I’m lucky that way. I can’t change things, so why wallow in regret? I’m simply glad I was able to play pro ball for the three years I did. It’s a career most people just dream of having.”

We reach the lobby doors and I open one for her. “That’s such a refreshing attitude,” she says as she goes in and I follow.

I shrug. “It’s the only thing we can control. How we see things. How we respond. So, I choose to have a good attitude. And that’s what makes me tick,” I wrap up as we walk past the concierge. She nods hello to someone she must know well, but we continue on. “What about you, Miss Party Planner? What makes you tick, besides exhaustive research and meticulous planning?”

“What makes me happy in my job, you mean?”

“Just life in general. What’s your jam?”

She mulls over the question, and a little smile quirks up the corner of her lips. “I do love people. Getting to know them, talking to them. I love music and sports and concerts. I like to look up the set list in advance so I know what order the band will play their songs.”

I pretend to be shocked. “Wait. The Quinn picture is coming together. You peek at presents and you want to know what’s coming next in a set list. I bet you look up the endings of movies too.”

As we stroll down the hallway, she shoots me a side-eye, like the answer is obvious. “Of course I do.”

“If I took you to see a comedian, would you watch their videos on YouTube beforehand?”

It sounds like I’ve asked her on a date, I realize. And I’m suddenly aware, too, that Ishould. Not just hypothetically. But anactualdate.

Besides, I take off for Florida in less than two months. Maybe I can pull off an entanglement with limits. Like a cheat day on a diet. Then I’ll return to the regimen after the binge.

“Of course,” she answers as I marinate on that possibility.

“And it wouldn’t bother you to know the jokes in advance?”

“God, no. I’d love it.” Her nose crinkles adorably. “Is that weird?”

“No, it’s kind of cute.” It is and she is, and I should not enjoy this so much.

But I do.

And I don’t want our time together to end, so I entertain the cheat day option even more.

She flashes me a smile, one that makes my blood heat.This woman.She is weaving her way under my skin and into my head in record time.

We reach the event room, and as soon as we step inside, I hold out a hand. “Stop.”

She spins and meets my eyes, a question in hers. “What is it?”

“It’s perfect. You are on the take,” I accuse playfully.

She wiggles her brows. “Guilty as charged.” But then she clasps her hands together. “Do you really like it?”

I look around, taking in the room. I’m not an expert, but it feels like the perfect venue. The size is ideal, and the brick walls seem warm and welcoming. Plus, it’s pre-decorated with blue-and-white lights and a couple of wreaths. It feels like our firm—classy, fun, and never ostentatious.

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