Page 59 of Third and Ten

I take a step closer, hoping to salvage whatever we had going a second ago. “Well, if Ethan’s passed out and Blake’s nowhere around, then that must mean your parents have been getting some ideas about shipping us, too?”

Her face flushes. “Your brother?”

I shrug. “Blake’s like a Sour Patch Kid. He gets sweeter with time.”

“I guess I could see that.”

She slips her hands into her back pockets and glances uncomfortably at the camera. She’s dodging the question I asked about her parents, though I already know the answer.

“How about you walk me to my truck, and then I’ll get out of your way?” It’s risky, but I’m betting she’ll loosen up without the audience.

She nods, and I lead her out, dragging my feet. “So, can I really name my price this time?” I begin again, opening the door and leaning back against the driver’s seat.

“I don’t know. I feel like you may have taken advantage of my last offer.” Her eyes dart over me as if she’s checking me out.

I lick my lips, thinking I should wear jeans around her more often. “You didn’t sound so helpless when you were teasing me last night.”

“Maybe you regret the boob-jokes clause, too, then?” She smirks and steps closer.

I let out an exaggerated exhale, trying to hide the fact that I’m eyeing up her chest. “Oh, yeah. Definitely. I, uh…I didn’t realize a bra could be so…distracting.”

“It is rather itchy.” She smirks and pretends to adjust the straps again.

I huff and try to play it cool. “And I’m the one who turns everything against you?”

“I’m just trying to hang in there, Coach.”

I pause for a second, slowing things down. It’s all very, very promising, but I’m afraid to read too much into her reactions. “So, I’m not making you feel uncomfortable anymore?” I venture.

“I think I’m just better equipped to handle you now.”

I reach up without thinking, latching my hands onto the edge of the doorjamb. My bad shoulder feels tight after all that heavy lifting. Then I notice the way her eyes are glued to my arms as I’m stretching.

“I think I like the way that sounds, Ms. Tenley,” I reply, my voice a little deeper this time.

She rolls her eyes and turns away. “Are you always like this?”

“Only with you,” I say, dropping my arms. She groans, making me laugh again. “I’m sorry, I’ll quit.”

She glances back at the house. “You’d better name that price before my mom starts peeking at us through the blinds.”

“Hmm, that’s a lot of pressure. I may need to think about it first.”

“Nope.” She shakes her head. “The offer expires when you leave.”

“It’s like that, is it? Can I ask for something to be redeemed in the future, at least?”

“Sure.”

“Anything I want?”

“Within reason,” she corrects me.

“A favor or an object?”

“I’m not giving you my bra,” she declares, her eyes narrowed. “Bras this size aren’t cheap, and there’s a twenty-five-dollar gift limit for public servants, remember?”

I click my tongue. “Damn, okay…think, JD…”

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