Page 20 of Thoroughly Innocent Intent

I wonder briefly if my body will ever stop reacting to the sight. Based on the way his eyes rake over me, that’s a futile wish. With a stern reminder to myself that Colt is a notorious flirt, I step back to let him in and follow him across the room to my desk.

“So.” I settle into my chair, grabbing my notepad and pen to keep my hands occupied. “Have you had a chance to think about how you want to approach this?”

“Whoa, slow down. Aren’t you going to ask about my week?” He interrupts with a cocky grin.

“I…um…”

“Okay, I’ll start.” He leans back in the chair and rests his hands on his abdomen, crossing his feet at the ankles. “Practice was hell, but in a good way. You probably heard that Dante busted a groin, so he’s out for several weeks at least, but fortunately we’ve got some good talent coming up. It’s still early, but they look sorta promising. Now your turn. What did you do this week to make the world a better place?”

His tone is coy, but his eyes are gentle. Inquisitive almost. I don’t know what to make of that. Between his penchant for flirting and the revelations from our meeting last week, I’m not sure if he’s being playful or sarcastic.

“Are you mocking me?” I try to keep the hurt out of my voice.

“What?” He straightens, seeming genuinely shocked by the question. “No. I’m trying to make conversation.”

“By making light of what I do?”

“By asking about what you do,” he amends. “You’re stiff as a board over there and launching into work as a shield to avoid actual conversation. Obviously your work is a big part of who you are. You relax when you talk about it. So, I thought that was a safe place to start...since I make you nervous. But I don’t bite. Not unless you want me to anyway.”

I’m not surprised he noticed my stiffness, though I am surprised he commented on it. It was an astute observation, cheapened by his attempt to flirt. Although, come to think of it, flirting is a convenient way to keep things light, so that abrupt switch from insightful to playful was probably designed to create distance.

Strange considering he was the one encouraging me to open up.

I should let it go and move on, because after learning more about him last week, I have even more reason to keep things professional going forward. But he piques my curiosity. He’s putting up a shield, same as he accused me of doing. The question is why?

“You’re right. I hide behind work when I’m uncomfortable. Much the same way you flirt when you want to do the same.” It’s a risk to call him out, he’s a potential client after all, but I don’t like double standards.

The flinch is barely noticeable, though since I’m looking for a reaction, I see it.

“I flirt because I’m a friendly guy,” he drawls with a sly smile, doubling down on his attempt to distract me. Good Lord, he’s mesmerizing. It almost works.

“That’s not why you did it just now.” I take a sip of water from the glass on my desk and wait for him to tell me I’m wrong. Only he doesn’t.

“No?” He cocks an eyebrow. “Enlighten me.” He leans back in the chair, looking amused.

“You made an observation about me being stiff, which was meant to get me to open up, except something about that scares you, so you reverted to flirting to push me away.”

“The point of flirting is to bring people closer, Samantha, not push them apart.” Colt’s devilish grin dares me to object.

“It can be,” I agree, “unless it’s used as a distraction to keep things light.” I smile with satisfaction, knowing I’ve just cracked his code.

The flinch is more noticeable this time, though instead of another cover-up, he studies me, pensive. I can’t tell if his curious expression is going to morph into controlled anger or grudging acceptance.

Either way, as the silence stretches, it’s clear my words hit home. But I get neither anger nor acceptance. Instead, I get my first glimpse of the real Colt.

“I’m not sure what to think of you.” He exhales, no trace of his signature sly grin on his face. “You seem indifferent to the fact that I play ball, which is kinda refreshing. It makes me want to get to know you more, and see if that’s real. Problem is, some stuff happened this week that will make it difficult to do anything other than play ball for the next several months, and that means I should walk out that door right now and not waste anyone’s time. Only, I can’t seem to make myself move.” He rests his arms on his knees, clasping his hands together to study them.

I knew after our first two meetings that Colt was a deep, almost methodical thinker, even though he seems to act aloof. But I was not expecting this level of depth. This level of honesty. I’m both flattered and unnerved by it, because while I think he’s complimenting me personally, if he’s here just to test his theory on me, then he’s insulting me professionally.

“So, this meeting wasn’t meant to be a meeting at all?” My satisfied smile fades. “That dinner wasn’t about work?”

“What?” His head snaps up. “No, that’s not what I meant. Look.” He runs a hand through his hair. “I meant what I said about needing to understand what you had in mind before committing to anything. That might’ve been an excuse to see you again.” He manages to look somewhat guilty despite the fact that he’s wearing a slight grin.

“And I might’ve dragged you to dinner just for the chance to talk to you more, but I really did want to hear about your plan and figure out a way to make things work…”

“Did? Now you don’t?”

“It’s complicated.” He runs his hand down his face and sighs. When I don’t say anything, he continues. “Chaser is looking to the future. He thinks a charity or foundation will help my career after football. I’m looking at the present. I’m not sure it’s fair to think about a future career while I already have one. Add to that this mess with Dante and I have even more reason not to get involved with something outside football, even though I want to. You have good ideas.”

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