Page 33 of One Time Player

That’s kind of untrue. I usually leave the arena after the players, which makes me even busier, but I don’t mention that because I don’t want her worrying about me.

“I still have time for you and Crew,” I state. “I’ll send you my schedule and let you know what nights I have off.”

“That sounds great. Crew will love that.”

“Okay, talk to you later. Hugs and kisses.”

“Same to you,” she says and makes a kissing sound through the phone. By the time we end our call I don’t have enough time to check in with Mom, so I put it off for my next car ride.

At a red light I text Evan that I will be at his place in five. Then I drive toward his apartment. I’ve gone to see a few apartments around the arena, but most are either ridiculously priced or just too small and grungy.

Evan is standing outside as I pull up to the curb. I have to fan myself because he looks so damn hot in a baby blue dress shirt, a black bomber, and black slacks, and when he gets into my car his scent fills every inch of my surroundings, reminding me of how good he smells.

“Hi, beautiful,” he greets and pecks my cheek. No big deal, he’s done that before.

“Hey,” I say.

He puts on his seat belt, and we head into traffic.

We talk a little about the upcoming games.

His neck is sore, so he rubs at it.

“Your neck is still bothering you, huh?” I question.

He was checked from behind two games ago.

“Yeah, but it isn’t so bad,” he assures.

“I’ll take a look later. See what I can do,” I offer.

“Thanks.”

We pull up to the steak house since I know Evan is a meat eater and this place is well known. I send the car for valet and turn to look at Evan.

“You look hot,” he says as his eyes rake up and down my body.

“Thanks,” I reply. This isn’t the first time he’s complimented me or checked me out, but it’s totally normal for friends to compliment each other.

“Seriously though,” he insists. And his eyes once again roam over my body, sending sparks of heat inside me.Whoa, what was that?The heated electric feeling sends a wave of warning over me.It’s been a while since I felt the body of a man against mine and my hormones are raging, that is the only explanation. Or it’s Evan’s searing brown eyes, his hot body. . . I blink.What is wrong with me? Shut that shit down, Patty.

“Okay, friend, I feel like you can’t tell me I’m hot then check me out,” I scold, and I take him by the arm. I succeed in putting out the flames that just erupted inside me with that abrupt response.

“I’m stating facts. I don’t lie to my friends,” he defends.Damn him.

We walk in and I feel him go rigid beside me. I don’t understand why.

The host checks my reservation and leads us to our table.

Evan sits straight and looks mortified.

“Do you not like this restaurant?” I ask, feeling confused.

“It’s not that.” Evan frowns, and he isn’t looking me in the eyes.

“Then what is it?” I ask, feeling my nerves on edge. I was hoping we’d have a nice chill time. “I thought we’d have a fun night, have some good food, enjoy each other’s company. Drink wine.”

“That sounds perfect,” he replies, sounding distraught.

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