Page 2 of Love on the Line

Anne bit her cheek to keep from laughing. This big, manly guy holding a pink paper umbrella was too much.

He dropped it on the counter and sighed. “I can’t take him anywhere. My team lost tonight, so I’m the DD, but I don’t drink Shirley Temples.”

His eyes twinkled with humor, and her heart slammed against her ribcage. She needed to leave. Walk away right now before he made her laugh again. “Well, I gotta go.”

Yet she didn’t make a move.

Her gaze fell to the writing on his T-shirt. “No softballs here. We play hard.”

This time she did laugh. Wyatt glanced down and winced. With a grin, he shrugged. “I’d regret the shirt choice, except it made you smile.”

Hemade her smile.

“There he is. Hey, superstar.” A tall blonde wearing stilettos, sprayed on jeans, and a clingy halter top strutted over, followed by an entourage of look-alikes. She gave Wyatt a peck on the cheek. “Sorry we’re late. I see the party has already started.”

Giggles came from the peanut gallery as they surrounded Wyatt, pushing Anne to the end of the bar. She shuffled in her Skechers. Sure, she liked to dress up and wear heels once in a while, but if she tried to pull off sky-high stilettos, she’d be limping for a week. Jeans and the T-shirt she’d bought off the clearance rack at Target were no match for these women’s sexy, hip vibe. Heat crept up her neck like back in school when the popular girls called her a nerd.

Time to go to her table. She didn’t fit in with this crowd. Picking up her water, she turned to leave, but Wyatt tapped her arm. He’d moved away from the women to stand next to her.

He rubbed his jaw. “Hey, I don’t want to keep you, but…”

Her gaze flew to his, and he must have seen something in her eyes, because he didn’t finish his sentence. He rocked back on his heels and shoved his hands in his pockets.

Great. She’d scared him away. Just as well. Didn’t need a hot guy with groupies and an ego that probably needed constant stroking. She’d steer far away from that type.

When she dated again, it would be with a stable, responsible man. Someone who had a work ethic and wouldn’t impulsively quit his job and expect to mooch off her. Someone she could count on, who wouldn’t perpetually stand her up or not be able to commit to any plans for fear of missing something else more “fun.”

Nope. She was so done with those guys. Looks didn’t matter. Only, she couldn’t deny that Wyatt’s looks…well…the looks he gave her made her insides quiver oh-so-pleasantly.

“We usually come here after the games. Maybe see you around sometime?” He hitched an eyebrow.

John shook his head and coughed over what sounded like, “Coward.”

The minions encroached on Wyatt, their laughter pealing. Still, he held Anne’s gaze.

Something in her chest fluttered faster than the wings of a bird taking flight. Doubtful she’d run into him again, since she didn’t get out much. “Maybe. Nice meeting you.”

She hurried away before she changed her mind. Whatever expression he’d seen on her face had stopped him cold from asking her out. All for the best. Teaching, interviewing for vice principal jobs, and volunteer work kept her super busy. That’s the way she liked it. Besides, she needed some space to get over the last breakup and time to do her homework on anyone new. He’d have to tick off the right boxes on her growing list of important attributes.

The band tuned their instruments, getting ready for the next set. She took a deep breath and pushed through the crowd to get closer.

The lanky lead singer, with sleeve tattoos and multiple piercings, paused to pick up his drink. She stood on her tiptoes and waved to him. “It’s my friend Emily’s birthday. Do you take requests?”

He leaned down. “Depends. What song?”

She told him, and he nodded in an I’m-so-cool way. “You got it.”

His fingers fiddled with the guitar strings as his gaze wandered down her body. “Why don’t you stop back when we take our next break?”

“Thanks, but I’m with the girls tonight.”

“Bring them with you.” He jerked his head in the direction of the drummer and bass player. “We love a party.”

“Maybe next time.” She smiled and walked away. Her face was on fire, but she’d done it.

His voice came over the mic. “Got a request from a pretty lady. Can’t turn that down. This one’s for Emily. Happy birthday.”

Anne’s friends let out a whoop from their table as she returned.

“Oh my God. My favorite song. Did you do that?” Emily high-fived Anne as the girls moved to the music. Worth the nerves to make Emily so happy.

Anne glanced across the bar at Wyatt. The group around him had grown. A guy clapped him on the back and another passing by gave him a fist bump. She ignored the tiny sinking of her spirits.

Wyatt was out of her league, and she’d promised herself she’d stick to her plan.

No room for players in her life.

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