Page 43 of Love on the Line

Throat dry, she swallowed, her pulse beating fast. He looked as uncomfortable as a kid sitting in the principal’s office. Might as well spit it out. “I’m not glamorous like the women in those online pictures. And I don’t know if you’re embarrassed to be with me and only want to take other women out on the town. Either way, I’m not sure I fit into your lifestyle.”

He let out a big sigh. “Is that what you think? That I’m embarrassed to be with you?”

“I don’t know what else to think.”

“Well not that. Nothing could be further from the truth.” He covered her hand with his. “You’re gorgeous. It’s all I can do to keep my hands off you. Do you know how many cold showers I’ve had in the last week alone?”

She glanced at him. His green eyes were wide and intent on hers. Picturing him in the shower sent a hot flame to her face.

“That right there.” He touched her cheek. “When you blush, I can barely breathe. So damn beautiful.”

The heat in his eyes matched his words and caused her to squirm.

He lowered his hand and held both of hers. “Yes, in my football days I lived in the spotlight and went out a lot. I don’t regret it. I was young and enjoyed the excitement. But everything changed when I retired and spent a year with my mother. I grew up a lot in that time.”

“It had to be hard. A huge shift of lifestyle.”

He shrugged. “I haven’t dated much since, and when I have, it’s fallen flat. I’m not looking for the same thing anymore. The recent picture you saw must have been the one taken at a Big Brothers Big Sisters event that had been planned for months. I don’t personally know that woman. Celebrity shots bring attention to the program, so we posed for a picture. That’s all it was.”

A sprig of hope took root, and the angst of the last week melted. Wyatt had never mentioned his involvement with the kids.

He scooted his chair closer. “If you want to go out, I’d love to take you. The reason I haven’t is because…maybe it’s selfish, but I like just being with you. Watching movies, taking walks, cooking dinners. Well, me helping you cook. I’ve never done that with anyone.”

“You haven’t?”

“No. I’ve never dated anyone like you. A lot of the women in my past were interested in my money, or to be seen with a famous football player, or have a glitzy night out. I don’t get that from you. In fact, I feel like all the cameras make you uncomfortable, which is the last thing I want.” He rubbed her hands. “You’re real, and caring, and you don’t mind getting down on the floor to hug my mangy mutt.”

Her chest expanded, giving her breathing space.

“I’m so sorry if I made you feel bad. And as far as my lifestyle, yeah, I like nice things. But I don’t live extravagantly. I’ve been there and done that.” He waved a hand around the apartment. “This is temporary, but it’s also fine until I figure out what’s next. And even if I get the job at USC, my limelight days are over. There won’t be highlights of a sideline coordinator calling in plays.”

She swallowed around the lump in her throat. If they were going to move forward, she’d have to accept and deal with his past and his fame. “Okay.”

Goober got up and ran over to them as if he’d suddenly realized they were in the same room. He shoved his head between Wyatt and her, tail whipping.

Anne ruffled the fur on Goober’s head as Wyatt stood and asked, “We’re good?”

Goober barked.

“Not you, ding dong.” Wyatt laughed.

Anne gave him a quick nod.

“All right. Now I better get to making dinner. Pick a bottle of wine, and I’ll open it.”

He headed to the stove, and she checked out his ass on the way. Man, oh man the guy screamed sexy. She followed him and chose a merlot from a shelf. He poured them a glass, and they toasted her upcoming birthday. He’d asked her weeks ago if she had plans for the weekend and she’d told him no. The girls were all busy, and they’d celebrate with her another time.

“You won’t give me a clue about what we’re going to do Saturday?” She tilted her head.

“You got your clue. Bring a bathing suit. That’s all I’ll tell you.” He motioned to the table. “Go sit down. I’m flying solo tonight.”

She took a seat as he walked to the cooking area.

“So how are things going with the walk-a-thon?” Wyatt pulled a small pot out from under the counter, eyed it, then shrugged.

“Good, I guess. I have a dinner meeting with the guy I’m working with tomorrow.”

Wyatt turned around to face her. “A dinner meeting for a walk-a-thon fundraiser?”

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