They walked quickly to the parking lot and dove into Evan’s car, managing to avoid three of the opposing team’s oncoming players.
“That was lucky.” Kenzie buckled herself in. “But my car’s back there.”
“We’ll go back for it. How about you let me take you to dinner? After I clean up.”
“Um, I’m supposed to be treating you. And I really owe you now since you did Will a favor.”
“I did it for you,” he told her, not wanting any confusion.
“Well, thanks.”
“Anytime.” He grinned. “I will say it felt pretty good when I scored on that trash-talking goalie. And the cheating! The short girl on defense was all elbows and shoving. You have no idea how competitive those people were.”
“Well, you showed her.”
“She’s lucky I didn’t slide tackle her,” he muttered, saw Kenzie’s amusement, and laughed. “I can get a little competitive. I’m just glad you were there. Who knows who I might have clotheslined if you weren’t watching?”
“Good to know.” She put her hand on his knee and squeezed. “You’ve earned a special treat.”
His entire body heated up. “Oh?”
“Yep. Let’s head back to your place and I’ll order us the most amazing pizza on the planet.”
“It’s a deal.” He turned toward his home.
“But no more kissing. I don’t think I could handle that on top of seeing your strong thighs in the same night. My head may explode.”
“Your head, my dick,” he said under his breath.
“Evan.”
“Sorry.” He grinned. “Now tell me again how amazing I am, and I’ll do my best to forget about how you suckered me into another non-date.”
“Fine.” She sighed. “You’re the most talented soccer player I’ve ever seen.” She glanced down. “With the absolute sexiest legs. And that first goal? Poetry in motion…”
Chapter 13
After he’d cleaned up and they’d shared a pizza—extra cheese and pepperoni, Evan’s absolute favorite—he drove Kenzie back to her car. The hour had reached nearly ten, and the park had cleared. One lone car sat some distance from hers. The streetlight overhead had burned out, leaving her vehicle in a spooky shadow. Outside, the night seemed still.
Evan parked his car next to hers, the engine running, and turned to her. “This is the part where you get out and walk to your car. I leave you and never look in my rearview. Meanwhile, something jumps out at you from the dark. The next full moon, you turn furry, and I’m full of regret for not having watched you safely drive off.”
Kenzie just stared at him. “Where did that come from?”
“Netflix.” Evan grinned. His hair was still damp from the shower, and even dressed in loose lounge pants and a T-shirt, he was the sexiest man alive. He smelled of soap and beer, thanks to the ale he’d contributed to dinner.
Kenzie suddenly had a hankering to taste the flavor from his lips. “Netflix? You need to get out more,” she teased and did her best to not notice all the virility that sat so close.
“I did try, tonight in fact. And found myself playing soccer with a bunch of whiny parks and recreation county employees.”
“Don’t forget your whiny Legal Eagles. I don’t think any team’s ever had that many penalties for arguing with the refs.”
“Oh yeah. Them too.” He laughed. “I did have fun, you know. You didn’t have to apologize with a pizza.”
“Well, what if I apologized with a kiss?”
He paused, watching her with sharp eyes. “That might not be a great idea.”
“Evan, why do you act like you like me then don’t want to be around me?” She knew that wasn’t the case, but every time he put distance between them, it…hurt. There was no other word for it. She really liked him, more than she had anyone in a long time.
