He looked good dressed in jeans and a deep red sweater. Christmasy, almost.
“Nah, I’m about done. But you need to keep the door open so students know I’m here. I have another twenty minutes before my office hours are done for the day.”
After opening the door, he sat on the couch in her office and looked around.
She kept the space neat. Her desk and office chair, a couch for seating along with a coffee table. And on the walls, a few framed art pieces of the mountains along with a couple pictures of her old college basketball teams in addition to her currently coached girls. She also had a framed Master’s degree she’d busted her ass to get.
He saw it and gaped. “Wow. You’re smart.”
“And pretty and athletic. I know. I’m the trifecta of awesome. So what do you want, Damon?”
“Besides bending you over the desk, you mean?”
Of course one of her teaching associates walked by at that very moment.
Her cheeks flamed as Tom Anders did a double take. “Demon Sinclair? I heard you were in town. Big fan. Saw the game yesterday.”
Damon rose to take the hand Tom offered. Five minutes later, Tom finished fan-boying and scooted out to make a meeting.
“Well, now that you’ve embarrassed me in front of students and colleagues, what can I do for you?”
Damon flushed. “I’m sorry. I was kidding about the desk.” He sat and leaned forward to whisper, “Not really. I would kill to fuck you over your desk.” He sat back and smiled. “But I missed you. Thought I’d see where you worked.”
She couldn’t help feeling flattered. “Hold on. How did you know to come here?”
“A little bird told me.”
“A little bird by the last name of Reynolds or Morrison?”
“Yes.”
She sighed. “And?”
“Huh?”
“What else? I can see you’re thinking hard. That or you need to go to the bathroom.”
He laughed. “Well, I wondered if you’d like to help me with something after your practice tonight. I’ll make it worth your while. Free dinner on me. I can swing by your place around eight with food.”
“Hmm. More free food. How can I say no? Make it seven and you’ve got a deal.”
Which was how she found herself staring at two meowing kittens needing some place to live and the dutiful foster care provider that came with them.
CHAPTER 25
Earlier on Monday while Marlie taught her second class of the day…
Damon winced as he limped into Hope’s Turn Veterinary Clinic. He had planned on texting Jeff instead of just showing up, but he’d been too agitated by the pain Morgan had inflicted.
The bastard had dared Damon to complain. Unfortunately, after all the razzing he’d given Morgan at the game yesterday, Damon could do nothing but suck up his complaints and perform all the stretches and exercises Morgan had heaped upon him.
Oh man, but those resistance bands and balance drills had made him sweat. And the step-downs and single-leg bridges had been tough enough to induce some creative swearing.
Morgan was such a dick. Yet the guy knew his shit, and Damon would do whatever he needed to in order to get back on the ice. Morgan and Damon had video-called a check-in with his doc in Portland, and Morgan attested to Damon’s speedy recovery.
Afterward, Morgan said, “You’re moving better, Damon. No doubt, if you keep your progression steady, get plenty of fluids and rest and don’t cheat on your exercises, you’ll be back for that game post New Year’s.”
“Good. We’re still contenders for the playoffs. Team’s been keeping it together thanks to our offensive line. Defense is getting a little sloppy though.” And Colby had moments of freaking out Damon needed to talk to him about. Sure, the coaches were stellar, but nothing beat a one-on-one with a guy who played your position and wasn’t a douche about it.
