I laughed. “Not that starstruck—or, at least, I don’t think so. They’re a great group of guys who want to win, and I’m happy to use what I know to get them there.”
“What’s different about playing in New York compared to Washington?”
“I don’t know if there is anything different. Everyone wants to win, and all the fans want their team to go all the way. Growing up here gives it a different vibe since I know how tough New York sports fans are in general.”
“I know you’ve been away for a bit, but we’re not that bad. New Yorkers get a bad rap.” She raised a scolding brow, and it was as adorable as it was hot.
“I agree, and no shade to New Yorkers at all. All fans want their team to do well, but here, I think it’s on another level. New York fans have an immense love for their teams, but it comes with higher expectations. The Bats may be new, but they’ll be held to the same standards. It’s just another thing to keep in mind.”
And lose sleep over.
“I would agree with that,” Rachel said, smiling as she looked up at me from her notebook.Shit, she was cute.And sweet. And off-limits.
“It’s good to be near my family again.”
She nodded as she scribbled a note.
“I’m sure they’re happy to have you home.”
“They are,” I said, nodding. “My mother says that she’s not as worried about me on the road because being in the dugout all night means less chance of me getting hurt or getting into trouble.”
“I’m sure you were a real menace on the road.” Her lips twisted in a smirk. “Booze and women at every stop, right?”
“Not every stop,” I said, slowly shaking my head when she lifted her gaze. “At least, not for a very long time. Other than my recent stop in Brooklyn before I settled here, but it was a good fucking stop,” I said, unable to help myself.
Her smile faded as her eyes, now darkened with heat, met mine.
“Let’s…um…stick to the subject.”
“What fun is that?” I asked.
“The only fun we’re allowed to have on my company’s dime.”
She shot me a playful scowl, and I could’ve gotten used to this. Eating dinner with a beautiful woman who chased all my troubles away and made me feel lighter just by listening.
Unfortunately, eatingherwas off the table—or, at least, we’d said it was.
Didn’t we?
We made it through all her questions and two plates each of the best chicken lo mein I’d ever had. I’d let out some vulnerable shit on her recording, but I trusted her not to use it. Other than this crazy attraction between us, we’d also connected on a deeper level than two strangers should have.
I felt like I knew her, despite how little or absolutely no sense it made. All I had to go on was the crazy chemistry we’d had, the way I could talk to her for hours about anything, and how shewrote her books. That kind way she had about her came through on every page, and I couldn’t stop reading.
It was a safe way to get lost in her without hurting us both, although it didn’t help the instant fixation I couldn’t shake off.
“Hopefully that wasn’t too painful,” Rachel said, her gorgeous smile once again making me forget everything around me but her.
“It wasn’t painful at all. I knew I was in good hands.”
My dick twitched at the memory of how good her hands really were. There’d been more than a few moments like that during the interview, but thanks to the table covering the bulge in my jeans from reminiscing, I was able to keep it to myself.
“I could send you my first draft before I show it to Gayle, if you’d like. Not my usual process, and I think Kent is supposed to be approving all the articles and promo, but I want you to feel at ease. I know this PR stuff isn’t your favorite.”
“Is it that obvious?” I huffed out a laugh. “I trust you, but if you want to send it to me to take a look, I’d love to read it.”
“Then that’s what I’ll do.” She flicked her wrist to glance at her watch. “I was going to suggest dessert, but I have to pick up my sister at softball.”
“How far is it?”
