“Obviously, I do, babe. But because we’renotgoing to go through the motions, you’d probably enjoy this more if you let down your hair. You’re too organized, systematic, strict...” He trails off, then waggles his finger at me. “Wait. Why did I get the headmistress and the other guys just got regular chicks?”
He’s a rotten apple, alright. I sharpen my eyebrow like I would a pencil. “We are called teachers or coaches.”
“But were you warned that I’d be the most problematic?” His smirk hints toward pride at the possibility.
“No, Mr. Wolfe. I figured that out myself.”
“Just Wolf,” he corrects.
He leans back as though fighting against sitting up straighter, even though slouching in the upright wooden chair has to be uncomfortable.
“What’s your goal for the next thirty days?” I ask.
“To not ruin my career.” But the dismissive glance and jut of his chin suggest he isn’t going to give up on doing everything in his power to annoy me.
Little does he know, my arsenal for guys like him is well stocked. “That’s a good start.”
However, Connor probably consulted his playbook or whatever to figure out his next moves, because he’s relatively agreeable for the next few minutes while I review dinner manners. “Do you have any questions?”
“Are you single?”
I will my jaw not to drop.
He smirks. “I’m asking for a friend.”
I scoff. “Unlikely.” Hismeowin the courtyard echoes in my mind. Time to raise the drawbridge and keep Connor out. “If I had to guess, it’s more like you’re trying to see how far you can push me before I snap.”
“Not so. You’re hot, but I have a theory.” As he speaks, his eyes never leave mine, even as he rubs the rim of his water glass with his forefinger.
Somehow, he pokes at embers I didn’t know I had inside. I swallow thickly in hopes of putting out any potential fires.
“What’s your theory?” I instantly regret taking the bait.
“That you’re hot but don’t know it. Haven’t been trained in the fine art of flirting and letting a guy be interested in you. Maybe I have something to learn from you about being more well-behaved. However, the same might be said about me. Perhaps, I can teach you a thing or two. Namely, that you, Kitty Cat, are hot.”
My temperature spikes and his comment confirms that he was talking about me when I overheard him in the courtyard. However, all he sees isa hot chick. Not a career professional. Not a teacher or coach or an intelligent woman with hopes and dreams. Well, maybe not that last part. I’m not sure what those are, because allowing myself to think that way is dangerous and will only end in disappointment. I have to focus on my job.
My heart stutters.
Connor’s eyes remain fixed on me and a grin curls on his lips. “No, really, I know a guy who likes uptight, smug, tough-to-crack women like you.”
I bristle but keep my cool. “What pleasant compliments. Your friend must have good taste, but in this case, my sincerest apologies because he won’t be finding out what he’s missing.” I hide a smile at the zinger.
His copper-brown eyes don’t leave me. No, they dig deeper, trying to find my vulnerabilities.
Blistering emotions grow inside as I realize what I’m feeling and I hate Connor for it.
He remains silent, not firing back. Instead, he cradles the back of his head in his hands. His biceps flex. Without meaning to, my gaze flits over them. The blazing heat of anger morphs as my cheeks warm all over again.
He knows exactly what he’s doing, getting me all flustered with his man muscles.
I’m left with no other option than to be like the general in the painting behind me and prepare for battle, because if there was one thing I won’t lose, it’s my heart.
12
CONNOR
Some would say beauty and grace are a blessing, but it isn’t fair that I’ve been cursed with an attractive coach—Cateline, not Hammer—and have to keep my hands off.
