I nod, reading between the lines. He’s sorry he hurt me, but he’s not willing to risk everything he holds dear for a chance to be with me. Not that I’d even want that, anyway.
“But I imagine it’s going to be impossible for Daisy to keep all this to herself, at least among our siblings,” he adds after a while. “So I should probably prepare myself for the worst.”
“The worst,” I repeat, looking away.
He groans. “Only because they’ll tease me for being a hypocrite. But not because ofyou.” Then he clicks his tongue before he starts again. “Okay, my brothers will probably make fun of me for goingafter someone so far out of my league, but that’s not exactly your fault.”
I roll my eyes. “Nice save.”
He lifts his hands in surrender. “It wasn’t a line. I’m being honest.”
“Mm-hmm.” I regard him skeptically.
“Claire?” he begins, smiling warmly at me.
“Yes?”
He straightens his posture and holds my gaze. “Thank you.”
“For what?” I ask quietly.
“For everything—for holding me accountable and being patient with me when I wasn’t my best self, for being so understanding and making me feel like I can trust you with anything, even when I hadn’t extended the same courtesy. You really are a good friend.”
It’s the third time he’s called me his friend in this conversation, though I’m not sure who the reminder is directed toward.
I nod and gulp down the emotion in my throat. “Yeah. You’re welcome, I guess.”
“Maybe we found one another at this point in our lives for a reason, you know?”
And even with my list of objections ready, the fact that he’s the one who feels the need to keep clarifying that boundary stings just a little.
“You’re sure it’s not because we’re destined to be friends with benefits?” I pose, pushing forward before I can dwell on those inconvenient feelings. “I bet there are a few more things I could teach you.”
His eyes widen and he blinks away his shock, while I barely contain my laughter. “You’re just messing with me again, aren’t you?” he asks when my nostrils flare.
“Am I?” I shrug and look up at him from beneath my lashes, though I’m not sure what I hope to accomplish. Maybe I’m testing his reaction, and maybe I just want some reassurance.
He puffs up his cheeks and blows out a breath. “I think Landry was right before. You and I are not even in the same ballpark.”
“I don’t know. You were pretty convincing for a rookie,” I say coyly, and he grins.
Then he catches me off guard by stepping in closer and backing me up against the counter. “Thanks for the offer, but I’m not interested in being a designated hitter. And I’m not just some pinch runner looking to steal home.” He drops his gaze to my mouth, making my heart beat faster before he leans in to whisper beside my ear, “I’m holding out for a contract, a guaranteed spot in the starting lineup.”
I choke back a whimper when he backs away. I’ve got to quit teasing the man when I know damned good and well he can back it up. Because despite his lack of experience and unassuming demeanor, Rowan LaFleur is easily the sexiest man I’ve ever had the pleasure of fraternizing with.
“Says the kid who got caught padding his stats,” I manage to get out, and he snorts as he backs away.
“I guess I should let you get ready for work,” he says, shyness seeping into his tone now that he’s reeled his dangerous side back in.
“Yeah. You’ll probably be needing your shirt, too,” I remind him.
“Figured you collect additional souvenirs from your favorite victims,” he replies smoothly on his way to the laundry room, and I heave out a sigh when I hear him coughing again.
If anyone’s helpless around here, it’s certainly me.
monday
11:47 AM
