“Did ya now?” I narrowed my eyes at him. He had been a fun surprise last night, helping me with the drink challenge and encouraging me. Even though I gave up on anything happening between us, I’d always carry a minor, tiny crush on him.
“She told me she had to walk here from her house. By herself.”
What?
I frowned. “Gabby, is that true? Did you walk here by yourself?”
She nodded. “My mom couldn’t take me, and my dad is always at work. I can’t miss this. Soccer is my dream. We watch your games, and I have your jersey!”
“You shouldn’t come by yourself. Do you remember where you live? Can I take you back after?”
“Mack Mallinson will walk me back to my house? My friends will die!” Gabby cheered the way little girls did. It was endearing.
Dean met my gaze, his eyes warming as he smiled at me. It did feel cool as hell to have him witness this. I crouched and put a hand on Gabby’s shoulder. “Yes, but I’ll need to talk to your mom about letting you come alone. Now, you ran a lot, but being late is not tolerated if you want to be known as a serious athlete. Can you do two laps real quick while the team cheers you on?”
“Yes, Coach!”
She took off, going faster than everyone else despite her gasping for air five minutes ago. She was a hustler.
“Thanks for bringing her to me.”
“Anything for Mack Mallinson.” He lowered his voice.
“Hey, you.” I glared at him. “You get fangirled over all the time, but I have my moments. Don’t rain on my parade.”
“That’s not what I’m doing at all, I swear.” His tone went saccharine.
“Little liar. You’re teasing me.”
“No, I like seeing you like this. In charge, admired.” He smiled for real this time.
I felt that grin all the way to my toes.
My face heated, and I fanned it with my hand.Dang summer temps.
“Is one of your list items to sign autographs? Can you write your name on my ass?”
“I think it's time for you to go do football stuff. Bye, Dean.”
He chuckled but walked closer to me. He smelled like leather and musk, like he’d just showered and put on cologne. His cutoff shirt showcased his biceps anddamn.He was so hot. His messy brown hair and lips that were almost too full, along with his perfect eyebrows and long lashes. He could leave the field and pursue a modeling career with ease.
“I actually wanted to ask you what the next item on your playbook is.”
“Mm. Well, I don’t know yet.”Did he want to get naughty in public with me?
Ha.
Definitely not saying it washooking up with a strangerorgetting a tattooorgrinding with a stranger.I gulped, unsure if he could read my mind or not. Dean had weird powers on the field. I wouldn’t put it past him to have hidden talents.
“Do you have the list?”
“Of course, I do.” I clapped, telling the girls to stretch after their run. “Gabby, you lead everyone in warm-up stretches today since you were late.”
“Yes, Coach!”
“When do you have to do the next one?” asked Dean.
“You know about our Tuesday meetings.”
