“Are you in or what?” Reed asks impatiently.
As I mull over the idea of hitting up the club, Savannah’s pretty face and fiery eyes pop into my head. Without trying, she’s dug her claws deep into my psyche. This isn’t the first time my thoughts have drifted towards the combative woman with the killer curves.
I don’t know what it means, or if what I’m feeling is just lust or something more. But right now, I’d rather go home and catch a glimpse of her than have random women shoving their fake tits in my face.
“Count me out, boys. My knees feel like shit tonight.” It’s half a lie. My knees always hurt, but that has never stopped me from going out and partying with the guys. But the guys don’t look like the pretty brunette next door.
“Seriously? What the fuck, Romero? You got a chick we don’t know about?” Blake asks in confusion.
My brain conjures up images of Savannah waiting for me at home, wearing nothing but my jersey. Fuck, that’s new and honestly doesn’t sound too bad. I shake my head free of the vision.
“Nope. Just not feeling it. It’s fucking Wednesday. Only sad chicks going through a breakup or cleat chasers are partying on a Wednesday night. I don’t feel like working that hard, so I’ll pass.”
The guys burst out laughing at my astute observation.
“Whatever you say, Grandpa,” Reed jokes. He bends over and holds his back as he pretends to limp towards the showers.
“Hey. You didn’t ask me?” Blake shouts at his back.
Reed whips around and chucks a wad of medical tape at him. “I don’t need to ask you, numb-nuts. I know your horny ass is in.”
“It’s true.” Blake chuckles as he rubs his hands together like a hunter looking for his next kill.Idiot. “I’m horny as fuck. I’m thinking…” He tilts his head back and forth. “Redhead tonight.”
Cam casually leans back and kicks his legs up onto the shelf in his locker. “I’m so fucking glad to be done with the clubs. I have a gorgeous wife at home, waiting for me.”
“Good answer.” I scowl at Cam, who barks a laugh.
Reed whips his wet towel at Cam’s feet with a snap. “Brownnoser.”
“Fuck, that hurt.” Cam rubs his foot and grumbles, “I can’t wait for a woman to come along and flip you ass over feet.”
“You take that shit back before I catch your disgusting monogamy germs.” Reed shivers in mock disgust.
“You’re missing out,” Heath says. He bumps knuckles with Cam, who agrees.
I sit with the guys for another minute before forcing myself into a quick shower. Tonight is my turn to do the post-game interviews, so I have to hurry and go sit in front of the cameras. While I go through the motions, answering reporters’ questions from muscle memory, my brain only has one thing on its mind.
Savannah Winters.
thirteen
Savannah
AsIpushopenthe entrance door, the plastic bag in my hand shifts, and the savory scent of chicken tacos fills my nostrils. My stomach grumbles. I had another long shift and forgot to eat lunch, so I’m starving.
Instead of ordering delivery, I picked up my food myself and took a little stroll around my new neighborhood. Our little village within Los Angeles is gorgeous. It’s rifled with locally run restaurants and artisanal shops, which I plan to visit on my next day off.
“Holy crap, did you see that?” Will, the doorman who covers the night shift, jumps up and down as he hugs Roberto. Both of their attention is on the small cell phone screen in front of them.
Roberto is practically giddy as he watches the game. “You missed a gorgeous ground-rule double in the first inning. I’m telling you; Nico is going to hit a home run tonight. I can feel it in my bones. I put that on my life.”
My ears prick at the mention of my neighbor’s name. I loathe to admit it, but I haven’t been able to get him and his cocky smile out of my head.
“Hey, guys, what’s going on?” I ask as I approach the front desk.
My Santa-esque doorman flashes me a jolly grin. “Just watching our boy destroy the Grizzlies.”
Roberto’s comment sparks a fire behind my ribcage, making the organ in my chest beat wildly. I shut that thought down and shove it away as quickly as possible.
