Let’s just say. They’re not in your league.
I’m intrigued. Where and when?
I’m serious, Gage. You won’t have any fun.
I frown. Does she not want me there? I thought we had a breakthrough in the library. Maybe she’s scared.
Nah. Addy isn’t afraid of anything. Not responsibility. Not hard work. And definitely not me.
Do you not want me to come?
You’re welcome to come but if you don’t have any fun, keep it to yourself. Grown men whining and complaining is pathetic.
I promise not to whine and complain. Unless the ref makes a bad call.
I guarantee you the ref will make at least one bad call.
Do I get to correct him?
Nope.
Darn. I’ll see you soon.
I haven’t told you when and where.
And don’t think I didn’t miss your omission either. No worries. I’ll ask Parker.
The whole island is going to think we’re dating.
Good. Other men will keep away from her if they think she’s dating me. Which she will be. In time.
See you soon.
I throw my phone on my bed. I whistle as I saunter to my bathroom to shower. Today is perfect.
Chapter 9
Make friends with a football player, they said. It’ll be fun, they said.
Addy
Iscan the crowd for Gage. Kick-off is in fifteen minutes. I thought he’d be here by now.
Of course, I could have helped and told him where the football fields are and when the game begins. But this is more fun! And maybe, just maybe, I want him to prove he wants to spend time with me.
Trust in men doesn’t come easy to me. All the previous men in my life haven’t lasted. Not even my dad.
“Who are you looking for?” Mila asks.
“Mom said she’s working,” Penelope adds but she doesn’t bother to glance up from the book she’s reading on artificial diamonds. She’s too smart for this island.
“I’m not looking for Mom. I’m expecting a friend to join us.”
“Who?”
I groan. Mila is in a stage where she has to know everything about everyone. She loves to ask questions and she doesn’tknow when to stop. I try not to let it irritate me, but I don’t succeed often. I thought this stage ended when she turned three. I was wrong.
I spot Gage making his way through the crowd and stand to wave at him. He smiles and my stomach dips. This handsome, successful, vibrant man is smiling at me. And ignoring the crowd around him.
