When the clock ticks down to the final seconds, I’m happy to know Luke’s led his team to a victory. Rainier’s up by a touchdown, and they have control of the ball for the last minute. The quarterback takes a knee, twice, and the game is over.
My family and I cheer right along with the rest of the crowd and sit to watch the post-game activity on the field. The look of pure joy radiates from Luke as he makes his way across the field to congratulate his players and other coaches. He interacts with players and coaches from the Eagles team, too. Pride soars through me as I see him celebrate his team’s success.
Eventually, my family and I make our way out of the stadium and say goodbye before they exit the building. They each have long drives ahead of them, to be home for work or school in the morning. They insist I thank Luke again and tell him they look forward to seeing him again.
Instead of exiting the building with the rest of my family, I make my way to Luke’s office. He had warned me it’ll take some time before he can meet me, but I had assured him, I’d be fine. My parents had helped me drop off my car at Luke’s building before the game, and we carpooled to the stadium. I handed off my laptop to Luke this morning, so I have something I can work on after taking a break from my writing schedule and enjoying the game. I was relieved to get to his loft before he had to leave for the stadium.
As I near his office, I’m approached by a middle-aged woman dressed professionally, compared to the fans in the stadium. She’s wearing Rainier colors but pulls it off with a Navy-blue blouse paired with dark gray slacks. Her sleek brown hair lays on her shoulders, and her heels click along the concrete floors. She wears a friendly smile and stops to greet me. “Are you Danika Fallon?”
I nod once in affirmation. “Yes, I am.”
“Hello.” She reaches out her hand to shake mine. “I’m Harlow Ryan, Luke Leighton’s personal assistant. He’s asked me to show you around and get you comfortable while he finishes with the team.”
“Oh,” I say, a bit shocked. He never mentioned someone meeting me. “He didn’t have to go to such trouble.”
“It’s no trouble.” Her kind voice assures me. “I have to stay here until the dust settles from the game. Really. Showing you around isn’t a problem. Trust me.”
She leads me to what I presume is Luke’s office and unlocks the door. She gestures for me to enter. “There’s a bathroom off to the right and a fridge if you need anything to drink. I always keep a variety of things in this cupboard, too, if you want a snack.”
Having just eaten before and during the game, I reply, “I’m good for now. But, thanks.”
Harlow motions toward the door. “I’ll be in my office across the hall should you need me.” She walks to the door and stops. “For what it’s worth, I’ve worked with Luke since he started here. I can’t say I’ve ever seen him smile more.”
What do I even say to that?
Thankfully, I don’t have to say anything. She nods approvingly in a motherly way and slips out of the room, closing the door behind her.
Well… That was interesting.
Now that I’m alone in Luke’s office, I take in the room around me. There’s a full conference table off to one side that would easily sit ten people around it. Extra chairs line the wall behind it.
There’s an inviting dark leather couch and loveseat in a sitting area around a large flat-screen TV encased in bookshelves that have a large set of shelves to the side. I walk closer to see some of the photos displayed. Some are of the stadium. Some are players on the field. There’s one of Luke and what I assume are his family members, as they each share the same blue eyes, and the older man resembles Luke. His mother has similar dark hair, but her eyes sparkle a light-golden brown. Luke’s sister is the perfect blend of her parents. She has her mother’s lean stature with her father’s distinct features.
Not wanting to invade Luke’s privacy entirely, I force myself to stop reveling and get to work. As I turn to retrieve my laptop bag on Luke’s desk, I notice his desk is dark, masculine, and a prominent feature in the expansive room. It’s fairly tidy, with only a few folders in the corner in what appears to be an “in box.” His high-back chair looks like it’s made to withstand lots of hours of use.
Not wanting to invade his space, I set myself up at the conference table. I choose a spot where I can admire the City of Tacoma from the window as well as watch for anyone entering the room. Not sure why, but I don’t like having my back to any door. It might have something to do with my brothers always sneaking up on me, but who really knows; maybe I watched too many scary movies as a kid. All I know is I’ve had this habit for as long as I can remember.
Unpacking my laptop, I spread out the notebook I use as my book bible and place one of my various pens next to it. I fire up my trusty machine and open my latest work in progress. I start my ritual of rereading the last scene written to make sure I stay with the flow of things. As I reach the end of what I’ve written, words pour freely. My fingers fly across the keyboard, and I’m deep into the zone, until I hear the door snick open.
My breath catches, and my eyes gravitate to the man with the sexiest smile known to womankind. He glides effortlessly to meet me.
“Hey there, Coach,” I tease. “Nice game.”
“The game’s the last thing on my mind right now, Danika.” He wraps his arms around me and pulls me close to his body. He smells even better this close. My mouth waters, and I’m dying to kiss him.
“I can get on board with that.” He leaves me breathless.
He closes the distance between our lips and sears me with the most toe-curling kiss I’ve ever experienced.Football, smootball.The game quickly becomes the furthest thing from my mind.
