“Well… we pulled off a great win. I couldn’t be happier with some of the new players on the team. I was a bit worried in the third quarter, but our recruiting staff has done a great job. I think we’ll gel together by the time we finish the pre-season. I’m damn proud of a few of our recent additions to the team. We have two weeks to cut our roster.”
Dani raises an eyebrow, appearing confused by my statement, so I continue, “Due to league regulations, we still have about twenty to cut to before the season officially starts.” I take in a deep breath, and the weight of it all settles in. “Until I stepped into this position, I didn’t know just how much influence I have over these men and their careers.”
“Yeah, I’m sure you’ll have a great season, if the games are anything like today. My brothers were saying you didn’t have your regular players in the game.”
Knowing football isn’t really her thing, it warms my heart to see she’s trying to understand the sport. “Yeah… I’m giving those on the roster bubble a chance to prove their worth and determine if they’re a good fit for the team. With next week being our third game of the preseason, we have some serious decisions to make. I can only keep fifty-three players on the roster and currently, there are seventy.”
“Cutting players must suck.” Dani pulls off another grape, and I start throwing things into a bowl for omelets. It might not be the most gourmet food I cook, but it’s quick and easy.
“There’s so much involved when making these decisions. I’m glad our GM—Uh, general manager, owner, and I see eye to eye on most things, so it shouldn’t be too difficult when the time comes.” I pour my concoction into the pan and listen to it sizzle.
“There is one position on the team I have a question about…” As I glance in Dani’s direction, I see her face flush, and I wonder what’s going on in that beautiful mind of hers.
“Really?” I ask, hoping she’ll fill me in on her sudden change in mood. “I’m happy to explain anything. Just ask.”
“Well…” She plays with the grape in her hand and ducks her chin, as if she’s suddenly embarrassed.
“You can ask me anything, Dani, you know that,” I prompt to assure her.
“There’s this one guy…” she drags out almost sing-song like.What in the hell is she so nervous about?
“You’ll have to be more specific.A lotof guys are on the field,” I tease.
“Well, there’s one in particular… I’m not quite sure his role. It was all I could focus on for a while. Especially when the game got tense.”
“Okay…” I draw out and attempt to be patient as I wait for her to continue. “What does he do? Maybe I can help you figure out his position.”
“I notice… you… um… really get into the game when plays are made.”
Okay. That’s unexpected. I thought she was talking about one of the players. What does this have to do with me? I don’t recall getting out of control or anything. Maybe it was too much for her. “Yeah. I get a little intense, as I’m sure you’ve noticed. Did that freak you out?”
She adamantly shakes her head. “Oh, no. That’s not what I meant at all. I thought you were sexy as hell in your coaching zone.”
I roll my eyes. “I’d hardly consider making calls, sexy.”
Dani smirks as if I’m being ridiculous. “Trust me, you are. I have to admit, I even got a little jealous.” Her expression now dubious, leaves me more confused.
What the fuck is she talking about?
“Why would you be jealous?”
“Um… I have to admit, I probably watched you more than I watched the actual game.”
Okay. This boosts my ego, and I feel the corners of my mouth pull up as I fight off a smile, but I’m still not following her line of thought.
“That guy I’m talking about… It appears his sole job was to get handsy with you. What exactly is his role on the team? I mean… I think he’s groped you more than I have, since we’ve met. Is this something I should be jealous of? Or at the very least, can I apply for the job myself?”
A deep belly laugh erupts from me. Fuck. She’s hilarious. I don’t think I’ve ever heard it described this way before. Leave it to Dani to describe the situation with flair. Of course, she’s talking about Sean Peters, our “get back” coach.
“That’s Sean Peters,” I say once I’ve recovered the ability to breathe. “No…” I gasp in a deep breath. “He wasn’t getting handsy with me; you have nothing to be worried about. His wife and children keep him happy. To us, he’s called the ‘get back coach’ because his job is to keep our team from being fined. If I don’t pay attention and walk into the field, it could cost us a huge penalty. I’m not willing to take the risk.”
“But doesn’t it get annoying being pulled in the opposite direction on a regular basis? I would’ve decked the guy for getting into my personal space,” Dani admits with a shrug.
“Honestly, I’m so into the game, I don’t even notice.”
She plops another grape into her mouth and innocently asks, “Can I apply for that job? I want the excuse of having to touch you all day.”
I chuckle. “There’s no way I could concentrate with you touching me at any point during the game. I barely remember my own name when you’re touching me, let alone our next play.”
“Seriously?” Dani asks, disbelief written clearly across her features.
“As a heart attack. You’re the ultimate distraction. I wouldn’t get a call right if you were there pulling me back from the field.”
I plate our omelets and hand Dani hers. She takes a bite and moans in appreciation. “Highly doubtful… Oh, this is so good.”
“Trust me, Dani, you’re quite the distraction,” I practically growl as I look her over once again. She would be such a distraction. All I would think about is stripping her naked and having my way with her.
