* * *
Watching the game’s just as intense as last time. I have to admit, I watched Luke more than the players out on the field. He’s wearing a gray Rainier Renegades sweatshirt over a pair of black dress pants. It fits his broad shoulders like a glove. When he first walked onto the field with the team, I practically salivated on the spot. Damien and I cheer on the team and love that they’ve kept the lead throughout the game.
Now that I know Sean Peters’ job, I can’t help but laugh at the intensity of his focus on Luke. He successfully keeps Luke from receiving any penalties. As the game became closer in score, his job was much more difficult. Luke paces down the sideline with his play sheet covering his face as he adamantly speaks into his headset. I’m not sure what he says, but with the next play, the crowd’s on its feet cheering as the quarterback throws to a receiver in the endzone. Touchdown!
Damien and I are on our feet instantly. Jumping up and down and high-fiving the crowd around us. For the briefest of moments, Luke glances in my direction, flashes a crooked smile, and winks. My heart nearly combusts. It’s like the entire stadium empties, and it’s just the two of us. I continue staring long after he breaks eye contact and refocuses on the game.Damn, that man does something to me.
Damien heads out as soon as the game’s over, to get back to Seattle for classes early tomorrow morning. He makes me promise to thank Luke as he gives me one last hug. I make my way to Luke’s office and once again, Harlow greets me.
“Hey, Danika. The door’s open. Make yourself at home.”
“Thanks. How’s that grandbaby of yours?” I ask as I get closer.
“Oh, she’s just precious. I got there in plenty of time to see her birth. My daughter Ginny was such a trooper. She was in labor for ten hours before Annalise decided to make her arrival in the world.”
“Do you have any photos? I’d love to see her,” I eagerly ask.
Harlow whips out her phone and enters her passcode. Within seconds, she’s swiping through the photos to get one of her first granddaughter. “Here she is, swaddled like a burrito.” She chuckles with pride as the cutest baby fills the screen. Annalise has the chubbiest cheeks with the tiniest fingers popping out near her chin. Her eyes are closed, but she couldn’t be more precious.
“She’s adorable, Harlow. Congratulations.” I’m not sure what it is about babies, but they always make my heart mushy. There’s no way I’m ready for them yet, but maybe someday… if the time is right.
We spend the next few minutes ogling over baby pictures. I can’t believe how cute she is. Harlow takes her role as grandma seriously and can’t say enough good things about her newest family member. She’s showing me how long her skinny little legs are when Luke enters the room, taking me by surprise.
“She sure is a precious little lady, Harlow.”
“Ohmigod, Luke. Did you see her with the little pigtail?” I squeal in delight. I take the phone from Harlow to flip it in his direction. His face lights up with the sexiest smile. My ovaries explode with how much joy he takes from seeing this baby.
“She’s absolutely adorable,” Luke agrees. “Will you get to see her this weekend?”
Harlow nods emphatically. “Yeah, I’m taking off as soon as we’re done here. I’ll be back first thing Monday.”
“Well, don’t let us stop you. You have a baby to hold,” I gush, causing us all to laugh.
“She’s right, Harlow,” Luke agrees. “Anything that needs to be done can wait until Monday. Enjoy your weekend.”
As soon as we say our goodbyes to Harlow, Luke places his hand on my hip and pulls me in closer to him. “Hey, You…” His low and rough voice sends butterflies to my belly.
“Hey, yourself.” My voice is breathless as my face is mere inches away from his. “Great game, Coach.”
“Thanks. The best part was watching you cheer us on. I don’t think I’ve ever seen anyone sexier in Rainier gear.” His eyes heat as his lips inch closer.
His breath, warm and minty, has my body tingling in anticipation. The moment our lips meet, I lose track of every thought. I feel consumed by all that is Luke. His hand sweeps down my back and rests at the base, pulling me tighter. Our bodies are flush against one another, and I can feel his warmth everywhere. His other hand moves to the back of my neck and guides our kiss in the perfect combination of sweet and seductively sensual. This man is lethal. With my sudden burst of desire, I’m seconds from forgetting we are at his place of work, and pushing him behind the closed door of his office.
A door shutting in the distance has us pulling up short. I’m practically panting as I fight for control of my breath. Luke smirks, but his eyes smolder.Holy fuck. How does he do that?
He leans down and gives me one last quick kiss before straightening to his full height. “We should probably get on the road to Seattle.”
“Shoot,” I gasp, remembering my dilemma with Stacey. “I forgot to tell you. I have to be there early Saturday morning. Like super early. My assistant has the flu and isn’t able to help me set up. I’ll see if I can get into the convention room to do some of it tomorrow night. It’s been so long since I’ve gone solo to one of these events, I feel a bit out of sorts.”
“What can I do to help?” Luke offers.
“I could sure use some help with the totes of books I have stacked in my trunk.” I squeeze his biceps for emphasis. “These could come in handy,” I tease.
Luke’s eyes roll as he shakes his head. He looks at me as if I’ve lost my mind. “I’m sure they can manage to do some heaving lifting…” comes out humorless. “But seriously, what do you need done?”
Realizing he’s serious, I roll over the list of things I’ve been creating in my mind. “I could use some help setting up as well as taking down the booth.”
“Done. Anything else?”
