“As you’re not on the payroll, why don’t we call it even? Whatever it is, it’s not even half of what you deserve, saving my ass like that.”
“Seriously, this is a huge wad of cash I wasn’t looking for. Let me take you out to dinner sometime? Like a rebound thing, nothing serious, as I’m telling you up front, I’m still recovering from unsportsmanlike conduct.”
“God yes. You let me know if I make any false starts.” Damn, she was exactly what he needed. Hot, honest, and full of football references. He stepped forward and hooked his hand into her belt, tugging her closer.
Tracing his thumb along her jawline, he brushed his lips over hers.
Kissing him back, she trailed her hands over his shoulders, teasing her fingers along his skin under his sleeves. Pulling back, her eyes were as clouded as his. “’Night,” she whispered, disappearing to the back to grab her purse.
He let her out the front door, watching her strut across the street and climb safely into her car.
7
Kickoff
Poundingonthebathroomdoor shook him from his daydreams. Fucking eh, he needed to get his own place. Taking his hand off his cock, he shut off the water and hollered at his sister on the other side of the door. “Wake your ass up earlier so I can take a damn shower in peace.”
Wrapping the towel around his waist, he didn’t hurry as he brushed his teeth, applied deodorant, flossed… taking his time to drive his sister nuts.
A few minutes later, the pounding started again. “Dammit, Finn. I’ve got a date tonight.”
Fine. He swung open the door, nearly earning himself a punch in the face as she went to knock again. Catching her fist midair, he shook his head. “Not with the cyclist?”
“No. You were right, he was only looking for wham-bam-thank-you-ma’am.”
Chuckling, he let go and stepped past her. “I believe I said he was a player, not interested in anything more than a night or two.”
“Yeah, but I liked the way I said it better.” She headed into the bathroom, holding the door open while she hammered him with twenty questions. “What about you? Did you make it clear to Haley that you’re not looking for anything? You have to be up front about these things.”
“She’s in the middle of a divorce and has no interest in anything but my body. All good.”
“Wow, I never thought I’d congratulate you on establishing a sex-only relationship, but I’d have to kick her ass if she tried to rope you into something you’re not ready for.”
He shifted his weight to his other foot. “You know, I’m not a complete idiot when it comes to women.”
She rolled her eyes. “Sure about that?”
“Enjoy your date.” He saluted and backed up before turning to hole up in his bedroom.
Snagging his phone, he glared at the screen. How did one ask a rebound on a date, without sounding like he was looking for a booty call? He genuinely wanted a friendly dinner. If more was on the menu, well, he’d play it by ear.
He dropped onto the foot of his childhood bed; full-sized and too damn small. He could hear his dad puttering around the kitchen. Zoe had started the shower. Evan should be getting back in tonight. Paper-thin walls, cramped quarters compared to his apartment in San Francisco, but it was good to be home.
After staring at the screen for longer than he cared to admit, he punched in Haley’s number.
“Hey,” she answered, panting and out of breath like she’d just had her way with him, slick and flushed atop him.
Shaking his head, he emptied the image so he could speak. Voice a bit hoarse despite his efforts, he responded, “Hey. You sound out of breath.”
“I am.” She laughed, still catching her breath but coming easier now. “I was putting my brand-new sheets on my new California king bed. This thing’s gigantic, and I am not convinced the sheets I bought for it are accurately sized, but they were on sale so I can’t complain. I’ve gotten a full workout getting the fitted sheet over the corners.”
“Sounds like you’re getting some furniture in.”
“Well, I have a bed and a few lamps, but that’s it. This starting from scratch business isn’t easy. Plus, I want to get good stuff that I can link to whatever I highlight on my blog to make a commission if anyone uses my link to order one for themselves.”
“Good plan. Seriously, call if you need help with anything. There’s no gym in this town and I could use the workout.”
“I’ll be happy to help you with that.” He could picture her lopsided grin on the other side, daring him to get closer. “Actually, this place has five bedrooms, so I was thinking of turning one into a home gym, but that’s not going to happen for a while and will take a bit of research to get it right. And, as stated, fixing this place up is a hell of a workout.”
