Penny said something in Spanish again. And God, Jack suddenly wished he had paid more attention in class back then so he could understand her. Instead, he leaned forward, frowning like the rest of the team, and glanced back and forth between Leon and Penny.
The young player was now clenching his jaw, pressing out a few words in Spanish before adding in English, “You should have told me you spoke Spanish!”
“I was traveling through South America for three years,” she replied in disbelief. “What did you think?”
“That you’re just as arrogant as the other Americans that think the whole world should learn English so they don’t have to bother using their brains,” he replied heatedly. “Man, it’s annoying that you’re so intelligent. Annoying and awful.”
“Leon, can you stop being such a sexist?” Fox asked kindly.
“That’s not sexist! I find intelligent men just as annoying. They always want to teach you something or lecture you.”
He continued to complain about everyone being against him, but Jack was no longer listening.
He leaned toward Penny almost imperceptibly until her scent filled his nose and his thigh pressed against hers. “What exactly did you just say to Leon?” he asked quietly.
“Oh, that I’m going to call his mother if he keeps swearing. She’ll be interested in what new words he’s learned.”
Jack had to force himself not to laugh out loud, but he felt Dax’s gaze on him, and he didn’t want to give his brother any more reasons to doubt his mental state.
Instead, he maintained a neutral expression and murmured, “You’re late. I thought you were going to back out. We’ve been here for half an hour.”
“I’m not the type to back out,” she whispered. Did he just imagine it or did she briefly press her leg against his? “I had to do some paperwork.” Her cheeks and eyes glowed as she glanced up at him. “I landed some sponsors and then presented my idea for Leon to Lyle and Gareth.”
A smile tugged at the corners of Jack’s mouth. “So, you found leverage.”
“Yup.” She looked so obviously proud and happy that Jack wanted to pull her into a hug. To congratulate her. Not to do…other things. That would have raised a few questions and Dax’s voice was still in his head:Have you ever thought about what it would mean for her?Yes, he wanted to date her, but he didn’t want anyone to know. He wanted to make her life better, not more difficult. So he just said, “Congratulations.”
She gently bumped her shoulder against his. It could have been an accident, it was tight here, but he didn’t think so.“Thanks,” she whispered. “I followed your advice. I was rude. And man, was it fun!”
He chuckled softly. “I wish I’d seen that.”
“Next time.” Penny’s eyes flashed with amusement and, for a second, their gazes locked. The noisy sports bar faded into the background, the hazy light cleared, and the air crackled between them.
Jack’s chest suddenly felt terribly tight, dominated by a strange sensation. It was a longing for something he knew he could have if he was brave enough to reach out, touch Penny’s cheek, and not give a damn what everyone thought, what people would say.
Then a faint blush crept into Penny’s cheeks, and she lowered her gaze almost shyly before turning her head away.
Shit. He really was in trouble.
“Hey, does anyone want to play darts?” Leon asked loudly.
“Oh, yeah. I do!” Penny replied immediately, raising her hand.
Leon made a face. “Of course you do. Anyone else?”
“I do,” Jack said and pushed his chair away from the table.
“What? No,” Penny said and looked at him warningly.
He ignored her. If she didn’t want to go on a real date to protect her reputation, he would just fabricate a fake one. Normally, he wouldn’t include Leon on a date, but hey, what the heck?
“All right, good,” the defender said.
“No, I don’t think that’s a good idea,” Penny announced, rising and wringing her hands nervously. “You love to win, and you’d be sorely disappointed tonight.”
“Uh,” Lucy said with a grin. “That’s quite a challenge. You can’t get out of it now, Jack.”
Jack grinned. “You have no idea if I’m a demigod or a cave bear at darts, Penny. So don’t assume anything too quickly.”