My forehead knit together. “Yeah, that’s what he said. Why? Am I missing something?”
She laughed softly. “Oh, that man,” she murmured. “After you left the other day, Coach toldmethat he’d appreciate it if I reached out to you. He said he was worried that you were spending too much time alone. He told me you’d gone through a really rough time, and he thought you needed someone to get you out of your head.” She lifted one shoulder. “His angle was that with me being a newcomer, I might have more of a shot than anyone else, since I could play the helpless newby card.”
“Son of a bitch.” I rubbed my forehead. “Okay. So what do you think the real deal is? What he told you or what he told me?”
“Probably a little of both.” Juliet flipped over her hands. “The truth is, my dad probably did call him and ask him to look out for me. But when Coach thought about who was the best man for the job, he thought of you and figured he’d kill two birds with one proverbial stone. And he played up the sympathy side to me so I’d get over my mad at him the other day.”
“Okay. Well . . .” I took off my seat belt and stretched my arm alongside the truck’s window. “Let me assure you that I don’t need anyone to cheer me up or get me out of my head. I’m great the way I am. I know Coach means well, but this time, he’s wrong.” I reached for the door handle. “I’m happy to give you tips on settling in around here, and I’ll point you in the right direction when I can—and if any of the team gives you shit, you let me know, and I’ll handle it. But beyond that . . . consider your obligation to Coach fulfilled when it comes to me.”
I opened the door and climbed down from the truck, heading over to open Juliet’s side. She beat me to the punch, however, and met me right at the tailgate, her hands on her hips as she arched her neck to look up at me.
“And what if I don’t want to consider it fulfilled? What if I had a good time with you today, and I’d like to see more of you?” Her tone was challenging, and her eyes a fiery aqua now.
“I’m sorry, Juliet.” I took a step back, careful not to touch her at all. “I’m not interested. You’re a beautiful woman, you’re funny and kind, but I’m not looking for anything like what you’re talking about. I’m not in the market for a girlfriend.”
“Like you could get me anyway.” She grinned, all sass and sparkle again. “I’m way out of your league, Noah Spencer.”
I chuckled, relieved that she seemed to be taking this news with good humor. “You’re totally right. I’m not nearly worthy of you.”
“Damn right.” With a sigh, she slid her arm through mine. “But I’m buying you dinner anyway. And whether you like it or not, Noah, I have a feeling we’re going to be friends. Nothing more,” she added, holding up her hand. “I’m not looking for a way to worm myself into your life. But everyone needs friends.”
“I’m not exactly a social pariah,” I grumbled as we crossed the parking lot. “I have friends. Lots of them, as a matter of fact.”
“Wonderful. Now you have one more.”
We opened the door to step into the bar, and Juliet sucked in a deep breath.
“God, it smells good in here. I’m ravenous. Let’s eat . . . friend.”
I knew I should have been relieved by her easy acquiescence, but even as I followed her to a booth in the back, I had a sinking feeling that somehow, I was being outmaneuvered by a woman who was infinitely better at this game than I could ever hope to be.
