CHANGING THE PLAYER: Charleston Pirates #1 Chance, Jacob (suggested reading .TXT) 📖

one for you to bring home probably makes me a horrible boyfriend.”

“Don’t worry about that. I won’t tell anyone. As far as the world knows, you’re perfect.” She walks over to my fridge, peeking inside. “I’m having water. Want one?”

“Please.” Setting my keys on the counter, I remove my suit jacket and hang it on the back of a wooden barstool. Rolling up my shirt sleeves, I glance toward Nadia and find her holding the fridge open, watching me with a curious gaze.

She notices my attention and bumps the stainless steel door with a hip check before she hands me the water.

“Thanks.” I open the pantry door. “What do you want? I’ve got Cheetos, Fritos, and Doritos.”

“Do you have anything not orange?” She laughs.

“Hey, don’t knock artificial cheese until you try it.”

She wiggles her fingers.“I just prefer my digits not be coated with it.”

“If you lick your fingers, that doesn’t happen,” I remind her.

“Give me some Cheetos. Those are actually my favorite, but I never buy them.”

“They’re my favorite too. There’s another new fact we now know about each other.”

“Because our favorite snacks will be a topic that comes up often.”

“Hey, don’t be sarcastic. It could happen. And now if it does, you won’t have to panic because you’ll already know the answer.” Opening the bag, I pour some into two bowls and grab napkins. “The living room is this way.” I tip my head for her to follow me. We walk through the dining area and step down into the living area.

“This room is unreal,” Nadia says, her eyes taking everything in. “It’s like a compilation of everything I could want in one space. Floor-to ceiling-bookshelves, large, comfortable furniture, a thick rug, tons of natural lighting.” She gestures as she lists the items off, and it pleases me that it meets her approval.

“Don’t forget the fireplace.” I flip the switch, turning it on. “This is my favorite thing in the entire house. When we were growing up, we had a wood burning fireplace, and I always thought gas ones were the epitome of wealth. And now I just like the convenience of having one.”

“It’s awesome. I love the stonework all around it,” she says.

Settling into the two oversized swivel, club style chairs in front of the fireplace, we place our bowls and water on the small table between us. Grabbing the remote that controls everything in the room, I turn on some music and some of the recessed lights above us.

“Show off.” Nadia sticks her orange tongue out at me.

“Nice tongue,” I say, laughing.

“I forgot about that.” She licks her fingers, sucking the cheese off them, and I have to look away. She’s my agent. She’s my agent. I’m not sure I can recite that phrase enough times to stop myself from noticing everything about her that I shouldn’t be.

By the time she asks me to take her home, I’ve got a semi and I’m relieved I’ll get away from the temptation she presents.

12

Nadia

“Knock, knock,” Margot calls out from the doorway.

“Hey, what’s up?”

“You got a delivery.” She comes forward, carrying a rectangular box with a bow on top. She sets it down on my desk and I peel away the small envelope that’s taped to the side of the box.

“Who do you think it’s from?” Margot asks.

“I think it’s from Flynn, but I’m not sure.”

“I always knew you guys had chemistry,” she states. “And you loved to deny it.”

“It took me a while to accept it, I guess. I’m still not sure I have.” That’s as close as I’ve come to being completely honest about this situation with anyone besides Flynn.

“Take your time, but that man is crazy about you. I’ll leave you to open your gift in private.” She walks to the door. “You can tell me later what it is.” She smiles before disappearing from sight.

Opening the envelope, I tug out the small card and hesitate for a few seconds.

What if this isn’t from Flynn?

Then who would it be from?

I don’t go out with any other men. Hell, I haven’t met any new guys in so long, I can’t remember when the last time was. Just open it and see.

Nadia,

Since I forgot to buy you wine last night, I’m trying to make up for it now. Please accept this bottle of wine as my apology. It’s the one you seemed to enjoy most last night.

All my best,

Flynn.

What a sweet gesture.

Picking up my phone, I call him. He surprises me by answering.

“Hello.”

“Hi, Flynn. It’s Nadia.”

“Yeah, I saw your name come up.”

I slap my head. Good one, Nadia. “Right.” I giggle nervously, but I don’t know why. “I’m calling to thank you for the bottle of wine. It just arrived.”

“You don’t need to thank me for anything.”

“Of course I do. I can’t wait to have a glass after I get home. Maybe in the tub with a bath.”

“Uh, sounds good.” He seems distracted.

“I won’t keep you. I didn’t expect you to answer. I figured you’d be in the middle of practice.”

“We’re on lunch break right now. I was about to nap for the remaining fifteen minutes.”

“I’m sorry I interrupted.”

“No,” he yells into the phone. “You didn’t interrupt anything. It’s nice to hear your voice.”

“It’s nice to hear yours too. Go nap, and I hope the rest of your practice goes well.”

“When will I see you again?” he asks.

“Whenever you want, I guess. There’s nothing on the schedule for the rest of this week.”

“Are you forgetting my game Thursday night?”

“Oh shit, I did. No wonder why you’re beat. You guys have a short week to be ready for the game.”

“Yep, and Coach is beating our asses because of it.”

“If you need anything, let me know and I can grab it for you.”

“I think I’m going to get takeout on the way home and fall into bed for the night.”

“I’ll see you tomorrow night after the game. I’ll probably have to rush off after it’s over. I have a bunch of paperwork I planned to take