Total pages in book: 28
Estimated words: 26536 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 133(@200wpm)___ 106(@250wpm)___ 88(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 26536 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 133(@200wpm)___ 106(@250wpm)___ 88(@300wpm)
I never regretted not using the behind-the-scenes access until now. I couldn’t help but wonder what would’ve happened if I had met Rhodes sooner. If we’d be in a relationship…or if my uncle would have scared him off.
With that thought, I spotted the big offensive lineman who had snagged my attention. Luckily, Rhodes was by himself as he strode out of the stadium. Flinging open my door, I climbed out of my car and called, “Hey, Rhodes.”
His head jerked toward me, and the scowl on his handsome face was quickly replaced by a grin as he changed direction. When he got close, he greeted, “Hey, Finley. I wasn’t expecting to see you here. Visiting your uncle?”
“No, I was actually hoping to bump into you,” I confessed, tucking a lock of hair behind my ear.
His smile widened. “You came for me?”
The happiness shining from his dark eyes eased my nerves. “Yeah, I wasn’t happy with how last night ended, and since I didn’t have your number, this seemed like the best way to get in touch.”
“Smart girl,” he murmured, pulling his phone out of his pocket. “Figured asking your uncle for your contact information the next time I saw him wouldn’t go down well. But with my hectic schedule going into the playoffs, I wasn’t sure when I’d have the chance to hunt you down.”
Biting my bottom lip, I teased, “So you’re not mad that I pretty much stalked you?”
“It’s not stalking if you’re willing.” He unlocked his phone, pulled up a new text message, and handed the device to me. “Send a message to yourself, then we’ll have each other’s contact information.”
Yanking off my glove, I typed in my number and fired off a quick text to myself that let me know it was from Rhodes. Hearing the beep of a notification from my car speaker, I handed his phone back to him. “There, done.”
“Thanks.” He glanced at his screen before tucking his phone in his pocket again.
I’d accomplished my mission in coming here, but now that I had Rhodes right in front of me, I didn’t want to just walk away. “I know this is a busy week for you with the wild card game this weekend, but is there any chance you’d like to go to dinner with me tonight?”
I was embarrassed by how I’d just blurted out the invitation, but the smile Rhodes beamed my way eased my awkwardness. Then he made it all worthwhile when he said, “Yes.”
I blinked up at him. “Really?”
“Don’t look so surprised, baby.” He reached out to trace his thumb across my cheek. “I haven’t been able to get you off my mind since you walked away from me last night.”
“Sorry about that.” I heaved a deep sigh. “My uncle tends to be a little extra when it comes to the people he loves.”
Dropping his arm to his side, Rhodes leaned his hip against my car with a chuckle. “I kinda got that impression when he warned me away from you at the gala.”
“I’m so sorry.” I pressed my lips in a flat line and shook my head. “I’ve seen him get all territorial around Aunt Brie, but Lennox has never really acted like this over me before.”
His eyes narrowed as he stroked his hand over his beard. “I wonder if I’m just special because I play for his team.”
My brows drew together. “Pardon?”
A muscle jumped in his jaw as he asked, “He hasn’t warned off all the other guys you’ve dated?”
“Oh.” My cheeks filled with heat as I confessed, “I…um…never gave him a reason to discourage someone from dating me before. I’ve been super busy with school, so guys weren’t really on my radar.”
“I fucking love that pretty blush, but you don’t need to be embarrassed, baby,” he reassured me. “I understand what it’s like not to have time to date because you’re wholly focused on your goals. I can’t remember the last time I took someone to dinner.”
It was hard for me to believe that a professional football player as hot as Rhodes didn’t have women lining up to date him. “Really?”
“Asking you to dance last night was out of character for me.” Butterflies swirled in my belly at his answer, and they only intensified when he added, “I got a lot of shit from my teammates who were at the gala after you left, but having you in my arms was more than worth it.”
I was so glad that I didn’t allow my fear to stop me from coming here. It was turning out better than I ever could’ve expected. “I’m so glad you feel that way. I was afraid that my uncle might’ve scared you off.”
“Can’t think of anything that could do that.” He flashed me a cocky grin. “And don’t worry, I’ll brush off my rusty dating skills to make sure you enjoy yourself tonight.”