ROUND ONE DOWN. SAVANNAH BREATHED A SIGH OF relief.
She knew working with Cole was going to be tough. He wasn’t a marshmallow, and he wouldn’t take all her suggestions as easily as he’d taken this one. But the offensive line was running plays, Cole was getting the ball, and even the other receivers were blocking for him.
So far, that meant he hadn’t pissed off anyone. Not bad for day one. Maybe if she stuck close to him she could avoid a disaster. The coach still had reservations about Cole, despite her reassurances that she had it all under control. She’d told him Cole had changed, and it wouldn’t be long before he had an image as shiny as a bright new diamond.
Coach seemed dubious about that, and he told her actions spoke louder than promises.
Savannah never failed. If she had to move in with Cole and watch him like a first-time mother hovering over her newborn, that’s what she’d do. Her reputation was on the line.
Which meant instead of leaving during his practice, she decided to stay for the day. She pulled up a chair near the coaches and watched Cole practice.
Not a hardship, really. Tight pants, great ass, and a lot of sweat. There was no doubt he worked hard, and even though he was the oldest wide receiver on the team, if she could convince him to keep his head in the game, he could be the best. His reflexes were quick, he was in excellent health. He’d suffered no injuries during his career. Just watching his calves work made her mouth water. It was obvious his legs were still in prime shape.
So were his hands. He seemed to have an instinct about the ball, as if they were of the same mind. Wherever it was thrown, there he was. He had a light touch and he never dropped it. When he took off into a sprint, even the young defensive players had a difficult time keeping up with him as he dashed toward the end zone.
She’d underestimated him. Admittedly, she’d thought he was average—a player at the midpoint of his career with the attitude and chip on his shoulder to match. Watching him today she realized he was anything but.
With his talent, health, and stamina, Cole had a lot of seasons left. He could be an MVP if he concentrated more on the game and positive influences and less on getting in trouble.
That’s why she had her job. She was going to make sure this was a great season for him and just the beginning of great things.
She met him outside the locker room after he took his shower.
“You still here?”
“I am.” She followed him down the hall. “You had a great practice today. You looked amazing.”
That got a twitch of a smile from him. “Honey, I am amazing.”
“Your modesty touches me.”
He laughed. “I did have a good day today. Thanks for your help.”
She craned her neck to look up at him. “My help with what?”
“I spent some time with the other receivers, and I offered advice to Kenny. It wasn’t as bad as I thought it would be.”
“I’m glad.”
They headed outside.
“You’d make a good coach,” he said.
She let out a soft laugh. “That’s not really my area, but thank you for thinking so.”
He walked her to her car, opened the door for her. She turned to face him. “Do you have plans for dinner tonight?”
He’d put on his sunglasses so she couldn’t see his eyes, but she imagined he was surprised by her question. “Uh, no. Why? Are we still on the clock?”
“I’m on the clock twenty-four hours a day. I thought we’d have dinner.”
“All right. What did you have in mind?”
“Actually, something simple. If you don’t mind, I’ll bring some food over to your place and cook for you.”
“You cook?”
“I do.”
He leaned an arm against the top of her car. “Are you a good cook?”
“I’m an excellent one.”
“It just so happens I like food. Fixed by excellent cooks. Come on over.”
“Does seven work for you?”
He seemed to be staring at her, and she wished she could see his eyes. “That works fine. See you then.”
She slid into the car and he shut the door, then walked away.
She couldn’t help the thrill of anticipation, but tamped it down immediately.
This was work, not a date, which she mentally reminded herself all the way back to her place. Her body, though, had other ideas. It tingled in all the wrong places.
Work.
Not. A. Date.
ELEVEN
COLE PICKED UP THE HOUSE, WASHED THE DISHES IN the sink, and even ran the vacuum cleaner in anticipation of Savannah’s arrival. On impulse, he changed the sheets on his bed, then laughed, wondering what the hell he was doing.
Savannah wasn’t going to end up in his bed tonight. She was cooking him dinner. That was all.
But she had been throwing out some pretty clear signals lately. And despite what happened that night at the wedding, she’d wanted him to kiss her at his parents’ house.