Out of Bounds

“And that gave you a vibe?” I ask keeping my tone even, revealing nothing.

Stuart scratches his head. “A little. But then I came across this shot.” He hands me the phone once more, and I jerk my head back. The picture shows the four of us leaving Heaven Can Wait. It looks like it was taken from a distance. I have no clue where that came from. I didn’t think Drew was at the level of paparazzi stalking him.

“Where’s that from?” I ask out of sheer curiosity.

“Flipper’s Taco Truck posted it. Owner said he met Drew earlier that night. That Drew enjoyed a couple fish tacos, then movies with friends.”

The corner of my mouth dares to curve up as I remember the movie, and how we held hands in a popcorn bucket. I lower my face while the memory washes over me, bringing a rush of warmth across my skin. Looking up, I school my expression, putting the poker face on once more. “We ran into each other. I was with my sister, and he was with his friend, so we all saw the movie together,” I explain, feeling like I’ve been called into the principal’s office even though Stuart’s not my boss. But he is in charge of the team’s image, and that’s what’s at stake.

“You two just seemed . . .” He pauses, weighing his words. “Forgive me for playing matchmaker, but you seemed like you liked each other.”

I swallow, saying nothing.

He shrugs and flubs his lips. “Guess I was wrong. And that’s completely fine. Part of me was hoping I was right, though.”

His words don’t compute. For a moment, I’m sure I’ve misheard him. He can’t have said what I think he said. “Excuse me?”

“Gotta say, Dani, you two seemed like a happy couple. Like there was something brewing. Personally, I was happy about the possibility because I like you, and, selfishly, I like the idea of this happy couple on the team.”

I tilt my head to the side, trying to make sense of what he’s saying. And to make sure he’s not suggesting some sort of publicity stunt. Carefully, keeping my tone neutral, I ask, “What do you mean, Stuart?”

“Just that . . . well, let me be blunt.” He clasps his hands together. “With all the shit some of the bad seeds put us through last year, this potential love affair was looking to be a bright spot—the quarterback playing Skee-Ball with kids, and then with the woman he likes at a charity function,” he says, leaning back in his chair and chuckling, like this is the most amusing thing ever. “While I’d never ask you to date him for the press or pretend to be in a relationship, I was, admittedly, hoping you actually were.”

My jaw drops. It falls to the floor with a loud clang. I pick it up, reattach it, and blink several times. “You were truly hoping we were dating?”

This is the last thing I expected. Even though I’d planned to have a heart-to-heart with him, I never thought he’d actively want us to be together. I merely hoped I could work something out. Some sort of proviso that made it acceptable to go out with him since I’m not Drew’s direct boss, or something. An under-the-radar-screen type of approval.

Until I thought I was busted.

But in a way, Stuart’s reaction makes perfect sense. The team’s image problems stemmed from guys doing drugs and fathering more babies than they could handle. From wrecking cars and trashing hotel rooms. Not from holding hands at the movies, or playing arcade games on the beach.

Stuart drums his fingers on my desk. “When it comes to off-the-field sports stories, there’s little the public loves more than when the quarterback wins the heart of a good girl. But I guess that isn’t happening,” he says, sighing heavily. He stands and turns to leave. “I’m sorry if I was pushy.”

And I snap out of my fog. “Wait.”

He turns, an expectant look in his eyes. Time for me to woman up. Time to do what I planned to do mere minutes ago when I was ready to march into his office. Speak the truth.

“You were right,” I say.

He cocks his head, waiting.

“About the vibe.”

He lifts his chin, a smile sneaking across his mouth. “I was?”

“Yes. I’ve tried to deny it because I thought it could hurt the team, but I’ve spent time with him at events, and have gotten to know him, and I do like him,” I say, owning my feelings, and leaving his off the table for the moment. As a lawyer by trade, I know how to present facts in order to protect others. My job right now is to take the risk for both of us, and I can handle putting my heart on the line.

Especially given Stuart’s answer.

His smile spreads cheek to cheek. “Drew does like you. That was patently obvious,” he says, and I beam. I can’t help it. I love that Stuart could tell Drew feels the same. “And he has excellent taste.”

“Thank you,” I say, then furrow my brow. “It’s really okay?”

He laughs. “Just don’t crash a car, snort a line, or get knocked up too soon. Otherwise, we’re all good. Oh, no sex tapes either.”

My face turns the color of a fire engine. “You can count on that.”

When Stuart leaves, I text Drew.