Going Hard (Football Romance) Read Online Free

asked.
    "I was thinking maybe we should take our chemistry out of the classroom," Brian suggested.
    "Oh yeah?  How far out of the classroom?" Maureen wondered.
    "I was thinking to a nice restaurant," Brian said.
    "You know, lab experiments could get pretty dangerous if done in the middle of a crowded restaurant," Maureen joked.
    "How about we just have dinner then?" Brian suggested.
    "Are you asking me out on a date?" Maureen said.
    "That depends.  Are you saying yes?" Brian replied.
    "Are you kidding?" Maureen said.  "How could I possibly say no to you?"
     
    Chapter Nine
     
    It was amazing to think about how excited Maureen was.  It felt so good to be noticed by a man again.  To be the center of someone's attention.  And it didn't hurt that Brian was hunky beyond belief.  Still, it was odd having feelings for anyone but Tyler.  Maureen's heart had always belonged to her childhood crush and was having a hard time extinguishing such an old flame.
    But although her heart was conflicted, Maureen's mind raced with possibilities.  Tyler was gone.  Maureen had no idea what he was doing or who he was doing it with.  Part of Maureen wanted to believe that Tyler had his chance.  That Maureen couldn't be expected to wait around forever.  That despite her obvious affection, she had been passed up for the great unknown.
    Besides, Brian seemed to be plucked straight from paradise.  It wasn't often a man just showed up just when your heart needed it the most.  But like a great little surprise, there Brian was, refusing to leave Maureen's thoughts. 
    ***
    "You know, I was worried that you weren't going to ask me out," Maureen admitted.
    "So was I," Brian said.
    "Oh really?  How so?' Maureen wondered.
    "I wasn't sure I'd be able to work up the nerve to be able to do," Brian said.
    "Come on.  You don't expect me to believe that, do you?" Maureen asked.
    "Maureen, you're a beautiful woman.  That's a really intimidating thing to deal with," Brian admitted.
    "Wait a minute, you think I'm beautiful?" Maureen replied.
    "Yeah, you're totally stunning," Brian said.
    Maureen then started to blush.  "Wow, you sure know how to come on strong."
    "Well, I'm not sure I'll get another chance at this," Brian admitted.
    "If you keep talking like that you sure will," Maureen said.
    "I guess I'll just have to keep talking like that then," Brian replied.
    "This should make for a fun date," Maureen said.
    "That's what I'm hoping for," Brian replied.
    "Still, I find it hard to believe that the quarterback of a football team could feel intimidated asking me out," Maureen said.
    "Hey, football has nothing to do with asking a girl out," Brian reasoned.
    "So you're really trying to tell me that you have no problem staring down a three hundred pound defensive lineman, but asking me out gave you pause?" Maureen asked.
    "I don't know why you're so focused on this," Brian said.
    "Because it's so unbelievably sweet," Maureen revealed.
    "To be fair though, when I'm behind center, I have a three hundred pound of my own blocking for me.  But when I asked you out, it was just my heart out there on the line.  But look, I did it, and I'm just glad you said yes," Brian said.
    Maureen smiled.  "So am I."
    ***
    "So, how does it feel to be a quarterback?" Maureen asked.
    "I'm actually more interested in hearing about you," Brian said.
    "I'm sorry.  Are you avoiding the question?" Maureen wondered.
    "No.  I just didn't think you really wanted to talk about football.  I figure you've probably heard enough about football for a whole lifetime," Brian said.
    "Oh come on.  My dad's not the kind of guy to bring his work home," Maureen joked.  "When he gets home, all he talks about is gardening and baking cookies."
    "That sure doesn't sound like the same man I know," Brian replied, playfully.
    "To be fair though, you probably see a whole different side of my father than I see," Maureen pointed out.
    "He's a damn good coach though," Brian said.
    "Yeah.  He