Play Date (Play Makers Book 3) Read Online Free Page B

more important, that he so clearly enjoyed it. And, after a few false starts, so did she.
    In fact, she had enjoyed it a lot .
    And then she had done something even more momentous than giving him her virginity. She had asked why he waited so long to make his move.
    He had replied in a matter-of-fact tone, saying, “I figured I couldn’t measure up to the guys you usually date.”
    Stunned, she had spluttered, “What guys? We’ve been in every class together for eighteen months. Every study group. When did you ever see me with a date?”
    He had shrugged and explained. “I figured—we all figured—he was someone big. Some power broker who sends his private jet when he wants to see you. Like in a villa. Or chateau.” He had tried to laugh it off, adding, “You’re cool. But it’s like you’re in a different world. No offense.”
    She had been totally confused. Especially since he himself had come from wealth. Maybe not a chateau, but certainly a mansion. So it wasn’t about money. Or power. It was something else. Not her clothes, because she dressed exactly like her classmates in jeans and sweatshirts. Not her accent, because San Diego didn’t have a distinctive one—at least to her ear—and certainly nothing snobby. She wore her hair loose, didn’t particularly like jewelry, and had a genuine love for the simple beach life.
    Yet for some reason, she put out a weird signal. Over the years, she had received variations on the same theme. Either she was perceived as already taken or unapproachably distant. She had even asked Jason Spurling and he had come up with a new one: that she seemed fragile. To which Beth had insisted Rachel was a kindergarten teacher and thus as tough as any NFL cornerback. But Rachel had been touched by his answer, considering it almost a compliment.
    Definitely better than mistress to a Mafia hit man.
    She had finally accepted that her only avenue for sex, love and marriage was to lure a nice guy with the promise of no touching, then pounce when he least expected it.
    Which had pretty much been her plan for Sean Decker until tonight.
    As though hearing her complaint he worked his way through the crowd and joined her again. “Hey, honey.” He kissed her on the cheek. “Sorry for the mob scene. People are coming out of the woodwork. It’s unbelievable.”
    “Let’s hope everyone brought a gift.”
    “Yeah.” He glanced at her cocktail. “I thought you didn’t drink.”
    “You drove me to it.”
    His emerald eyes twinkled. “I’ll make it up to you, I promise.” His gaze dropped to her body and swept over it. “Did I mention how beautiful you look? I can’t believe you’re here with me.”
    “I barely am,” she murmured.
    That got his attention. “Did I do something wrong? Besides neglecting you?”
    “Don’t be silly. I’m fine.” She ran her fingertip along his jaw. “Are you having fun?”
    “Me? Yeah, it’s great. I just have all these responsibilities. But once we make the toasts, I’ll be off the hook. So pretty soon . . .” He leaned in closer, his breath warm on her earlobe. “We’ll spend some time together. Alone.”
    A promising tingle nibbled at her and she gave a hopeful nod. “That sounds like fun. But you’re the best man, so go do your thing. I’ll be fine.”
    “If any of these guys tries to hit on you, tell them the Triple Threat will break their kneecaps.”
    She wanted to assure him that if any of “these guys” tried to hit on her, she’d alert the media. But instead she just urged him again to “go and be best man.” Then she perched on the atrium wall and waited for the toasts.
     
    • • •
     
    Still marveling at Rachel’s perfection, Sean was working his way back toward the stage when a familiar figure made him scowl. It was Coz, his coach. He hadn’t seen the jerk since the Super Bowl parties and had assumed he wouldn’t show tonight even though Johnny Spurling had practically won the ring for him single-handedly. Coz