Playing By Her Rules (Sydney Smoke Rugby Series) Read Online Free Page B

hated knowing he was, at least partially, responsible.
    The thought needled like prickles on sunburn. He had to try and make amends somehow. If he’d broken her, wasn’t it his responsibility to fix her? To coax her out from behind that wall so she could smile again—could be happy within herself and shine bright for the whole damn world to see?
    And it wasn’t about trying to wheedle his way back into her good graces, or even her bed. What was done was done and left well enough alone. Confessing the truth wasn’t going to make anything better. In fact, it could make things worse. He just needed to concentrate on enticing the old Tilly out and introducing the two of them again.
    Lucky he had six opportunities to do it.
    “Hey, John.” Tanner turned to face the guys still amusing themselves at his expense. “What’s the name of that swanky restaurant at Circular Quay? The one your wife’s uncle runs? With the private terrace that overlooks the harbour and the Opera House?”
    About half of the Smoke were happily married. John Trimble was one of them. “Flamenco. But it’s usually booked out months in advance. You want me to put a word in?”
    “Nah. Thanks.” It was amazing how many doors his celebrity opened. And though he wasn’t one to pull strings usually , he wasn’t above it when required.
    “Whoa.” Brett Gable, another married guy, let out a long, low whistle. “That’s some serious coin, boss. You wanna hope she’s putting out after that.”
    The comment pissed Tanner off. He hated that kind of macho bullshit. His intentions were honourable, for fuck’s sake. His intentions were always honourable. “Oh, nice, man. You kiss your wife with that mouth?”
    Brett grinned, unperturbed, as Linc started singing, “Tanner and Matilda, sittin’ in a tree.”
    Tanner kicked up an eyebrow. “Seriously, dude, how old are you?”
    Linc laughed but continued. “K. I. S. S. I. N. G.”
    Tanner rolled his eyes. For fuck’s sake… He turned his back on them again, which led to even more razzing. He ignored it as he strode to his locker and reached for his phone.
    Next Tuesday night. Seven. Flamenco’s at Darling Harbour. Text me your address. I’ll pick you up .
    He keyed in Tilly’s mobile number and quickly sent off the message. He was adding her to his contacts when the reply came back. His pulse picked up a beat or two at the speediness of her response. He’d expected she’d get back to him grudgingly at some point.
    I’ll meet you there.
    He smiled. He hadn’t expected anything less. His fingers flew over the touchpad.
    What kind of gentleman would I be if I didn’t pick you up?
    He waited for her reply, which he knew in his bones would be swift. Tilly hadn’t ever been one to back down from a verbal sparring. His phone chimed, and he smiled again as he read the message.
    I assume you’re using gentleman in the loosest sense of the word?
    Tanner tapped away some more.
    You wound me.
    Another speedy response.
    Excellent. My work here is done.
    He laughed this time, loving this glimpse of the old Tilly.
    See you Tuesday. Looking forward to it.
    He threw his phone onto the top shelf of his locker and was reaching for some underwear when it chimed again. Tanner smiled. Typical Tilly. Always had to have the last word.
    That makes one of us.

Chapter Three
    Tilly almost swallowed her tongue when the Uber pulled up in front of the restaurant. If Tanner thought she was going to be impressed by the harbour side restaurant, he was damn right. But there was no way the meagre expense account provided by the paper was going to cover this. It would all be blown in one night.
    Hell, she didn’t even know if she’d dressed appropriately in her little black dress. Sure, it was a classic cut that looked good wherever she went, and she knew she looked classy. Sophisticated. But she had the feeling sequins would be more appropriate.
    And diamonds.
    Unfortunately, the only sparklies she owned were of the cubic