Page 18 of Off Limits
I like the sound of my name on her lips. ‘You follow football then?’
‘Not at all. I only know your name ’cause I asked for it. And I did wonder if you’d show.’
‘Well, here I am.’
Her eyes meet mine again and I feel it, right between my ribs. I don’t care if she’s a cheerleader, I have to know her better.
She straightens. ‘What can I get you? Coffee?’
‘Uh, I don’t drink coffee.’
‘Fresh juice?’
‘Sure.’
‘You want something to eat?’
‘How about you come and eat something with me? Tomorrow night?’
She’s grinning again. ‘Did you filter out the part about me signing a contract?’
‘I have selective hearing. Comes from being hit in the head too many times, I guess.’
She laughs. It’s like music. ‘Okay, so let me spell it out for you one more time. I signed a contract. Clause five in that contract states that it is forbidden for a Mutineers cheerleader to fraternize with, or date,anyNFL pro-player. Andthis—’ She indicates the space between us with her hand. ‘I believe this already counts as fraternizing. So, I’m gonna go get your juice, and I’ll be your server, but that’s about all I can offer you right now.’
She backs away, still with that cute little innocent smile on her face. I should be crushed by the put down, but I’m not giving in because of some stupid rule. There’s something about her that makes me wannanotback down. Maybe it’s that she can give me the brush off and still have that beautiful smile on her face. Her heart is pure. I can tell.
A few minutes later, she’s back with the other plates for the college kids.
‘Uh, Miss, I’m ready to order now,’ I say.
‘I’ll be right with you, sir,’ she replies.
One of the college kids has turned his head. He seems to recognize me.
Serenity comes back with her notepad. I swear this girl never stops smiling.
‘What can I get you?’
I’m at physical therapy all morning so may as well get a good breakfast. ‘I’ll take the half classic with two extra eggs, all poached.’
‘You want four poached eggs?’
I tap my stomach. ‘Need the protein.’
‘Anything else?’
I cock my head to one side, trying not to come off all confident, ’cause something tells me she wouldn’t like that. ‘I’d really love your phone number.’
‘I’m sure you would.’
‘You think you might give it to me?’
‘Not today, cowboy.’
‘How about tomorrow? Think I found my new favorite breakfast spot.’
‘Something tells me this place is really out your way.’
