Page 30 of Shootout
Banks’s expression was unreadable. He lifted one shoulder in a half shrug. With a last glance in my direction, he left. I watched him go, noting his broad shoulders and nice ass and knowing I’d never get to see him naked again. That wasn’t in the cards for us and oh so dangerous. I wasn’t ready to put my heart on the line again. A girl couldn’t put a time limit on how long a broken heart takes to heal. For some people, it never did.
I hoped I wasn’t one of those people.
ChapterTen
THE FAM
~~Banks~~
Acouple days later, on Friday evening, I stood in front of my bathroom mirror and tied my tie. I surveyed my appearance and nodded my approval. I did rock a suit as well as anyone else on the team. Satisfied I’d make a good impression as a fake boyfriend, I strode into the living room of party central and paused to survey the mess. I wasn’t a tidy person, but this destruction went beyond even my slovenly comprehension.
My three rookie roommates lounged on the couch playing a video game. Since we didn’t have a game tonight, I was surprised to see them at home rather than trying to sneak into a club with fake IDs.
“Yo, Banker, got a hot date?” Levi Widner stretched lazily while still holding the game controller in one hand. He gave me the once-over, taking in my suit and tie.
I merely shook my head in disgust as I took in the empty beer bottles littering the coffee table and floor. “Clean this place up.”
“You are plow,” said Yuri Mazur with a toothy grin. He didn’t speak English well and was a constant source of amusement and teasing.
“A plow?” I squinted at him and shook my head.
“A drag,” supplied Felix Johansson with a snort. “And I agree with him. You’re not nearly as fun as your reputation claims.”
“Dating Wild’s sister is cramping his style,” added Levi.
“Wild is scared.” Yuri added his two cents, drawing confused looks from Levi and me.
“Scary,” corrected Felix.
“Just as I said, scared.”
Felix rolled his eyes but didn’t bother to explain this time.
I glanced at my phone. “I’d love to stay and shoot the shit with you losers, but I gotta go.”
“Hot date,” Levi affirmed and his cohorts nodded in agreement.
“This fucking place had better be cleaned up by the time I get home.”
“Yes, Dad,” they all said at once as if they’d orchestrated their response.
I growled and slammed the door behind me for emphasis, pretty sure they would make a bigger mess by the time I returned if that was even humanly possible.
Several minutes later, I rapped on the door of Wild’s condo. He lived in a building on Lake Union where several of the Sockeyes lived. Ethan Parker, the team’s majority shareholder, leased several of these condos to staff and teammates for a reasonable price. I made a mental note to ask Sockeye admin about available condos to lease in this building. Then again, living in the same building as Wild and Jessie might be detrimental to my health.
Loud laughter boomed from inside, and I waited patiently. After almost a minute, I was certain they hadn’t heard me and knocked louder. I heard footsteps sound on the floor inside. Tugging on my tie, I clutched the bouquet of flowers in one hand and a bottle of wine in another. Both nice touches that’d win me some points with the ladies in the room. I did know my women, and they’d appreciate the thoughtfulness, even if it was staged to make an impression.
The door swung open, and Jessie stood on the other side. I’d never seen her wearing anything but jeans. She was a knockout in a classy, figure-hugging navy dress. I allowed myself the luxury of running my gaze up and down the length of her body from that gorgeous face past those incredible breasts that I’d had the fortune of seeing to her shapely legs.
“You look fucking incredible,” I whispered, not that anyone could’ve heard me over the din inside. I was used to loud, boisterous families and had confidence I’d be in my element.
“So do you.”
I winked and grinned. “I aim to please.” Leaning in, I gave her a kiss on the mouth, not a deep, sexy kiss but not a chaste one either. The kiss was designed to show affection for each other without TMI.
“Wine for you.” I held the wine bottle out to her.
“Oh, my favorite. How did you know?”
