Page 9 of Playing Mr. Perfect

“They’re rampant. They can’t all be unfounded.”

“I didn’t say they were. It sounds like I need to give you reasons to believe I’m not a total scoundrel. I didn’t try to pick them up. They’re fans of the game. I was just giving them something to post about on their social accounts. It comes with the territory.”

“Well, I’m not on social media, so you don’t need to do that with me.”

“I know. That’s just one reason I find you so intriguing.”

Her brows knit and her eyes narrow, like she’s weighing my response.

The song ends, and she tries to pull away as applause rings out, but I keep her close, forcing her focus to remain on me. “That’s right, Pepper. I searched for your nonexistent social accounts in an effort to find another way to connect with you after you ignored my attempts last year.” I let that sink in as the next song begins and sway to the beat, enjoying the feel of her against me. “Why are you so determined to avoid me?”

“Because we have nothing in common.”

“How do you know unless you give me a shot?”

“I’m a scientist and you’re an athlete,” she says, as if that should explain it all.

“Which means I’m dedicated to my career, a hard worker, and a team player. I’m determined to be the best, and I’m in great shape because of it. From what I’ve read about you, and from what I’ve seen, we’re not so different.” I skim my hand down her back and wrap my fingers around the curve of her hip, keeping her close. A sexy gasp escapes her lips, and I can feel her heart hammering against me. “Does my touch make you nervous?”

“Maybe a little,” she admits. “I told you I need my drink.”

“You make me a little nervous, too.” I take her hand and press it over my heart so she can feel how fast it’s beating.

Surprise rises in her eyes, and she looks like she’s going to say something, but she just skims her teeth over her lower lip, looking innocent, and too fucking sexy.

“Damn, Pepper. You’re killing me.”

“I didn’t say anything.”

“You didn’t have to. I’ve been thinking about kissing that sexy mouth of yours for a long damn time.”

“I…You…” She presses her lips together, tensing in my arms. “Don’t tell me that.”

“Why not? Does it embarrass you?”

“What do you think?”

“Then I probably shouldn’t tell you the other things I’ve been thinking about doing to you.”

Her cheeks flame. “If you’re going to say things like that, I definitely need my drink.”

I chuckle, but I’m relieved and thrilled that she didn’t slap me or walk away.

“I bet you say that kind of thing to all the women.”

“I don’t,” I say firmly, biting back my annoyance at continually having to fight my reputation. If she were anyone else, I might walk away. But she’s finally right here in my arms, unable to run away, and whether she wants to or not, she’s looking at me like I’m a decadent cake she wants to gobble down but knows she shouldn’t. I’m going to hand her a fucking fork and feed myself to her if that’s what it takes. “How about we make a deal?”

“What kind of deal?”

“Give me one night to show you who I really am. Let your guard down. Allow yourself to have fun with me tonight. Pretend I’m not an athlete with a reputation that scares you, but just an incredibly good-looking guy you met through Dash.”

“Not that you’re conceited or anything,” she teases.

“Confidence is not conceit. You’re a beautiful woman. You must know that.”

Her cheeks pink up. “I don’t think I’m beautiful, but if I were, I wouldn’t go around saying it.”

“You’re either incredibly humble, or you don’t see what I see. I’ll tell you what. You leave my reputation out of tonight and see me for the man I show you I am, and I’ll try to look uglier.”