Page 71 of Her Game Plan

“Have I told you, you look beautiful tonight?” Callan asks as we climb the stairs to the hotel in the Denver Tech Center, and my stomach flutters yet again.

“You might’ve mentioned it,” I tease, looking at the modest emerald-green dress I chose to woo investors. The man hasn’t stopped touching me or complimenting me since I walked out of our bathroom twenty minutes ago. I have no doubt that tonight will end with me naked, riding some part of his anatomy. I’m hoping tongue. Or cock. Fuck, his fingers are good, too.

“What are you thinking about?” Callan’s voice drops to a whisper, the glint in his eyes suggesting he knows exactly where my thoughts went.

“Long division.”

He leans close. “You’re such a liar, Princess. I know you’re thinking about what’s going to happen when we get back to our place.”

Our place. Calling things ours happened so naturally that I’m not sure when it started, and I can’t find it in me to correct him. It feels like ours. I know letting myself live in this fantasy is going to make it hurt more when March comes, but I can’t seem to stop. Maybe because I’m beginning to believe it doesn’t have to end. Maybe this could be real.

“And,” he continues, “I need you to know that, whatever you’re thinking, it’s definitely not dirty enough.”

I choke slightly at the thought, but have to quickly pull myself together when we run into Preston Hale, looking like the wealthy businessman he is in a black suit, starched white shirt, and a watch that, if I’m correct about which model it is, costs more than most of Callan’s vehicles.

“Callan Devine, I was hoping you’d be here.” He shakes Callan’s hand in greeting before turning to me. “And Ms. Langford. So good to see you both again.”

We make pleasantries for a few minutes before I decide it’s time to up my game. We’re already in November; I need to start moving things forward with these sponsorship prospects. Even if I end up not getting the company, it’s necessary for the Stallions’ long-term success, and I won’t let Chris or the team down by not getting this done.

“Mr. Hale, Callan and I were wondering if we could take you out for dinner sometime. I know it’s a busy time of year with the holidays, but I have a business opportunity I think you’d be interested in.”

Preston turns his shrewd eyes on me, almost like he’s sizing me up. “I’m headed out of town for a bit, but if you reach out to my office, I’m sure we can get something for the three of us on the calendar when I get back.” I don’t miss the way he emphasizes three of us, like he’s making it clear he only wants to be there if Callan is. Which is fine. Callan is a famous quarterback. I’m sure it has nothing to do with what he thinks about me or my ability to conduct business.

“That would be great,” I reply. “I’ll have my people contact your people.” The joke falls flat, but luckily Callan jumps in like the amazing teammate he’s come to be.

“Have you been able to make any of our games, Mr. Hale?” I take the opportunity to watch Callan, to take in this man who is so handsome, hardworking, and kind.

“Oh, please. Call me Preston. And yes. I made both home games last month. Tough loss to OKC.”

Callan’s smile fades from his eyes, but I don’t think Preston noticed. I did, however, notice that I didn’t get the same okay to call him by his first name. Which is fine.

Callan and Preston talk about the games for a few minutes before we finally excuse ourselves to get drinks. Badly needed drinks on my part.

Callan takes a sip of his soda water and lime as he takes in the room. “Do you want me to beat someone up?”

I bump my shoulder against his. “Maybe. Is it a general offer, or did you have someone in mind?”

He leans closer to me. “You look like you’re itching for a fight. I wanted to see whether you needed me as your enforcer or just backup in case they have a friend.”

I twist my earring, not wanting to confess the ugly truth, but knowing Callan won’t judge me for it anyway. “I’m not used to having people not care about who I am, is all.”

His head tilts slightly, an amused expression tugging at his lips. “Are you jealous of how popular I am, Princess?”

“Yes. No. I don’t know,” I huff out. “It feels like when we’re in these rooms, searching for potential sponsors, the only reason I’m even getting to talk to them is because I’m with you. And I hate that feeling. I’ve never wanted to be dependent on a man to get what I wanted in life. But it’s always been about my dad, or now you. At least in the entertainment space, they knew I wielded the power, so people wanted to connect with me. Here, it’s like I could be anyone. I guess I’ve never felt inconsequential before.”

His gaze sweeps over my face before he leans in, pressing a kiss to my forehead. “You are a tornado of energy, directed by one of the most brilliant minds I’ve ever met. You work so hard that success is the only possible outcome when you set your sights on something. You, Princess, could never be inconsequential.”

My heart thunders as I gently press a kiss to his lips. Breaking it off far earlier than I’d like, I rest my forehead on his strong chest. “That was the nicest thing anyone has ever said to me.”

He rubs his hand down my back soothingly. “Even nicer than when Marlee said you were her favorite aunt last week?” he whispers.

Rolling my eyes, I shove him gently in the chest and step away. “I’m her only aunt. Kim’s brothers aren’t married. She at least picked you as her favorite Stallions player. There’s competition there.”

“Well, if you remember correctly, she actually chose me before the mascot horse, but after the real-life horse who runs before the games.”

I narrow my eyes and tap my lip. “That does feel like the correct answer.” I nod like I’ve reached a major conclusion. “I’m going to have to agree with her.”

He turns to face me fully, his jaw dropping. “Take it back. You know you like me more than that horse.”