Page 17 of Relationship Goals

A frown flickers across her face.

“They had Luke Wolfe give you a tour?” Disbelief colors her question.

“He’s that bad, huh? Really earned his whole reputation?” It makes me feel a little bad for the guy.

“No, he’s…he’s fine.” She coughs delicately. “He’s a great player. Just surprised me. Especially when they had Tristan Goldrightthere,” she says, pointing to the closed door.

“He seemed a bit busy,” I say innocently. “Maybe Luke was the only one available.”

I’m not sure why I’m defending Luke…but I can’t help thinking of how he tried to protect me from the onslaught of other players and smile. And want to return the favor.

To my surprise, Michelle’s cheeks flush slightly. “Luke wasn’t rude to you, was he? I’d hate for you to have gotten off on the wrong foot with the Aces.”

“No,” I tell her, then laugh as I realize my unintentional lie. “Actually, you know what? He was extremely rude, but it was…refreshing. Funny, even? I don’t know.” I shrug. “It seemed like a defense mechanism more than anything sincere, and then when he asked me to dinner, I decided he’s probably one of those secret cinnamon rolls.” I wiggle my eyebrows at her.

Her mouth hangs open as she thrums her fingers on the desk. “He asked you out?”

“Yes?” My nose wrinkles. What’s so wrong with that? Am I breaking some unspoken rule?

“On a date?” she clarifies.

“Yeah, I think so? He’s really handsome,” I say somewhat defensively.

“He is. But he’s also an asshole. You just said he was rude to you.”

“I think that’s just his default…I don’t know, awkwardness.”

“Look, I know we just met, but you seem like a nice person. You deserve someone who isn’t going to default to rudeness when they feel awkward,” she says in a no-nonsense, extremely serious voice. “We all deserve someone who’s already at their best, you know? Not some fixer-upper situation.”

I blink at her, surprised by her vehemence.

“That’s fairrr.” I stretch the word out. “But I also believe in second chances.”

Breath whooshes out of her, and she shakes her head, then smiles at me. A genuine smile. “You’re right. I’m sorry. It’s not my business. I just know these guys love to talk.”

It’s my turn to look confused. “Luke Wolfe seems like the last person to love to talk. About women. Or me. Or anything at all, really.”

A startled laugh comes out of her, and she nods. “Accurate. He’s rude, but he’s not a gossip. He won’t spread rumors about you, at least.” Her smile turns slightly sour, like she’s remembering something she’d rather forget. “Sorry. I have a younger sister—I know I shouldn’t be, but I get protective.” She rolls her eyes at herself, a small laugh coming out.

“No, don’t worry. I don’t mind. Honestly, if he were an asshole, I’d want to know.”

“He is an asshole. Just not…like that.”

“So I’ll know where I stand with him,” I say easily, and we both laugh.

“To be fair, thatisa point in his favor,” Michelle says, then visibly shakes herself. “God, I’m sorry. I should be talking about work, and here we are, as bad as guys in the locker room, talking about Luke Wolfe.”

“No, honestly, I do appreciate it. I will never turn down someone looking out for me.” It’s true. I’ve been burned by a lot of assholes. Unfortunately, I think it was just a part of growing up as much as it was the Hollywood climbers.

“I tell you what,” I say impulsively. “What if we get lunch after Luke and I have our date? I’ll plan some soccer and IFF questions for you. Besides, I wouldn’t mind coming out of this experience with a new friend.”

It’s a bold statement, and my pulse speeds up, because, god, making real friends as an adult is not easy, and for some reason, I’m just as nervous as I was when Luke asked me out.

Michelle’s eyes crinkle at the corners, and she beams at me. “I’d love that. On one condition.”

“What?”

“I want to hear about your date, too.”