Page 44 of A Game of Deception

We finished our workout with a series of cool-down stretches. Then as we were gathering our things to leave, Ben turned to me with an earnest expression.

“Hey, I just wanted to say... I’m glad you’re here. On the team, I mean. I know some of the guys have been giving you a hard time, but they’ll come around. You’re exactly what we need to make a real run at the championship.”

“Thanks, Ben,” I said. “That means a lot.”

He nodded suddenly embarrassed and headed for the door. “See you at practice on Monday!”

I watched him go, feeling a strange mix of emotions. It was nice to know I had at least one ally on the team. But his words also reminded me of the pressure I was under. The expectations. The scrutiny. All of which would only intensify once the season started.

And then there was Tara. My doctor. My one-night stand. My... what? What were we to each other now?

I have no fucking idea.

I grabbed my gym bag and headed for the showers, no closer to an answer than I had been when I arrived.

“This place is incredible,”I said, eyeballing the vibrant chaos of Versailles, Miami’s Cuban food mecca. “How’d you score a table on a Saturday night?”

Leo flashed a grin, looking less twitchy than he had all week. “I have my ways. Plus, the hostess is a fan. I promised her an introduction.”

I glanced over to where the hostess stood, arranging menus at her station. She caught me looking and smiled, giving a little wave.

I immediately looked away.

Fuck.

It wasn’t the first time Leo had hooked me up with a beautiful woman. His talent for social engineering had led to countless hookups over our years together. At any other time, I’d have been grateful for the setup with the gorgeous hostess.

But tonight? I couldn’t summon even a flicker of interest.

“You’re welcome,” Leo said, misreading my silence as appreciation.

“Not tonight, man.”

Leo raised an eyebrow. “She’s exactly your type. Tall, blonde, legs for days...”

I took a long swig of water, wishing it was something stronger. Only one woman occupied my thoughts, her dark eyes and stubborn jaw haunting me. The one woman I absolutely couldn’t have. The one who’d left my bed with a whispered goodbye.

“I’m just not in the mood,” I muttered.

Leo studied my face, his expression shifting from confusion to realization. “Oh shit. It’s the doctor, isn’t it? Tara’s got you all twisted up.”

Before I could think of a decent response, our appetizers landed—croquetas and fried plantains. Happy for the save, I attacked the food like I hadn’t eaten in days.

“This is amazing,” I mumbled through a mouthful. “We should eat here every damn night.”

Leo nodded, but his smile looked fake. He just pushed food around his plate.

“What?” I asked.

Leo put down his fork and took a deep breath. “I met with her today.”

“Who?” I halted my next bite of food mid-air.

“I met with Tara,” he said, keeping his voice steady while my face turned hot. “This afternoon. For coffee.”

I stared at him, trying to compute. Leo had gone behind my back to meet Tara. After everything.

“What the fuck, Leo?” I kept my voice down despite wanting to flip the table. “Why would you do that?”