Page 10 of Hold Me Tight

My twin sister’s kids excluded, of course. Autumn and Haven have some serious cute factor going for them. Especially when they flash their dimples.

“Nope, I’m good.”

She takes a small step in retreat. “Okay. If you need anything, just let me know. Wave me down. I’ll be watching from right over there.” She points to the hostess stand near the entrance.

Umm, okay… That’s not creepy at all.

I force a smile. “Thanks. Appreciate it.”

She beams before reluctantly turning to a table who’s been trying to get her attention for the past five minutes.

This kind of behavior isn’t anything out of the ordinary. Women have been falling all over themselves to get to me since college. And when I turned pro, it was like the floodgates opened.

Did I take advantage of the fan adoration in the beginning?

Guilty as charged.

And for a while, the transient encounters filled a void.

Until I met my best friend and teammate’s new girl.

Then, it was impossible to forget her face.

Even while fucking other women.

Since I could only keep that up for so long, I stopped hooking up altogether. I haven’t had sex in three years.

Honestly?

I haven’t even felt the urge.

Which is disconcerting to say the least.

I’m knocked from those thoughts when Beau Masterson slides into the chair across from me. He’s all flash with an expensive Rolex wrapped around his left wrist and suit that’s tailored to fit his large frame.

“To what do I owe the pleasure, Thompson?” he asks with a quick smile.

Like I said, it’s a big city that feels small.

I lean back in the chair, aiming for cool and collected. “I heard you were interested in carrying some desserts from Lakeshore Sweets in your restaurants, so I thought I’d drop by for a quick conversation.”

I have to fight the urge to groan when his eyes spark with equal parts humor and interest. “You don’t say? Go on.”

When I press my lips together, his smile widens.

Beau Masterson comes from money, and lots of it. He’s used to getting what he wants. And if it’s necessary to pay for the pleasure, he’ll do that too.

“So tell me, do you have an interest in the little bakery?” There’s a beat of silence. “Or the pretty blonde who runs it?”

“Callie’s a good friend,” I say casually, hoping he buys it. It would be pretty fucking embarrassing if he asks her about our nonexistent relationship. “I’m more interested in what your intentions are.”

Beau laughs, clearly enjoying himself. “Look, I’ll be honest. She’s a beautiful woman. And obviously talented. She has that sweet, girl-next-door appeal working for her. I was thinking about taking her out and getting to know her.”

Dammit. I knew it wasn’t as simple as the desserts.

My fingers flex beneath the table. “Callie isn’t like the women you usually date,” I say, making a concerted effort to lower my tone.

He shrugs. “Maybe I’m looking for something a little different.”