Page 24 of The Game Plan
“I know the owner, so it’s a nice connection to have if I need a nice reservation somewhere.”
“That’s a great connection to have, for sure,” Sutton replied, taking another sip of her champagne as the waiter brought out their dinner. “That looks amazing.”
Her mouth watered as he set the plate down in front of her, the scent of lobster filling her nostrils. “Thank you for this. It’s truly divine.”
“You’re welcome.” Reese’s eyes warmed at her enjoyment, and he looked away as a hint of desire sparked in his eyes.
Her cheeks warmed at his perusal of her, and she looked down at the risotto, her stomach flip-flopping again.
All this from a smile? I’m in trouble here.
She took a few bites of her food and closed her eyes with a small sound of pleasure, his laughter drawing her eyes back to his. He covered his mouth with his fork as he chuckled at her, taking a bite of his steak.
Popping a veggie into her mouth, her eyes rounded. “These are perfect, too. I need the chef at home to cook for me, because my food never tastes this good.”
He leaned forward and whispered conspiratorially, “I think all food that is cooked by someone else always tastes better.”
She tapped her finger on her chin for a moment before she agreed. “I think so, too. No one makes food like your mom, though.”
He nodded. “Agreed.”
She sighed, all this talk of family causing her to miss hers unexpectedly. “I think I need to take a weekend to go visit my family soon.”
“Once the season is over, I’ll be able to spend a lot more time with mine.” He took another drink. “The football season gets so busy, so it’s hard to keep up with them. I’m grateful for the opportunity, and the travel is fun, but it keeps me busy.”
“Family is everything, that’s for sure,” Sutton replied. “I’ve been so busy lately with events, that I haven’t had a break to go see them. And with the potential event for Reboot, that’s added another thing to the list.”
Guilt flashed over his face, but Sutton caught it before it disappeared.
“Don’t worry, I’m okay with it,” she reassured him. “I love planning things, and this is another great opportunity for the league and the foundation to get together on something good.”
“As long as it isn’t too much,” he said.
She shook her head. “I promise, the foundation needs this as much as you want it, so even if I have to work overtime, I will make it happen.”
He looked doubtful, but Sutton had pulled events together in shorter amounts of time and didn’t have league or Reboot money to do it. This time, she did.
It’ll come together in no time.
“So, are you excited about Sunday?” she asked, drawing his attention away from the event.
“I am, but man, it’s going to be tough. The Fortune are no joke.”
“Well, if you play as good this game as you’ve been playing this year, you should be fine. There have been a lot of good teams to get knocked out this year, but they didn’t have running backs like you on their teams.”
“Been reading up on me?”
She shrugged. “I know a lot of running backs, but you’re the best one I’ve seen this year.”
“Well, thanks,” he said. “I hope I don’t disappoint you.”
They fell into a companionable silence, finishing their food without much conversation after that, the ride home just as quiet.
Reese walked her up to her empty and now-clean apartment, telling her he would see her on Sunday before he left the building.
Heading to her window, she watched Reese take a last look at the building before he got into the Tahoe, the large SUV disappearing into the night as she plopped onto her couch with a sigh.
CHAPTER SIX