“Couldn’t help but notice Sierra.”
Everyone noticed her. She was stunning. She was smart and sexy. She knew sports and medicine. I didn’t know if there was a more perfect combination for a woman—not that I was in the market for anything other than tonight. But if I were—that would be the kind of woman I’d have my eye on. The kind of woman I could see having dinner with. Maybe taking a vacation with. Maybe even going to a movie with. But Scott knew me better th
an I knew myself and he knew I didn’t expect anything after tonight.
“Yeah, she’s hot.”
“Reyna likes her. I can tell.”
I eyed him. “Are you trying to play matchmaker right now, brother?”
He backed up in mock defense. “I’m just calling what I see. She’s a pretty girl. Reyna likes her. And she seems to be able to tolerate your cockiness. Why don’t you ask her out?”
“Ask her out? Date her?”
“Why not? Try something different for once, man.”
“That’s not what I do.”
He sighed. “Whatever, Pierce. Do what you’re going to do.” I saw his exasperated grimace change to a smile when Reyna emerged. “Ready?”
“Yes.” She beamed. “You have no idea what Sierra just did to my neck.”
“Please tell me it involved both of you getting naked.” I laughed. I should have followed them in there.
Reyna slapped me on the chest. “No. But my neck feels a hundred percent better.”
“I’m glad, sweetheart.” Scott kissed the top of her head. “We have to go. If the storm lets up, we have to play early.”
“Any word yet on a time?” she asked.
“No. Haven’t heard from Eric.”
I hadn’t mentioned to Scott about the conversation Eric and I had earlier today. His warnings to me had done the exact opposite of what he wanted. I couldn’t want Sierra more.
I turned to see Sergio and Paulo each wrap a heavy arm over Sierra’s shoulders. She looked small between the tall dark athletes.
I wanted to be the one to take her home. To walk her back to her room. To have people see her on my arm. But there were enough reasons to be cautious. I winked at her as they walked past me. I’d see her soon enough.
I stood with my hands in my pockets as everyone walked ahead of me. Tonight it was ok. Tonight I had to wait my turn. Learn some fucking patience. Because in the morning I was going to be with Sierra.
I wasn’t the kind of guy who brought flowers to a date. I didn’t believe in romantic shit like that, and I didn’t believe in dating. But here I was standing in front of Sierra’s door with a bouquet of something I had swiped from the lobby in my building. I thought there might be orchids in the bunch, but I didn’t know anything about flowers. These just looked tropical and girly to me.
I rapped on the door.
A few seconds later the door swung open and standing in front of me was the most beautiful woman I’d met since arriving in the country.
“For you.” I presented the colorful stems.
“Flowers?” She looked surprised. “Didn’t think you were a wine and roses guy.”
I chuckled. “I’m not. I didn’t bring either.”
She pursed her lips together. “Well, thank you, but pretty flowers don’t change what I said earlier.”
“I don’t expect them too.” I walked inside.
“I can’t treat your knee and I can’t see you outside of the matches. I need you to know I’m serious, Pierce. Dinner was fun, but this …”