The Game Changer (The Perfect Game 2)

“Don’t do that to yourself,” she interrupted. “I understand better now. ”

I shoved my hand into my hair, tugging at the strands like I tended to do around her. “I know that I probably should have called you. But while it was all going on, I was so caught up in fixing everything. I was obsessed with every detail being in perfect order before I came here. There were no exceptions. ”

“But you’re here now. And that’s all that matters. ” Her gorgeous eyes glistened, and I knew I’d lose my shit right here in front of Sal if she cried. Her tears could absolutely fucking gut me.

“To go, right?” Sal shouted toward us, and I coughed my emotions in check.

I glanced at Cass, who nodded her agreement. “To go, Sal. Thanks,” I answered.

I pushed my chair back and walked toward the small counter. “Do you have a car, Jack?” Sal tilted his head in my direction, his eyes narrowed.

Initially confused by his odd question, I leaned back and thought for a moment. “No,” I said haltingly, wondering why a stranger was asking if I had a car.

“I only ask because my little cousin Matteo is a driver. You don’t want to take the train to the stadium every day, and forget trying to take a taxi. I’ll write down the number of his car company and you ask for him directly. He’ll take care of you. ” Sal scribbled Matteo’s name and number on the back of a business card before shoving it toward me.

Relief washed over me. Sal wasn’t some creepy stalker; he was just a nice guy. “Thank you. I hadn’t even thought about that,” I said with a smile, tucking the card into my back pocket and making a mental note to call the number later.

“Don’t mention it. You two just make sure you come back in here and visit me every once in a while, OK?” He slid the two large boxes in my direction.

“Sure thing. ” I reached out my hand, and he gripped it firmly.

“We’ll see you soon. Thank you. ” Cassie smiled before holding the door open for me and our large pies.

See? I catch on quick.

We walked back toward our apartment as Cassie started laughing. “I can’t believe he knew who you were. ”

“That was crazy, right?”

“Yes!”

I shrugged my shoulders while balancing the pizzas. “I’ve always heard New Yorkers are intense. ”

Cassie stopped briefly, her eyebrows raised. “Oh. You have no idea. ”

Her tone made me smile. “Guess I’ll learn soon enough. ”

“You just better win your games, mister,” she warned, her tone sounding half-teasing, half-nervous.

We walked into the apartment building where the elevator doors waited in the open position. Cassie pressed the button and as the doors drew closed, I found myself wanting to drop the boxes to the ground and pin her against the elevator wall. My pants tightened as my thoughts took off on their own. In my mind, I’d leaned over and pressed my lips to her neck, licking and nibbling my way up her jaw as moans escaped from her lips. I thought about pressing my mouth against hers, silencing her sweet little cries as our tongues played a game of hide and seek. She cleared her throat, and I looked up to see her holding the elevator doors open.

“Do you and the elevator need some time alone?” she asked, her eyes flicking to the bulge in my pants.

“I was just thinking about all the things I’d like to do to you in here. ” I winked and bit my bottom lip, hoping for a reaction from her.

She cocked her head to one side, her lips puckering in that cute little way that always turns me on. “Oh, really? Elevators are nasty. You’re gross. ?

?? She turned her back to me and jangled her keys toward the door as I let out a slight laugh.

Once inside, I placed the hot-as-hell pizza boxes on the kitchen table and shook the heat from my hands. “As soon as you sit down, I’ll tell you the best parts,” I shouted at her retreating back.

“Oooh, really?” She looked back at me from the bathroom doorway with a smile. “Just let me wash my hands. ”

After a quick search, I grabbed two plates from the cupboard and placed them on the counter before pouring two glasses of water.

Note to self: get some beer.

Cassie walked into the kitchen, her face all smiles. “I’m ready,” she said, grabbing both of the waters as she practically skipped to the kitchen table.