She shakes her head as if she can’t believe my question. “Maybe not,” she finally says. “But you also don’t want me.” She stands to her full height and looks over at my three teammates. “I’ll be back with some refills,” she informs them before turning on her heel and walking away.
“She’s a tough nut to crack,” Carr says.
“Her friend, not so much,” Drew adds.
“Hey, guys,” said friend greets us. Chloe smiles over at Drew before making eye contact with each of us.
“Hey, gorgeous,” Drew greets her, reaching out and grabbing her hand.
“What kind of trouble are the four of you getting into tonight?” she asks.
“No trouble,” I assure her. “Just having dinner.”
She laughs. “Right. I’ve heard that one before. You giving my girl a hard time?” she asks me.
“More like she’s giving him one,” Fisher speaks up. “Help a guy out, would you? He’s been moping around all week since she shut him down, and after tonight’s loss, I’m afraid he’s going to get a complex.”
Chloe turns her attention back to me. “Don’t give up on her.” She looks over her shoulder, then back to me. “She’s got a lot going on, and she’s jaded from life itself. If you’re serious and want to get to know her, don’t give up on her.”
Her attention is pulled away when Drew asks, “What time do you get off tonight?”
“I don’t know, you tell me,” she flirts back.
He throws his head back in laughter. “Text me when you’re done. I’ll swing by and pick you up.”
“I’m out of here at eleven tonight.”
“What about Larissa?” I ask.
“She’s off at eleven as well,” she says with a knowing smile. She’s walking away before I can thank her for the intel.
“So what are you going to do about it?” Drew asks.
“I’m gonna be here waiting on her.” Honestly, I’m not sure what else I can do, other than being persistent, and I’m not sure that will work with her. She doesn’t seem to be impressed that I’m a professional athlete or that my last name is Monroe, hell I’m not even sure she knows who I am. What she doesn’t realize is that ramps up her hotness factor and makes me want her even more.
Glancing down at my watch, I see it’s nine thirty. I have an hour and a half until I make my next move. The guys and I eat dinner, talking about the season so far, laughing, and cutting up, enjoying our two-day break. Larissa periodically stops and checks on us, getting us refills without asking.
“Who left room for dessert?” she asks, gathering our empty plates.
“I don’t see you on the menu,” Carr tells her. Without thinking, my arm flies out and I punch him in the arm. “What the fuck?” he asks, rubbing his arm. I shoot him a murderous look, and he clamps his mouth shut.
“I’ll take the strawberry cheesecake,” Drew tells her.
“Make that two,” Fisher chimes in.
“For you?” she asks Carr.
“Peanut butter silk pie.” He winks at her, and I’m tempted to hit his ass again. Apparently, it wasn’t hard enough the first time.
“Easton?” The sound of my name on her lips is something I want to hear more of.
“Oreo cheesecake, please,” I say, handing her the dessert menu.
“Great. I’ll be back in a few.” She turns and leaves.
I turn my attention to Carr. “What the fuck was that?”
“What? I was just messing with both of you.”
“Not with her,” I tell him. He holds his hands up, telling me he understands and he’s going to back off. I’m into this girl. I want to explore whatever this is, and I don’t need his dumb ass making it harder for me than it already is.
A few minutes later, she’s back and setting our desserts in front of us. “Enjoy.” She’s gone as quickly as she arrived, not even giving me time to say thanks.
The guys and I shoot the shit for a little while longer until Larissa appears with our checks. “I got it,” I tell her, handing over my credit card. She takes it and disappears around the corner.
“Thanks for dinner, man.” Drew nods in my direction.
“I needed to make sure she was tipped well,” I tell him.
“What, you think we’re cheap?” Fisher asks, looking amused.
“I know you are, unless you’re certain to get something out of it,” I fire back.
“She might pick me,” he says, already laughing at his own joke.
“Dude, did you see him hit me? That shit hurts.” Carr rubs his arm again to get his point across.
“Come on, Monroe. We’re fucking with you. You’re in knots over this girl, which is new. We have to give you shit,” Fisher chimes in.
“Just don’t give it to her,” I warn.
“Here you go. Thanks for coming in. Have a good night.” She drops off my receipt and credit card then walks away.