First Down (First and Ten #1) Read Online Free PDF Page B

and her cheeks were flushed. She called out a thanks to Clark as he and Ella left.
    His attention was solely on the woman next to him, and he waved behind his head before closing the front door.
    Shrugging, she put the glasses into the dishwasher, and heard Jack walk into the kitchen. Ana glanced up and smiled. “Thanks for coming over. I’m not sure how you got talked into this, but I appreciate what you’ve done.”
    Smiling, he moved to the sink to wash his hands. “I’m happy to help you with anything you need.” It was important to show her that he was a nice guy and worth trusting, because he wanted a chance to get to know her. And kiss her. He just needed to keep doing things like this, so she would go out with him and then he would have a chance to lay his mouth against hers. Watching her leaning against the counter, he wondered if she tasted like candy…chocolate. She seemed like a woman who would. Sweet and dark and completely irresistible. “I’m happy to help out. I can come put your desk together next week. I noticed that it was still in boxes in your office.”
    “What is the daily rate of the highest-paid defensive end in the league?”
    “I see that you Googled me.”
    “I did. Holy moly macaroni. You get paid a lot of money for crashing into other men.”
    “I know. Don’t think that fact is ever lost on me. My brother put his life on the line every day for over ten years in defense of this country, and I know what he got paid, and it was a travesty. I think SEALs--for that matter, anybody in the military--should be paid what guys in the NFL make.” He dried his hands on the towel she handed him and smiled.
    “I didn’t mean to make you uncomfortable. I’m not judging you.”
    He took a step toward her and handed her back the towel. “I’m a little embarrassed by my paycheck, but not enough to turn it down.” Laughing, he wiped his forehead and looked into her eyes. “Truth be told, I have a shark of an agent, and I make sure that he does his best in negotiations. So I may be a bit of a hypocrite.” 
    Deciding to leave the whole question of his paycheck alone, she changed the subject. “I think Clark and Ella have ditched us, so it’s just you and me for lunch. I didn’t realize that you guys were coming over, so I didn’t prepare anything. I’d like to take you to Larios in South Beach. I hear the food is great, and I thought it might be fun.”
    “I’d love to go with you.” He took her hand and rubbed his finger over her ring finger. If he wasn’t mistaken, he just got asked out by the girl of his dreams. “So you like Cuban food?”
    “It’s one of my favorites. My mother’s Cuban, so that’s what I grew up on. Usually, I go over to one of my aunt’s houses for Sunday dinner, but I’m going to miss it this week. So this will be my fix.”
    Jack put his arm around her waist and led her out of the kitchen. “Let’s go to South Beach and have some lunch.” She walked next to him, and he thought her height was perfect for him, because she would fit perfectly under his shoulder. It was like she was made for him with her curves, pretty smile, and shiny hair. The more time he spent around her, the more alluring she became.
     
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    Ana sat on the patio facing the beach and enjoyed people-watching while Jack consumed a massive amount of food. It was interesting to see how many people tried to steal glances. He seemed immune to it though and chose to pay attention only to her. He had on a college hat, glasses and faced away from the sidewalk, but his massive size probably gave him away. That and all of the commercials that he’d been in recently. “Can I ask you a question?”
    Jack set down his fork, wiped his hands, and leaned forward. “Of course. You can ask me anything?”
    “Why are you trying to hang out with me? I’m not your usual type.”
    He studied his hands and then glanced up and held her gaze. “I like you, Ana. I’ve been attracted to you since