Hardball: A Sports Romance Read Online Free PDF Page B

over suddenly to shout into her ear over the noise. “I just want you to know that I made reservations for you and Chance for dinner tonight. Your relationship has renewed the fan’s enthusiasm to be here.”
          The final seconds ticked down followed by cheers and celebrations from the end zone. The pit of Arabella’s stomach twisted into disappointed knots. She had hoped to enjoy a bit of window shopping and privacy.
         “It’s not a relationship though,” Arabella corrected, but Robert was already striding down the sidelines in the direction of where the celebrations were taking place.
         She gathered her purse from her seat, and started in the direction of the locker rooms when Chance appeared by her side.
         Arabella tensed at the sight of him. “What?”
         Slipping his helmet off, Chance ran a hand through dampened blonde locks. His eyes were sparkling from adrenaline. A cheshire grin stretched across his smoothly shaved face that was covered in sweat.
         “Robert suggested that I come give you a celebratory kiss and hug,” he said.
         The thought of kissing Chance again made her stomach flutter with a variety of emotions that ranged from repulsion and adrenaline. It wasn’t so bad kissing Chance. It was just dealing with his brooding and cocky attitude.
         “Of course he did,” Arabella said, tightly. “That’s the whole point of me being here is to look like your arm candy.”
         His eyebrows furrowed at those harsh words.
         “Sorry,” she mumbled, her cheeks flushing brightly. “I didn’t mean for it to come out like that. I guess I’m just—”
         “Look,” Chance cut in smoothly, “I don’t want to be apart of it either, but we’re here now. We both have things at stake if this doesn’t go well. I’m not going to apologize for kissing you earlier this week because I wanted to kiss you. It wasn’t for the camera.”
         Arabella’s heart skipped at that. She stared up at him, trying to pick up any indications of a lie, but found none.
         “It wasn’t?”
         “No,” Chance said, firmly, “and neither is this.”
         He grabbed her by the waist firmly, tugging her into him. Warm lips descended upon hers again, and they tasted faintly of orange Gatorade. Arabella exhaled through her nose to calm her racing nerves, and placed a hand on the bulky protection equipment under Chance’s jersey. She kissed him back tentatively.
         Just as quickly as it started, it ended.
         Chance pulled back to stare down at her with an indescribable expression before letting her go. He gave a sharp nod.
        “I’ll see you at the hotel later,” he said.
        A swarm of cameras quickly enveloped Chance as he disappeared into a sea of people. Arabella quickly made her way off the field before she could get cornered by anyone. She had no idea of what Chance said was true about wanting to kiss her. Chance was a womanizer, and he had great charisma and charm. It was part of the reason no one ever complained about his behavior for a long time.
        Her confusion only mounted when Chance arrived at her hotel room around 3:30pm dressed down in a pair dark blue sweat pants and a plain grey t-shirt.
        “I know Robert said we need to go out,” he said, “but I’m tired of the cameras and all the publicity shit.”
        “Okay. So, what do you want to do then?” 
        “How about visiting some stores or something?” He offered, shoving his hands deep into the pockets of his sweat pants. “There’s a place here that sells amazing coffee too if you like coffee.”
         “I like coffee,” Arabella said. “Are you sure about this? Robert is going to give us an earful.”
         Chance scowled. “I don’t care right now. I’m tired of the media attention. I’m not adding more to it tonight. Are you with me or not?”
         She hesitated for a moment.