Headstrong Quarterback: A New Adult Sports Romance Read Online Free PDF Page A

interested.”
    “Yes you are. You’re just not ready yet.”
    I looked down at my shoes, afraid to talk. “I don’t know if I’ll ever be ready.”
    “Are you going to live caged up forever, never letting anybody in?” His voice was tender.
    I lifted my head, trying to look at him. “You’re trying to fix me, and I don’t need to be fixed.”
    He sighed. “I’m trying to love you, but you won’t let me close enough.”
    The word took me off guard. It was like a splash of cold water thrown on my face. “What, why?” I stammered. “You barely know me.”
    “I know that something pulls me back to this place time after time, because for some reason I want to be around you.”
    “You’re trying to rescue me, and I don’t want to be rescued.”
    “Give me a chance, that’s all I’m asking.”
    I forced myself to look into his eyes. “Why me? Why waste your time?”
    “I don’t see it as wasting time. I see it as waiting you out.”
    “Great, so now I’m some conquest. You think if you’re patient enough, I’ll suddenly fall into your arms?”
    Steel challenged me. “Why do you want to push me away? Why do you hate me without even knowing me?”
    I shot back, “Why do you like me without even knowing me?”
    We stared at one another, neither giving an inch. Only something cracked. For a second in time, I could see myself in his arms. Letting him hold me, letting him want me, feeling safe and protected – his persistence was wearing me down.
    “Give me a chance, Avery. I’ll be good to you.” It was a simple statement.
    I nodded quietly. We both knew what I wanted, but something kept standing in my way. The air was thick between us.
    “Go out with me tonight.” It wasn’t a question.
    I hesitated, then said it. “Okay.”
    “That’s my girl,” he said with a smile. “I’ll be back for you when your shift ends.”
    I watched him walk out. I was terrified, scared he would see how broken I was and realize it was a mistake to be interested in me. I’m not a whole person anymore. Who wants a shattered puzzle in their life?
    He showed up like he said he would. Following him outside, I was relieved to see his truck in place of his bike. Climbing into the large black SUV, I settled beside him, watching, waiting, not knowing what was next.
    “I thought we could go get some dinner.”
    I nodded and studied his profile. His jaw was defined, his cheekbones strong. He was a handsome man, and more than I deserved. I had no idea what he saw in me. Why did he want me?
    Pulling into the parking lot of the same all night diner we’d stopped at before, he commented. “Not a lot of places open are open this late.”
    “I’m used to it.”
    “If you let me take you out on a day off, we could try something else.”
    “Pancakes suit me fine.” I unbuckled and climbed out of the truck.
    He walked beside me and took my hand cautiously. His hands were massive, like giant bear paws. A simple touch, and my heart nearly leapt from my chest. There was no denying the attraction. I swallowed hard and said nothing.
    He let go of my hand to pull the door open, then followed behind me, his hand now resting on my shoulder. Electricity ricocheted through me as I quietly caught my breath.
    As much as I enjoyed him standing there, it sent me into a panic. Last time a man touched me, it was dirty. Only, this time it was desire that laced through my veins. I almost didn’t recognize it. I tried to shut it down, but I couldn’t. I wanted to be there with him.
    We sat and picked up our menus. I read mine, but he watched me instead. He no longer hid the fact that he wanted me. I was afraid to look into his eyes, knowing that I might very well melt into a puddle of bliss.
    I hid behind my menu, and tucked my chin down. He put his hand on the edge of my menu and gently pushed it down, so I couldn’t hide. I forced myself to look his way. A smile. He smiled at me and my heart raced. I felt like a schoolgirl, awkward and