Play Date (Play Makers Book 3) Read Online Free PDF

cheap hookup.”
    He wanted to pull free but settled for using a sterner tone. “You didn’t know I was in that bar. You came there on your own, looking for a cheap hookup. Dressed like Melody.”
    She pouted for a few seconds, then nodded. “I wanted to feel pretty. To have men pay attention to me like they do her. Maybe buy me a drink and flirt a little. But not for sex, Sean. I promise.”
    She paused, clearly embarrassed, then continued. “I almost didn’t have the nerve to walk inside. Then I realized I didn’t have my purse, so I had to. And then I saw you,” she added breathlessly, touching his lips with her fingertip. “My hero.”
    “Geezus, Kerrie.” He wanted to kiss her but knew the toasts would begin soon, and he had to be front and center for that. “We can’t talk this way. I wish we could, but you’re Coz’s wife.”
    “He hasn’t touched me in years, Sean.”
    “What?”
    “It’s true,” she told him, her amber eyes bright with tears. “No one has touched me like you did. Not for so long. He plays around, but I never did. Not until then. Not until you.”
    “Geezus . . .” He heard a burst of laughter from the ballroom and winced. “I’ve gotta get back, Kerrie. But this is nuts. If you’re not happy, divorce him.”
    “I’d do that for you in a heartbeat,” she told him solemnly. “But we can’t rush it. You have to be sure.”
    “Huh?” The room seemed to spin. “Not for me, Kerrie. Do it for yourself. Damn, I’ve gotta give a toast. Can you—” He took a deep breath. “We should talk. But not here. And definitely not now.”
    “I have your number. I’ll call.” She pulled his head down and kissed him eagerly, and despite the warning bells, he kissed her back just as thoroughly.
     
    • • •
     
    “Unbelievable,” Rachel murmured as she eyed the black curtain that had swallowed her date. The date who had been clearly chasing a pretty blonde.
    She had given him some slack, mostly because they enjoyed each other’s company. Their day-long brunch date had been charming. Platonic, but otherwise perfect. And since then, he had called almost every night. Just to chat, but they had connected on that level so well, it had deluded her into believing there was hope beyond friendship.
    But this was too much. Chasing after another woman when he was supposedly on a date with Rachel? Not to mention his imaginary date with Erica?
    Ugh.
    It was tempting to just go back to her room and watch TV for the rest of this disastrous night, and if not for the promise of cake, she would already be in the elevator. But the lure of white frosting kept her rooted to the spot.
    The three guys she had noticed earlier were still at it, glancing at her from time to time. One in particular had a love-starved gleam in his eye, and she thought back to the first time she had seen that look. So flattering, yet ultimately, so disappointing.
    In contrast, it was fundamentally amazing how every male in the vicinity was clearly smitten with Erica McCall Spurling. Of course, Rachel knew for a fact that Sean Decker was, since he had raved about her even on their first date. And that magnetic quality was on full display now as Decker and Bannerman and assorted other men constantly snuck up behind her, trying to lure her away from her new husband, who would give them an imperious look that made them back off at least for a few moments. Then the games would begin anew.
    Sighing, Rachel abandoned her half-finished drink and ordered a fresh one. If she could trade places with the vivacious bride, she’d do it in a heartbeat. Not because Erica was so gorgeous, because Rachel was happy with her own appearance. Not because Erica had a great career, because Rachel loved being a teacher. Not even because Erica had an adoring husband, because Rachel still had hopes in that department.
    But Erica was a guy magnet, and as silly as it seemed, Rachel craved that experience. Just once. To walk into a bar and be