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she reminded herself. When Raoul had asked her to come, she could have easily said she was busy. Only she wasn’t and she didn’t lie all that well. In a spiritual sense, that was probably a good thing, but as to how it affected where she would be spending her evening, it sucked.
    She looked up at the rows of benches that passed as seats. She didn’t know anyone here. Still, given the choice between the high school kids and the parents, she would pick the parents. At least she had a chance of talking to one of them.
    “Nicole!”
    She turned toward the field and saw one of the football players running toward her. He was suited up in his gear and it took her a second to recognize Raoul.
    “Hi,” she said as she walked toward the railing separating the field from the stands. “Impressive. You look mean and burly.”
    Raoul grinned. “Yeah?”
    She nodded. He looked different. Older. Dangerous. The urge to tell him not to get hurt welled up inside of her. Apparently maternal instincts didn’t need much to kick in.
    “Are you playing a tough team?” she asked.
    “They’re okay. We’re gonna kick their butts, though.”
    “I look forward to that.”
    He grinned. “Thanks for coming tonight. I don’t usually have anyone at the games. Except for my friends, you know. Not an adult.”
    That was her. Adult. “I’ll cheer a lot and try to embarrass you,” she teased.
    “Good.”
    A pretty blond girl in a cheerleader uniform ran up. “Hi,” she said with a big smile. “I’m Brittany.”
    The teenager was even more lovely close-up. She looked perfect and popular. Nicole thought about hating her on general principle.
    “Nicole,” she said.
    “My boss,” Raoul said. “I told you about her. Brittany’s my girlfriend.”
    “Nice to meet you,” Nicole said.
    “You, too. I hope you enjoy the game. We’re going to have a great year.”
    Someone blew a whistle on the field.
    “I gotta go,” Raoul said. “I’ll see you after the game.”
    He ran off before Nicole could explain that she wouldn’t be staying. Then she reminded herself it wasn’t as if she had a full social calendar. So what if she spent the whole evening there?
    “Couldn’t stay away, could you?”
    Nicole heard the voice, felt the rush of heat and despised both him for causing it and herself for reacting.
    She looked over the railing to where Hawk stood on the grass.
    For once he was dressed…khakis, polo shirt in school colors. He looked good. Better than good. Talk about annoying.
    “Raoul asked me to come watch him play.”
    Hawk looked unconvinced.
    “I’m telling the truth,” she insisted. “He says he doesn’t have any adults come watch him. Why is that?”
    “He’s in foster care. Has been for a long time. It’s nice that you could take an interest.”
    He sounded sincere, which made her feel guilty about complaining about coming.
    “It’s no big deal,” she mumbled.
    “It is to him. I gotta go. Enjoy the game.”
    Hawk ran off. Nicole tried not to stare at his butt as he moved, although it was difficult to ignore any part of him. Weird, because she’d never been that superficial before. She was always far more interested in a guy’s mind.
    It was because of where she was in her life, she told herself as she turned back to the bleacher seats and started to climb, using her cane for balance. Under any other circumstances, she would barely be able to remember Hawk’s name.
    “He’s damn pretty,” a woman said.
    Nicole looked at her.
    “The coach. He’s the best part of the game, although my two boys would be humiliated if they heard me say that.” She smiled. “I’m Barbara.”
    The woman scooted over to make room.
    Nicole sat next to her. “Hi. I’m Nicole.”
    “You’re a little young to be a mom,” Barbara said. “You here for Hawk?”
    “No,” Nicole said quickly. “I own a bakery. One of the guys on the team works for me. He asked me to come.”
    “That’s nice of you. I’m not sure I’d be