The Player Read Online Free PDF Page A

bragging about meeting that BRAVO reality show contestant who’d been kicked off the show Bad Girls for setting fire to another contestant’s weave – all while the poor woman slept.
    “Don’t worry, I had the same reaction, though it was under different circumstances,” Harlow told her friend. Then she turned to Darren with a brief rundown of Torii’s accomplishments. “Torii’s got four beauty stores with all kinds of products the woman in your life might be interested in. I lost the Businesswoman of the year award to her.”
    Slightly embarrassed, Torii corrected her with, “I’ve only got three stores. But thanks for the glowing endorsement.” 
    “Anytime.” Harlow told her, giving a wink to Darren. “With all those dreads, Darren might want to check out your hair products. Maybe you two should get to know one another.”
    Torii’s face flushed even more as she tried to figure out a gracious way to get out of Harlow’s suggestion. “I-I’m sorry. I’m actually seeing someone right now. He . . . well he talks about the team all the time, and you’re one of his favorite players, Mr. Gillette.”
    That surprised Harlow, especially since Torii never mentioned she was seeing anyone. “Okay, sorry about that.” She gave Darren a grimace of sympathy. “I should’ve kept my big mouth shut. How about a drink on the house?”
    Darren pushed his empty glass her way. “Fill ‘er up another time pretty lady, I need to head out.”
    Torii didn’t say anything, but the way Darren beamed a smile at Harlow, and all their joking and smiling during his goodbyes . . . well, it was clear that he was interested in her.
    Darren tapped Torii on the shoulder as he walked past. “Good night to you too, pretty lady.”
    Torii got tongue tied, but not before wishing she’d let Harlow continue her match making. Darren’s leggy stride out of the bar had both women watching his tall, fine brown frame. “Does he come in here often?” Torii asked, knowing full well that she sounded breathless.
    “Oh yes.” Harlow said, echoing her friend’s breathy tone. “But I’m mad at you! Look at that man! You two would make a cute couple.”
    “No, you two make a very good looking couple.”
    “What yuh sayin’?”
    “Harlow, that man only has eyes for you. Can’t you see that?”
    “No, you’re wrong. I’m already talking to Kyle, his teammate.”
    “THE Kyle McClure? The quarterback?”
    Harlow gave her a smug look. “Oh, so you’ve heard of him.”
    “ Day-yamn my sista . . . I didn’t know you were such a playa. Playa.”
    “I’m not a playing anyone. I’m just having a little fun, that’s all.”
    “So am I.” Torii glanced around and over her shoulder, making sure they couldn’t be overheard. “And I can’t want to tell you all about him!”
     
    *****
     
    Kyle stopped by later on in the evening and also the next, until Harlow reminded him that Wednesdays and Thursdays were the nights she usually took off. “It’s okay, I know you’re not used to this,” Harlow teased. “I’m sure most ladies adjust to your schedule. Just like women are usually tossing out their phone numbers without you asking.”
    Publically shamed, Kyle lowered his head. “You’re never gonna let me live that down, are you?”
    “Nope. I like seeing you squirm.”
    “It’s true. I’ve got no game at all,” he admitted, peeking up at her through bashful eyes.
    She wasn’t buying his woe is me act . “Oh, I wouldn’t say that. You did well enough to get my number. And I even threw in a bunch of kisses.”
    “So I didn’t completely mess this up?”
    “No, you did not. Though I was a little curious when you didn’t ask for my cell phone number that first night, until I realized it was some sort of psychological ploy.”
    His demeanor and voice turned serious. “I don’t do stuff like that. And I don’t like anyone doing that kind of shit to me.”
    “Um, stuff like what?”
    “I don’t like fucking with