Free Line of Scrimmage by Desiree Holt Page B

they do extensive renovations.”
    “Well that sucks canal water. But I’d think in a city like this there would be other places who’d snap you up in a heartbeat.”
    “Yeah, you’d think. It’s not like I haven’t been looking either. I keep getting the same line. ‘It’s the economy. People aren’t spending as much on extras these days.’ As if keeping in shape was an extra.” She turned her gaze back on him again, making sure her face was composed. “I’m examining my options.”
    “Which is how you got roped into this?”
    She nodded. “Ivy knew I lost my job, and she thought this would be a win/win situation. Your sister can be very persuasive.”
    “You got that right.” The muscles in his jaw tightened. “Sometimes too much so.”
    Erin planted her hands on her hips, indignant. “No kidding.”
    Jake grimaced. “Yeah, I would have been more suspicious if I was hitting on all cylinders. I’m completely aware of how persuasive and sneaky my sister can be. She gets an idea and she’s like a dog with a bone.”
    Erin nodded. “Tell me about it. Meanwhile, we need to get her over here to face the music and see how we can resolve this. Having me stay is not a good idea, and you know it.”
    “I guess.” He picked up his cell from the nightstand. “I’ve left a bunch of messages for her, but it’s plain she’s avoiding both of us.”
    “I’ll get her.” Oh, yes, she would definitely get hold of Ivy. “Not to worry.”
    “In the meantime, could you see your way to bringing me a fresh mug?”
    She swallowed a sigh. “Yes. Just don’t move until I get back.”
    His laugh held little humor. “I’ll do my best.”
    “I’m not staying,” she told him again when she brought him fresh coffee.
    “Then you’d better get hold of Ivy. And soon.”
    No, she wouldn’t stay; this needed to get fixed right away. Damn Ivy, anyway. She retreated to the kitchen again, trying to figure out what to do. After pulling out her cell phone, she tried the woman yet again.
     
     
Chapter 5
     
    Jake muted the sound on the flat screen television and closed his eyes. He was fucking sick of watching anything. Besides, despite the lineup of six hundred channels, there didn’t seem to be much of a choice.
    How the hell had he landed in this situation with Erin hired to take care of him? He was going to kill his sister the minute he got his hands on her. If he ever did. She’d made herself suspiciously unavailable. Oh, he had her number. He saw her fine evil hand behind this. She was up to her old matchmaking tricks again. Why couldn’t he make her understand that he wasn’t interested in a damn relationship right now? If his leg didn’t heal, what did he have to offer anyone? He had to concentrate on that, and Erin was definitely a distraction.
    Then the memory of his night with Erin flashed in his brain and caused sensible reason to flee. He could still remember the shape of her curvy, sexy body, the feel of her satin-smooth skin, the lush silk of her dark red hair that swung easily just below her shoulders. And those eyes. Hazel, with intriguing flecks of gold. They hadn’t done a whole lot of talking, but what conversation they’d had at the party let him know she was a smart, savvy woman. Five-foot-five of sex and smarts. A dangerous combination.
    And one apparently out of his reach, for whatever fucking reason.
    Ivy had been all up in his shit, asking about that night and talking Erin up, as if she was her press agent. Somehow he didn’t think Erin knew about it or would be all that thrilled if she did find out. His sister, for whatever reason, was determined to get him coupled up before he retired, as if he couldn’t find someone himself.
    It was just, well, he was convinced he had nothing to give to a real relationship. When he looked in the mirror, he still saw the scared fourteen-year-old determined to stand up for his mother and sister. Football had given him a life. A new life. But behind