Free Win Me Over by Nicole Michaels

of fruit mixed with vanilla ice cream.
    She finally let out a deep sigh and looked at him. “Do you need a prompt?”
    He chuckled, partly out of nerves, another part out of this ridiculous attraction he was feeling, but also because she was just adorably funny. “No. I came here because … well, first I want to apologize for Friday. I don’t usually behave like an ass.”
    She looked genuinely surprised but quickly pulled herself together. “Apology accepted. I guess I’m sorry also. I was slightly out of line.”
    She gave him a little wink, which did nothing to calm his nerves. He scratched at the back of his neck, unsure of what to do with his hands. “There’s something else. I can’t believe I’m about to say this, but I’d like you to reconsider.”
    Her expression didn’t change for a long moment; she just looked at him, her eyes narrowed. Finally, when he was close to getting up, she spoke. “Why?”
    â€œLike you mentioned Friday. I’m hoping it will increase my odds of winning the Evan Award.”
    â€œYou said it wasn’t that important to you.”
    â€œIt still isn’t … for my own sake. But things have changed this year. If I win, it could help my players, and for that it’s worth it.”
    â€œHelp them how?”
    â€œWell. Apparently this year the winner of the award is given fifty thousand dollars to disburse as scholarship money to his senior players going to college.”
    Her eyes widened and she stared at him thoughtfully for a long moment. He wondered what she was thinking. “That’s really nice. Sounds like a good motivator. You’re a good guy, Coach Clark. I don’t know much about coaching football, but I think you deserve to win an award.”
    â€œI don’t deserve anything, but I’d like to try.” Damn, her words warmed his insides. People congratulated him on wins all the time, told him he did a good job, cheered for him. But something about this woman’s honesty made him feel genuine pride while at the same time a desire to be even better.
    He swallowed hard as she took another long drink and turned to face him, looping one foot over the seat so she could straddle the bleacher. Bennett squeezed his fists together, forcing himself not to look at her legs spread like that. It would be obvious and ungentlemanly.
    â€œSo this is official? We’re doing this?” she asked.
    â€œIf you’re willing.”
    â€œI wasn’t lying when I said how busy I was. But I am willing.”
    He nodded his head. “Okay. Good. I’m glad.”
    â€œWant to know a secret?” she said, a mischievous smile playing at her lips.
    â€œSure.”
    â€œI was a tiny little bit disappointed when you said no.”
    â€œHuh.” He smiled down at his hands. Her admission surprised and pleased him, and he considered his next question for a moment. “Will your boyfriend be okay with this?”
    She laughed. “First off, I don’t have a boyfriend. And second, if I did I wouldn’t need his permission.”
    Relief settled into Bennett’s bones. “I just thought—”
    â€œIf you thought the guy from Friday was mine, I can assure you that’s nothing. If I recall, he was wearing his favorite T-shirt that day. It says: ‘My Boyfriend Is Cuter than Yours.’”
    It all made sense now. “Well, I guess you can’t get any clearer than that.”
    She gave him her full smile and the only thought that registered was how beautiful she was. Her confidence was real and refreshing, and he was suddenly really glad he’d made this decision.
    â€œOne thing we probably should get clear is that if we’re gonna win this, we have to do things my way. I know dance and I know how to win.”
    He scoffed. “Not that I doubt you, but you know, I do have a few wins under my belt as well.”
    She pulled a