Free Win Me Over by Nicole Michaels Page A

face. “This ain’t football, big boy. This is dance.”
    â€œI’m sure if we compared notes we’d find that they have some things in common.”
    She considered him for a moment. “Maybe. Would you consider dance a sport?”
    He shrugged. “Sure. It involves physical skill, dedication, training.”
    The corner of her mouth lifted a bit. “Good answer, Coach.”
    â€œAm I being tested?”
    â€œWhat if you were?”
    â€œThen I’d want to pass. And I’d insist on equal play.” He considered his own question. “Do you believe winning is everything?”
    Her lips tightened, but she didn’t look away. “No. Working your ass off, finishing with dignity, and respecting your team is everything.”
    â€œNice. I would agree,” he replied.
    â€œMy turn.” She tilted her head to the side. “Would you date a woman that made more money than you?”
    He was surprised and it probably showed on his face. “I guess, although I’m not sure why that’s relevant.” Did she want it to be?
    She shrugged. “It’s not, really.”
    â€œOkay, my turn. Are you glad I didn’t turn out to be twenty years older?”
    She bit at her lip, considering her answer. “Talk about irrelevant.”
    â€œIs it? I don’t know.” He wanted to tease her; in fact, he was sort of missing the charge from their last heated discussion. He liked her scrappy side. It made him want to see her when she finally let her guard down fully.
    â€œHonestly? And I’m a very honest woman, by the way. But yes. I was very happy to find that you were not some feeble old guy.”
    Bennett froze. Feeble. He wasn’t quite there, but he was far from 100 percent. In fact, he wasn’t looking forward to the physicality of dancing. But he wouldn’t let her know that. He cleared his throat before he spoke, intent on changing the subject. “Last question. Did you really just call me big boy a few minutes ago?”
    She laughed, throwing her head back, the column of her neck glistening with perspiration and begging for attention. She was so uninhibited, so free. Happy . Even when she was giving him her smart mouth she did it with relish. This girl was passionate and he found himself laughing along with her.
    She let out a breathy sigh, staring into his eyes. “I did call you that. You’re big. You’re a boy. Only seems appropriate.”
    He knew their time was limited, but he wanted to keep her talking. “You should know, you’ll have your work cut out for you. I won’t be good at dancing. And if I’m being honest, I really am not looking forward to it,” he said.
    She tilted her head to the side. They locked eyes again; hers were so blue, so knowing, as if she could read his thoughts. “If you give me everything—and trust me—it will be fine.”
    He swallowed, the depth of her words hitting him hard. She didn’t look away, clearly waiting for his answer. “When it comes to this? I can do that.”
    She nodded, clearly satisfied with his response. “Well, we should get started as soon as possible.”
    Without thinking he said, “We can start tonight.”
    â€œYou’re eager; I like it. However, I do have to come up with a routine.”
    â€œHow long do you need?”
    â€œA few days. I think I have an idea already.”
    â€œHow about Thursday night? You can come to my place,” he said.
    â€œYou sure? I mean, I could probably arrange for us to come here.”
    He shook his head. “No, my property is secluded. If I’m gonna make a fool of myself I don’t want witnesses.”
    â€œAlso sounds like a good place for you to murder me and hide my body.” She grinned at him.
    â€œI never considered it, but yeah, it would be good for that, too.”
    They laughed together for a moment—something he was suddenly