Read To Win Her Love for Free Online Page B

condo. Oh, yeah. The little blogger with the hoochie-baby body had some spark. His groin tightened as he imagined fanning that spark until it burst into a full-fledged wildfire and he shifted in his chair. You’re right. I wasn’t.
    Another pause.
    I said I was sorry.
    As did I.
    His hand hovered over the keyboard. He’d done what he set out to do, made his apology, just as the Marauders’ owner insisted. Considering where Gracie would be residing starting tomorrow, he’d be wise to end the conversation and sign out, but he found himself willing her to continue, to see where things led. He smiled when another comment popped up on his screen.
    They’re giving you a hard time?
    A derisive scoff flared his nostrils.
    Who? The press, the league, or the Marauders front office?
    You’re not making me feel any better.
    Was I supposed to?
    Well, shoot. I heard about the fine. I’m sorry.
    A wry snort blew from his nose. Yeah, well, don’t worry about it. I’m not exactly popular with league management, and that’s strictly my fault.
    The screen remained black and silent long enough he thought she’d gone.
    I never thought this would get you in trouble with the team. What happened?
    He settled the laptop on his lap and slouched back on the couch. They threatened to bench me.
    Bench you? Are they crazy? You’re the most talented player in the league. What could they be thinking?
    All things considered, her artless compliment surprised the hell out of him. Yet, other than her doubt over his assertion the hit on Tuttle was clean, until he’d insulted her, the rest of her comments had been more than fair the other day. Complimentary in fact. Apparently, the little darlin’ was a fan. He’d simply been too pissed off to notice. The least he could do was put her at ease.
    They won’t be, since I’ve apologized.
    They insisted you apologize?
    Publicly.
    Ah, I see.
    Shit. He’d made it sound as if he’d been forced, which, in a way he had. Still, once he’d calmed down, he’d realized an apology was warranted. The team had made their demand before he’d had the chance to do so on his own.
    I’d planned to contact you before they made the threat.
    Is that so?
    He frowned at her obvious doubt. You don’t believe me?
    Hmm. Did they really threaten to bench you?
    He narrowed his gaze, noting she hadn’t answered either way. The team’s owner made her millions online. She’s cyber sensitive.
    A long hesitation.
    Good!
    A reluctant chuckled escaped . That’s mean. Has anyone ever accused you of being a bloodthirsty blogger?
    You’re the first, but I like it. Maybe I’ll put it in my bio.
    He laughed. Fan or not, she didn’t pull any punches. Funny. Are we good? And before you answer, my apology comes with two sideline tickets to the next home game.
    The smiley face made another appearance.
    Careful, Jake. You don’t want anyone accusing you of offering a bribe.
    I’ll take my chances. The tickets will be at the will-call booth.
    Several seconds passed .
    Thanks, and about the touchdown record, I’ll be celebrating right alongside everyone else when you achieve it.
    He laughed aloud at her not-so-subtle good-bye and snapped the laptop closed. Celebrating, huh? Sounded good to him. Especially if the celebration was a private one. He dropped his head to the back of the couch, shut his eyes, and smiled.
    Those occasional visits to spend time with the twins presented some undeniably inviting possibilities.

Chapter 5
     
    Silvery light from the full moon brightened the early evening landscape of Thompson Farm. The unseasonably early storm left sparkling icicles hanging from the eves of the house. Like a life-sized snow globe waiting for childish hands to shake the world and disperse the pristine image, the surrounding evergreens sagged beneath the weight of six inches of newly fallen snow. Gracie turned in a full circle, nearly falling when her ankles tangled with Murphy’s leash. The two-year-old border collie-Jack