“I don’t know. Are we?” She rose from the bench. “The thing is…I’m afraid you still might be dealing with some emotional issues from the retreat, which, I’m sorry to say, is making you seem a little girly.”

“Girly?” A dark eyebrow slashed upward.

“Only one woman’s opinion.”

“You think I’m being girly? You, the queen of Annabelle Junior High?”

“You haven’t returned my calls.”

“I wanted to think about it.”

“Exactly.” She advanced on him, working up a righteous head of steam. “Obviously you’re still conflicted about my night of sexual liberation, but you’re too macho to admit it. I should never have taken advantage of you. We both know that, but I thought you were okay with it. Apparently you’re not.”

“I’m sure this’ll disappoint you,” he said dryly, “but I wasn’t traumatized by your rape and pillage.”

“I respect you for holding on to your pride,” she said primly.

He frowned. “Cut the crap. You were crystal clear about mixing business and pleasure, and you were right. We both know that. But Krystal threw her porn party, I don’t like having people say no to me, and the rest is history. I’m the one who took advantage. The reason I haven’t called is that I still haven’t figured out how to make it up to you.”

She hated the idea that he was seeing her as a victim. “Not by running, that’s for sure. Smacks a little too much of the boss who sleeps with his secretary and then fires her for it.”

She had the satisfaction of seeing him wince. “I’d never do that,” he said.

“Great. Block off every evening starting tomorrow. We’re kicking off with a brainy econ professor who looks a little like Kate Hudson, finds Adam Sandler at least mildly amusing, and knows a wineglass from a water goblet. If you don’t like her, I have six more lined up. Now are you back in the game or are you wimping out?”

He didn’t let her bait him. Instead, he wandered over to the windows, sipping his coffee and taking his time, no doubt thinking over how complicated this had gotten. “Are you sure about going on?” he finally said.

“Hey, I’m not the one who got all worked up. Of course I’m sure.” What a lie. “I have a business to run, and frankly, you’re making that difficult.”

He shoved his hand through his hair. “All right. Set it up.”

“Perfect.” She gave him a smile so big her cheeks ached. “Now, down to business…”

They made their arrangements, setting up days and times, and she escaped as soon as they were done. On the drive back home, she made a promise to herself. From now on, she’d seal her emotions away where they belonged. In an internal Ziploc bag—extra heavy duty.

The next afternoon, Heath followed Kevin between the tables in the hotel ballroom as the quarterback shook hands, slapped backs, and worked the crowd of businesspeople who’d gathered to eat lunch and hear his motivational speech, “Throwing the Long Ones in Life.” Heath stayed just behind him, ready to intercede if anyone tried to get too up close and personal, but Kevin made it to the front table without incident.