“And what about emotionally? We come from different places. Do you think we can really be friends? Honestly, why would you want to be friends with me, anyway? I’m just a bartending nurse, remember?” I mean, really, how is it that a sad Bronx Bolt pitcher is asking me if I’ll be his friend? Can this night get any weirder? It definitely can get better.

He wrapped his fingers lightly around hers. “You are the best person I know. Let’s just hang out, no pressure, I’ll have the driver take you back when you’re ready.”

“Take me back from where?”

“Let’s go to my house. I will be the perfect gentleman. And I make a mean homemade pizza.”

She caught her breath. Is that what she wanted? For him to be a gentleman? Maybe not.

Within a few minutes, the limo drove up to a large, modern house. Angel leaned forward to get a better view and was impressed with the sleek wood-and-glass front, a Scandinavian appeal.

Angel’s id was producing second thoughts. I should have the car take me home right now. We’ve both had too much to drink. But her ego liked having a man at her side. This hot, hot man. Even if it was just for the night. Use him, like he’s been using you with the press, she reminded herself. He’s leaving, so this is a no-strings-attached deal. Perfect. No one gets hurt.

Duke interrupted her thoughts. “Oh, thank God. My pop’s car is gone. He’d pour you a snifter of my best brandy and tell you how important he is while massaging your shoulders. Ignoring me the whole time, of course, since we’re not talking to each other.”

Duke helped her out. Walking to the double front doors, she said, “Your dad is that guy, huh?”

“He’s … interesting. And we are not getting along right now. I may or may not have fired him today.” He caught her glance and shrugged. “Long story. It’ll be fine.”

They went inside. Duke’s home was classy and comfortable, not fussy. Clean-lined without being sterile. “This is beautiful, Duke.”

“Thanks. My ma picked it out, actually, long before we had any money.” He walked her through the entry room, a study, and a large living area. “When I was little, she and I would spend Sundays driving around nice neighborhoods, pointing out the places we’d buy when we made it big. We both liked this one.” He stopped to light a candle on a side table. He kept talking, but his tone turned a shade darker. “A few years ago, I bought it and had it renovated. I tore the motherfucker right down to the beams. Made something new and different. Then I moved in.”