“He’s totally a Tar Heel. Sometimes I think it’s more about Duke not winning though. His team will be whatever team has the best chance of beating the Blue Devils.”

He chuckled. “It’s a good thing you aren’t dating Simon. That man’s loyalty to his alma mater is frightening.”

“Where did you guys grow up?” I asked.

“Bristol, Virginia. Our parents are still there. What about you? Has Asheville always been home?”

I nodded. “As long as I can remember.”

“I’ve visited Asheville before. Great food.”

“But not great sushi, right?”

He grinned. “I wouldn’t know about that.”

I glanced at the clock hanging on the wall behind my desk. It was nearly ten. “I should get home,” I said.

He stood and started gathering the dinner mess. “I hope I haven’t kept you too long.”

“No, it’s been great. You’re easy to talk to.”

“Thanks. But we still need to talk about the most important thing.” He dropped the last of the food containers into the bag and shoved his hands into his pockets.

“What’s that?”

“The scheduling of our rematch.”

“Ha! I knew it! Carlos told me you wouldn’t be able to stand the fact that I’d won.”

“I can stand it fine. I just like a good game as much as the next guy.”

“Hmm. I’m sure that’s all it is.”

“Listen. I’m doing this youth soccer clinic with my brothers. It’s through the YMCA. Simon’s accounting firm sponsors it so underprivileged kids can come free of charge. You interested in helping out?”

Of course. Four handsome, sexy, soccer-playing brothers would run a clinic for underprivileged kids, wouldn’t they. I might have rolled my eyes at the utter perfection of it all had I not been wrapping up a date with one of those handsome brothers myself. I cleared my throat, already knowing whenever that clinic was, I was not going to miss it. “Um, maybe. When is it?”

“Five to seven p.m. Tuesdays and Thursdays. It starts next week and runs for three weeks.”

I nodded. “That might work. Really, it depends on how work is going. I can’t guarantee I’ll be finished in time.” I almost laughed out loud at my own casual performance. I would absolutely be finished on time.

He took a step closer. “Don’t guarantee it, then. Just . . . try.”

“Where does the rematch come into play?”

He was standing close enough that I could feel his warmth, smell his aftershave. Totally distracting but in the best kind of way. “Well, I mean, we’ll be on the soccer field,” he said. “With balls and goals and everything. Once the kids leave, I’m sure we can work something out.”