Fourth Down (Texas Tornados #6)

Chapter 1

Taylor

“Another great event in the books, Harper.” I appraise the woman I’ve had a crush on for the last couple of years.

We’re not friends that have some deep connection—more like acquaintances who cross paths from time to time.

However, every time we’re in the same room, we’re drawn to each other, and always end up keeping each other company and having a good time.

Since she’s the one who’s usually organizing, setting up, and running the events that I see her at, I stand back and watch from afar.

When she looks like she’s comfortable with everything that’s going on around her, I make my move, making sure she’s not left out of the fun.

I either ask her to dance or, even better, pull her aside, place a glass of champagne in her hand, pull up a chair so she can prop her feet up, and just have a good conversation.

I haven’t made any further moves for several reasons. One—she’s a good bit younger than me. And two—I’m at the end of my career, and about to have a huge transition in my life. I have no idea if I’ll have the stability to take care of someone and provide for them.

“Yeah, I would say this was a hit.” Harper accepts the drink that I give her as I stand and pull out a chair for her to sit, and then immediately go to the other side of the table and move the chair closer so she can properly rest her feet. “Taylor, you’re so sweet. Thank you.”

“Well, with the way you were running around here for the last few hours, you deserve a break.”

“I’ll tell you what, though. I definitely need to get in shape. These events wear me out.”

“If you want a personal trainer, I can help you out with that.”

“Really? Do you know somebody that’s affordable?” Harper asks. “I’ve actually been looking around at different gyms for personal trainers, but it’s so expensive.”

“Sure do know someone. He’s been in the athletic world for a long time and is looking to branch out from his original career to solely do training.

Plus, he is the epitome of tall, dark, and handsome.

So, I’m sure he won’t be hard to look at while you work out.

Isn’t that what girls want, anyhow? Something to get their mind off the pain?

” I plaster on a megawatt smile, so she knows I’m just joking.

“Do you look at a lot of guys to determine how attractive a woman would consider them to be? I didn’t think you’d swing that way, but it’s cool if you do.”

“What? No. I’m only into the female population,” I confirm, making her laugh. Welp, my attempt to flirt just backfired.

“I'm just kidding. You should have seen your face.”

“Oh, you think you’re funny, do you?” I throw my napkin to try to hit her, but she dodges it at the last second, and it falls to the floor. She bends down to pick it up and places it back on the table.

“Harper, the trainer would be me. I’m offering because it would also help me out. I’m actually thinking about what I’m going to do after I retire from football.”

“Oh.”

Now she’s the one that looks shocked.

“Are you seriously thinking about retiring?”

“Yeah, at thirty-one years old it’s around the corner. I have to consider it. You know, go out in my prime, and all that bullshit they say.”

She looks at me with those gorgeous green eyes, her wavy red hair framing her heart-shaped face. I hate seeing the sympathy there.

“Is retiring something that you really want to do already?” she asks, still looking at me with those emeralds.

“Not really, but I do know that I’m not gonna have a choice much longer. I’ve had a good run of my football career, and whatever comes ahead, will be a new challenge.” I’m acting like I’m confident, when I’m anything but. Here’s hoping those eyes don’t see right through my bravado.