“Elli, I’m sorry, what I said came out wrong. I haven’t been with a model in a long time. Ever since we won the cup, my priorities have changed. I know you think I’m some kind of playboy, but I’m not, at least not anymore.”

He stood up, too, taking a step closer to her, but she stepped back.

“I never said you were. I just said that I’m not your type.”

“But you are. Baby, please, listen to me.” He took her hands, kissing each palm before looking down into her eyes.

“We get along so well, don’t we?”

“I guess.”

“Come on, you know we do.”

“We do,” she said with a small smile, “but if you’re not attracted to me...”

“Baby, I like that you aren’t a size two. Your curves drive me crazy, can’t you see that? Couldn’t you feel it on Sunday?” he teased, with a wink that made her smile.

“I wanted you so bad, I couldn’t see straight. I don’t want a Barbie doll, I want you. If I have to prove to you that you are what I want, I will, but I’m just asking you, begging really, to just give me a chance. Don’t write me off yet.”

“Shea, I just don’t see this working. You’re gorgeous, while I’m mediocre.”

“You are far from mediocre, Elli, far from it. You are gorgeous, beautiful, and amazing. Just give me a chance and anytime you feel that you’re not worthy, just ask me, baby. I want to make you feel beautiful, always.”

Shea had her swooning, but hadn’t she told herself to not fall for his sweet words? But then again, he seemed so real, so compassionate. The way he was looking at her made her feel like she was the only girl, the only one that had him in knots. Could she completely trust him?

“I don’t know. I’m just so scared.”

“Of what?”

Elli felt the tears burning her eyes; she felt her heart beating in her throat.

“The rejection, I guess.”

“Oh, baby, come on.”

“No, really, like, what if you see me naked and you’re disgusted? I don’t know what I would do,” she said with a shake of her head.

He cupped her face, kissing the side of her mouth. He leaned back, a small crooked grin on his face.

“Here’s what we’ll do. When you’re ready, we’ll go forth on the adventure of getting naked, but right now, I’m fine with a kiss here and there, as long as I don’t have to endure two days of not talking to you.”

“Shea, be realistic, you love sex.”

“Oh, hell yeah, I do, but I will wait until you’re ready because these two damn days have sucked,” he said with a laugh, “and I don’t want to rush this. I’ve always jumped right into bed with women, and then it’s over in no time. I don’t want that with you.”

Was he being for real? Could Elli put all the stories she heard, all the pictures she saw of him partying with hundreds of different women aside?

Shea ran his hand down her cheek to her throat, rubbing his thumb along the base. She had been miserable these past two days, hating that she didn’t have the balls to call him, or even see him. Shea being Shea, he made her see him. And she couldn’t be more thankful.

And Harper had said to ‘love like you’ve never been hurt before,’ so hell, she might as well give it a try.

“Okay.”

“Okay?”

“Okay,” she said with a nod. He grinned before taking her mouth with his. It felt like an explosion went off around her, being wrapped up in his arms, kissed by his beautiful mouth. She missed his big body, his strong arms, and his lips.

Yes, she had missed them a lot. When they parted, he smiled against her mouth, dusting sweet kisses all over her lips.

“I’ve missed you, Elli,” he whispered softly. He smiled goofily before pulling back some. “It’s probably too early to say that, huh?”

Elli gave him a sweet smile, pulling him back to her by his shirt, so their mouths were inches apart.

“No, because I missed you, too,” she said before kissing him again.

They stayed wrapped up in each other’s arms for what seem like hours, but it was only minutes. When they finally came up for air, Elli smiled as she pushed him away.

“Go home, Adler, you have a game to win tomorrow,” she said with a sexy grin as she kissed his cheek.

“I’ll call you tomorrow.”

“Alright, thanks for coming to see me.”

“I’m the one who should be thanking you, baby. I’ll see you later.”

“Bye.”

He gave her one last kiss before walking towards his truck. She watched his beautiful sculpted ass in his fitted jeans, and suppressed a groan. She had never felt the urge to rip a man’s clothes off, but ripping Shea Adler’s jeans off would be a magical experience if she ever got the balls and the confidence to do it. Elli sighed as she watched him drive off with a wave. Man, she hoped this worked, because for some reason she felt that her crush was developing into something way more for Shea.

Chapter 9

“Hey.” Elli looked up from the pictures in the order that had just come in from the imaging company. Harper was leaning against the counter; her hair color of the week was blonde with purple streaks.

“Hey, what’s up?” Elli said with a grin. She was really excited because it was opening day for the Assassins!

“Um, do you have two tickets for the game tonight? Or are you taking someone?”