The Love Triangle. Nic Tatano

in me. And my fragile male ego wouldn’t be bruised, since, as you know, men can be devastated for weeks when turned down for a date. But you strike me as a woman who can’t turn down a challenge.”

      She locked eyes with him for a moment with those fantastic eyes, sending a shiver through his body. “Okay. But I wanna see how creative you are, so let’s make this interesting. Hundred-dollar limit on the dates. And that includes a nice dinner.”

      “A hundred bucks? We’re in New York City. If we do anything besides dinner we’ll be eating at a hot dog cart.”

      “Then we’ll find out who’s more creative.” She stuck out her hand. “You agree to the terms?”

      He shook. “It’s a bet. Oh, what does the winner get?”

      “If I win, you buy me another dinner with no expense limit at the restaurant of my choice.”

      “And if I win?”

      She shot him a wicked grin and batted her eyes. “You would have already won by having the pleasure of my company for two evenings.”

      “Something tells me that will be enough. You’re not a very good gambler since I win either way.”

      “Aw, you’re such a sweetie. So, when does this happen?”

      “I’m out of town all week, but free next Saturday night. After that I’ll be gone for two more weeks.”

      “Okay. Next Saturday.”

      “Ladies first?”

      “Hell no. I wanna see what I’ve gotta beat. And it will give me two weeks to plan.”

      “Fine. I’ll pick you up at six, so I’ll need your number and address.”

      She wagged a finger at him. “Not yet, Mister. Meet me outside the gym and you will be dressed nice, not in the Occupy Wall Street collection. If you’re one minute late, I’m gone.”

      “You want me to pick you up in front of this place?”

      “Yeah. Girl’s gotta be careful these days, you know?”

      “Sure, I understand. You don’t really know me. Okay, so if either of us has to cancel for any reason, leave a note at the front desk.”

      “Okay, see you in a week.” She got up and grabbed her bag. “Well, I’m outta here. By the way, remember that I have four very large brothers. Treat me badly and one of them will break you in half.”

      He stood up. “You’re a spunky little thing, you know that?”

      “Part of my charm, as you will soon discover. And watch who you’re calling little, you’re not much taller than me.” She moved closer and looked up at him, then got up on her tiptoes so she actually looked down at him. “And I’ve got lots of four-inch heels.”

      He didn’t back up. “Hey, I said I treat women as equals. Bring it.”

      ***

      The dropping temperatures of October had chilled Lexi’s apartment, but she had a fire going, and Dave’s remaining belongings had made wonderful kindling. For the first time in two years she was spending Saturday night alone, but without regret. It was time to regroup and consider the interesting possibilities that had presented themselves in the past week.

      New York’s most eligible bachelor had asked for her phone number. Sure, he hadn’t called yet, and probably wouldn’t, but it had still lifted her spirits at a time she needed a boost.

      Her agency was off life support thanks to a new client from out of the blue. And one with whom she seemed to have a connection on the phone that went beyond a business relationship. Since they hadn’t met and she couldn’t even find a photo, the physical attraction part was still a mystery.

      What the hell, a guy who gave good phone was always nice to have.

      She settled in to binge-watch Netflix with a bottle of chilled wine, turned on the TV—

      And the phone rang.

      She looked at her cell, which read private number then furrowed her brow as she answered the call. “Hello, this is Lexi—”

      “Hi, Lexi, Jake Frost. Hope I’m not calling you at a bad time.”

      “No, not at all.”

       Curious. Guy calling me at seven on a Saturday night. Did his date cancel and is he expecting me to drop what I’m doing to go out with him? I knew athletes were arrogant, but seriously?

      “Great. Well, I told you I’d call and I’d like to get together—”

      “I’m staying in tonight, Jake.”

      He chuckled a bit. “No, not tonight. I’ve got a game tomorrow at one and during the season I don’t go out on weekends. Getting good rest is important and I have a feeling I wouldn’t get much with you around.”

      Half compliment, half come-on? “And… why would you say that?”

      “Cause you strike me as someone I’d stay up talking with till one in the morning.”

      “Oh. I was wondering where you were going with that.”

      “Sorry, guess it came out wrong. Like I said, I’m pretty much a mess off the field.”

      “I’ll let it slide, but try and watch the double entendres in the future.”

      “Yes, ma’am.”

      “And please don’t call me ma’am, I’m not that old!”

      “Sorry. Force of habit, since I’m from Texas. We try to be polite to our women folk.”

      “I see. So, what did you have in mind?”

      “Well, Monday after a game I pretty much resemble an extra from The Walking Dead and since we’re playing the Patriots tomorrow I know I’m gonna get hammered. But I’m usually okay on a Tuesday. I realize that’s not a traditional date night, but it’s the best I can do this time of year. So, I’d love to have dinner with you Tuesday night, if you’re interested and didn’t have any other plans.”

      “Sure, Tuesday sounds good. Where do you want to meet?”

      “Uh, I was gonna pick you up.”

      “Jake, don’t take this the wrong way, but these days I’m being extra careful about giving out my address after my most recent experience with a boyfriend.”

      “Oh, right. The guy with hot pants. Sure, Lexi, I understand. Then how about you meet me at Reston’s on fifty-fourth, say around seven?”

      “Sure. Hey, I’ll need your number just in case something comes up.”

      “Oh, so you can have my number but I can’t have your address?”

      “Them’s the rules if you want a date with Spin Girl.”

      “That’s what they call you?”

      “Damage control is my game, Spin Girl is my name.”

      “Cute. Anyway, I will abide by your rules. I can already tell you’re gonna be a handful.”

      “I am a redhead, Jake. We’re all a handful.”

      He laughed, gave her his phone number and ended the call. She leaned back and sipped wine, wondering if getting involved with a pro athlete was a smart thing to do, but feeling damned attractive knowing that this one was interested in her.

      Then she grabbed her tablet and did a search on Jake Frost, finding hundreds of images.

      Many of the pro quarterback with a supermodel on his arm.

      ***

      Lexi took a deep breath as she reached for the brass handle of the upscale restaurant door. It was her first