CHANGING THE PLAYER: Charleston Pirates #1 by Chance, Jacob (digital e reader TXT) 📕

“Are you part Gremlin? You get a drink in you after a certain time and all hell breaks loose?”

He smiles good naturedly. “Maybe. I’m not sure what the reason is, but I’ve always been a night owl. My parents always told me nothing good happens after midnight and I agree in some ways.” He sweeps his fingertips under my chin in a caress so brief, I almost wonder if I imagined it. “There are also plenty of fantastic things that can happen after midnight.”

Facing forward, I grab my glass, letting the ice cold temperature ground me. I need a lifeline to hang on to. I’m getting whiplash from the many facets of Flynn’s personality. He goes from sweet and considerate, to romantic and dirty without even tapping the brakes. I don’t think he realizes he’s doing it, and I hope it’s not noticeable how off balance he’s got me feeling as a result. I’m way over my head with him and this situation. Hopefully I make it out in one piece.

11

Flynn

Scanning all the happy faces around the table makes me feel amazing. We had a fantastic game, and that alone is cause for celebration. We fought to the end like warriors and came out victorious. And having Nadia sitting beside me seems so right, like she’s always been there. She fits in wherever we go and whatever we do. Comfortable with herself in every situation, she doesn’t change how she acts. It’s one of my favorite things about her, but there are so many positive qualities to choose from.

Her ex-husband must have been a dumbass to let her go. Clearly, he had issues if he couldn’t recognize what an amazing woman she is. I’m a meathead and I realize her worth.

Nadia’s giggle calls my attention. Her head is in profile as she speaks with my sister. Taking advantage of the opportunity, my eyes caress from the side of her face down to her shoulder and back up to linger around the fullness of her lips. Their rosy shade makes me think of ripe strawberries and I find myself wondering what they’d taste like. Are they as sweet as they look? And now I’m thinking about what they’d feel like. Plump and soft like a marshmallow, I want to nibble and bite on them.

“Can I get you guys anything else?” the waitress asks, ripping me from my inappropriate fascination with my agent. Darren shakes his head and asks for the bill, as we’ve already had multiple pitchers of beer and ingested an ungodly amount of appetizers.

Annoyed with myself, I push my hair from my eyes and stare down at the scarred tabletop. It’s time for me to remind myself of the boundaries I need to maintain with Nadia. It’s okay for me to find Nadia attractive and appreciate her for the many reasons I should, but I cannot allow myself to fuck things up by bringing my dick into the equation. She deserves better, and I’m not ready to fall for someone like her. I’m still sowing my wild oats, and Nadia is the kind of woman you marry and start a family with. We’re at two different points in our lives, which works out for the best. She’d be easy for me to fall for, and I can’t let that happen. I’ve got a career to put first and that’s the reason we started this fake relationship that’s now starting to feel a little too real.

* * *

I’m in the Pirates’ gym working out when I get a text. Checking my phone, I see Nadia’s name and I experience conflicting emotions. I’m happy to hear from her, as it’s been a couple of days since we were at the bar, but I also need to be cautious about spending too much time with her.

I pull up her message.

Nadia: Hey, hope you’re well. Just realized you have a wine tasting event tonight that you need to attend.

Fuck me. I don’t like wine.

Me: On a scale of one to ten, how badly do I need to go?

Nadia: Eleven. It’s at Ed Benson’s vineyard.

I guess I can’t really blow off the event since it’s being held by our team’s owner and my employer.

Me: What time and what should I wear?

Nadia: Wear a suit without a tie. And it starts at seven.

Me: You’re coming, right?

Nadia: Yes, but I’ll meet you there. I have to work late.

Me: Okay.

If she doesn’t ride with me, that could work out well. It’s difficult to be confined in my truck with her perfume taunting me. She smells good enough to eat, and that’s something I shouldn’t be thinking about.

Tossing my phone to the towel on the mats, I set the treadmill to the speed I want and start running. I’ve got five miles to do without thinking about Nadia.

Like that’ll fucking happen.

* * *

“The grapes are grown and harvested here. We also bottle our wine on site as we’ve been doing for over one hundred years,” Ed Benson says, addressing the room full of people. “We’ve got tasting areas set up where you can sample each wine. There are also some raffles taking place that you might enjoy. Thank you all for coming tonight. I hope you discover a love for wine you never knew you had.”

“Like he needs more money,” Darren mutters.

Nadia looks at me like she wants to shush me.

I shrug. “I didn’t say it.”

“No, but you thought it too,” Darren replies with a knowing smile.

“I’m willing to bet even Nadia did.” I glance at her and find her avoiding my gaze. “You did. I knew it.”

“I didn’t mean to.” She looks ashamed.

“It’s not your fault, Nadia. Flynn is obviously corrupting you,” Darren reassures her.

“Hey, I haven’t even begun to corrupt her,” I brag, trying not to think of the many ways I’d like to but never will.

“Shall we sample some of the wine?” Nadia asks.

“Sure, why not? Are you coming with us Darren?”

“Might