Say You're Mine (The Gallaghers Book 1) by Layla Hagen (comprehension books .txt) 📕

charm appeared once again. “The secret to it all is in the moves. The positioning is important. You know...”

I tuned out the rest, because my mind was already wandering down Dirty Lane, imagining all sorts of positions that had nothing to do with bowling.

“Focus on cheering, Isabelle,” he whispered in my ear, sounding amused. Had he guessed where my mind just went?

“I’m trying.”

“Are you?”

“Yes. Let’s see what you can do.”

He failed spectacularly. The ball veered all the way to the right, bypassing all pins.

Sasha gave us a thumbs-up, smiling good-naturedly. Brayden was smiling too, but there was something sexy about it. Tendrils of heat coiled around my body. I looked away, unable to keep eye contact for too long.

Brayden focused on the game after that, and I didn’t press him with more questions. He did ask me to cheer for him again when it was his turn. Gutter balls. He lost again.

I headed to one of the benches, needing a time-out. The testosterone was getting to me.

To my surprise, Lars sat next to me.

“Inviting you here was Brayden’s best idea,” he declared, grinning.

It made me suspicious, and I had to ask, “Why are you so happy?”

“Because this is the first time Brayden’s losing, and I have you to thank for that. He’s been bragging for years about being unbeatable. I’m going to remind him about this evening every time he starts again.”

“You’re cruel, but I’d do the exact same thing.” I chuckled.

“Really?”

“Oh yeah. My brothers kept singing their own praises about never losing at card games, and then I kept inviting over friends who were better and would beat them.”

Lars threw his head back, laughing. “You’re good people, Isabelle.”

I took that as a sign he was at least toying with the idea of collaborating. Surely if half the band was on my side, the others would get on board with this eventually.

As the evening progressed, the assignment became more tempting. It was so different from what I typically did. The corporate clients I’d worked for mostly asked me to do psychological profiling of their buyers, which was somewhat dry. And in my practice, my clients were unloading the difficulties in their lives, be it a divorce, dating troubles, career change, and so on. Working with the band in the capacity Sasha was expecting would require a whole other skill set applied in a fun and creative way.

“My turn,” Lars exclaimed, jumping to his feet. “Wish me luck.”

“No can do. I’m cheering for Brayden, remember?”

He tapped his temple before pointing at me. “And helping him lose. This is a fantastic evening.”

I laughed, watching the guys give each other shit. I wondered how much of this side of them their fans saw, this playful competitive banter. I could watch some of their interview footage to get an idea.

Since it was going to take a while until Brayden’s turn came, I headed to the bar, this time ordering a cocktail.

“I thought you were a lightweight,” Brayden said from behind me as the bartender disappeared in the back for more ice.

I glanced at him over my shoulder. “That’s true.”

“But I’ve asked the bartender to go light on the alcohol. I’m celebrating. Lars isn’t considering me a mortal enemy anymore.” I smiled, mesmerized by those green eyes of his.

“Why?”

“Because he thinks I’m bringing you bad luck.”

“He always could see the best in everything.”

“So he’s the group’s optimist?” I asked.

“Never thought about it like that.”

“I’m trying to get a feel for the group dynamics.”

“What do you have so far?”

I pulled two fingers over my mouth in a zipping gesture. “Nope. My lips are sealed until I have more info. Wouldn’t want to draw the wrong conclusions.”

“That would be a shame, right?” he asked with a seductive smile. Brayden rested an elbow on the counter, watching me closely. “You’re a puzzle, Isabelle. I’ll enjoy figuring you out.”

I swallowed hard, averting my gaze.

“Who says I’m taking the assignment?”

“We both know you will.”

“So you’re demanding and cocky.”

“Is that your official conclusion?”

“No. So far just unofficial observations.”

“I can’t wait to hear more.”

***

I arrived home shortly after midnight and went straight to bed, not even bothering to take a shower or remove my makeup. What an evening! Brayden’s team lost, and Lars had warmed up to me a bit. I wasn’t sure about Thomas and Harvey; they stayed aloof, so I couldn’t get a good read on either.

I opened a window for a bit of fresh air before slipping under my covers. I was exhausted, but somehow I knew I wouldn’t be able to fall asleep quickly. My mind was all over the place thinking about the night; it was crazy to think I might be working with this hot band—my brothers would be all over it. I tried closing my eyes, taking in deep breaths, and feeling myself doze, right until my phone buzzed on the nightstand. I glanced over to read the text.

Did you get home safe?

It was from a number I hadn’t saved.

Isabelle: Who is this?

The answer came immediately: Guess ;)

Isabelle: Brayden? How do you have my number?

Brayden: From Sasha.

Isabelle: Thanks for checking on me. I’m home, already in bed.

Brayden: We didn’t finish our conversation.

I smiled, phone now in hand as I wiggled back under the covers. I’d expected him to call me out on it, but not this fast.

Isabelle: I need some time for the information to marinate in my mind before deciding if I’m taking the assignment.

He didn’t reply, and I thought he’d drop it... but then he called me.

I hesitated a bit before answering, sort of wanting to get dressed. Which was ridiculous because he wouldn’t know I was naked under the covers.

“By more time, I didn’t mean one minute,” I teased.

“Well, no, but I figured you might need more information.”

How could he sound even sexier on the phone? It wasn’t fair.

“True, that’s always helpful. Wait a second, I’ll close the window. The streets are loud tonight with all the sirens and cars.”

“Why did you move to New York?”

I was surprised by the question,