The Broody Brit for Christmas (Holiday Springs #1) - M.J. Fields Page 0,24

avoid him. It’s like the heavens are finally on my side because I make it across without incident.

I’ve never been good at hiding my feelings. If he were to see the look on my face right now, he would probably be able to tell how shitty I feel about the way I spoke to him the other day at the Sweet Spot. Of course, there is nothing wrong with a man who does well financially. But the reality is, I just can’t get myself caught up in that life and game. Jenny and Bobby have it so good. While he’s home taking care of Danny, who is now throwing up, she’s here with Joshua. They’re a team. I thought I had that once. I now know it may be a bit late in the game for that kind of relationship, but it’s not too late for me to become what I have dreamed of and then find a man who fits with me and me with him—a good man who does good work and then comes home in time for dinner. Anything more would be wrong for me. It’s just not the type of girl I am.

I get back to Joshua’s game with two dozen munchkins for the team to enjoy after they play and two iced coffees for us. I barely have a moment to hand Jenny her drink when an English accent assaults my ears.

“Football is the best sport. It’s important for a young man to have focus and discipline.”

I turn to the voice, unable to stop myself from looking. My timing sucks because the moment I look to him—he looks to me. His smile is expectant, like he knew I’d be here. “Well, hello there.”

Under my breath, I mumble, “Can this town get any smaller?”

“Excuse me,” he says to one of the player’s fathers before stepping over to the grassy space where I stand and laughs. “No. I actually don’t think it can.”

I inhale strength and resolve and pull my big girl panties up. I can be cordial and unemotional. “Your son plays?”

“Of course, he’s right there.”

Obviously, I notice Nathaniel right away. I’d seen them both immediately just moments ago. Even standing by himself, not next to Raff, there is just something almost regal about him. His caramel hair is a bit too long but suits him perfectly. A kind smile on his face as the ball bounces on his knees while chatting with his teammates, who are attempting to do the same thing he is but are unable to continue without the ball dropping to the ground a dozen times. “I see him. He’s really good.”

“Yes, he is. He’s been playing football since he could walk. I coach his team.”

“I can imagine you playing.”

“Damn right, I do. Any man worth his salt can play football.”

I roll my eyes—such a caveman.

“I play this Saturday near Aspen; you should come and watch me. Then we’ll have dinner.”

I press my lips together, wondering why all the noise around us has gone silent. A look over my shoulder and there they all are, moms with their jaws open, listening to our conversation.

We’re standing close. Too close. “Well, Raff.” I clear my throat, taking a step back to make space between us. “Good luck to your son today.”

“Is that all you’re going to give me?” His lips curve up in amusement.

“Yes.”

“Good. Save the rest of our conversation for tonight.”

“Tonight?”

He smiles, that dimple melting me from the inside out. “Our date.”

“Oh, no.”

“You should say yes. And quickly, I might add. Otherwise, I just may make a scene.”

My heart picks up. Under my breath, I snap, “You wouldn’t!”

“To get you to stop fighting this, I just may. Remember, it’s for both of our sanity. No more unwanted set-ups. Or is this date with Rex—”

“That’s not happening no matter how insistent Jenny and Bobby are.” I shake my head.

“Is that a chance you are willing to take?”

I exhale.

“As I mentioned before, I’m not above making a scene to get what I want.” He leans in closer. “We both want.”

I look left and right. Would he? Could he? Before I can think about it more, he licks his full lips and smiles mischievously.

“Ladies!” he calls out behind us.

I gasp as I whip my head around to see whom he’s addressing. Three spandex-wearing soccer moms come running—literally, running to his side. What are they, dogs?

Raff clears his throat, and they all stand to attention. “Can you all convince Nikki here to let me take her out