Eligible Receiver (Men of Fall #3)- S.R. Grey Page 0,8

drives or, of course, what he looks like.

My heart is beating like crazy, so I stall for time, spending a few minutes checking my reflection in the rearview mirror and making sure I look all right.

Despite my I-got-it-together attire, I look nervous.

Unfortunately, I have the kind of face that betrays my every emotion.

And tonight is no exception.

Great, this Lars guy is going to have the honor of meeting insecure, antsy Becca.

“Bet that’ll really turn him on,” I murmur sarcastically as I finally get out of my car and start into the restaurant.

“Here goes nothing,” I whisper once I reach the entrance.

When I walk inside, I’m beyond relieved to find Jodi is waiting for me next to the hostess station.

“You are a true lifesaver,” I breathe out. “And you’re definitely the best friend ever.”

Placing a supportive hand on my forearm, she says, “I wasn’t about to make you walk to our table all by yourself.”

I sort of panic then. “Eek, does that mean Lars is here?”

“Yes,” Jodi confirms. “But don’t worry. You look amazing, and I’m sure you two are going to hit it off beautifully.”

“You look good too,” I tell her, nodding to her black slacks and snow white sweater. “All sleek and put together.”

“Thanks.”

To stall for more time, I inquire, “Are the guys dressed up too?”

“Yeah.” She nods. “They have on suits.”

“Huh. Good thing I didn’t opt for my usual tomboy-casual attire.”

“Yeah, good call.” Jodi says, urging me along. She knows I’m rambling. “Now come on. Let’s introduce you to Lars. Just be you. This is simply a nice dinner amongst friends.”

“If you say so,” I murmur as I let her tug me along.

We head into the seating area and over to what I assume is our table. The only thing I can see of Lars is the back of his head.

Hmm, dark hair looking all sexy-messy.

“So far, so good,” I murmur.

“See, I told you,” Jodi whispers.

“His shoulders look good in that suit too. They’re nice and wide.”

She laughs. “Yeah, kind of like a football player, huh?”

“Ha ha. You’re such a smartass.”

I know what Jodi’s doing, though.

She’s trying to loosen me up.

It’s working too.

I feel better, more relaxed.

This is going to go well.

I just know it.

I’m pleased already that Jodi wasn’t lying.

Lars is not a mutant.

Still, I need to see his face to be sure.

Just as we reach the table, Lars turns to me.

What?

Huh?

I blurt out, “Wait, I know you.”

“You do?” I hear Caleb ask.

Jodi is standing next to me, peering at me with her mouth open. It’s not often she’s at a loss for words, but she sure is now. As is my mystery theatre man, aka possible serial killer, aka Lars.

Okay, maybe it’s safe to say he’s not a serial killer. I think Jodi and Caleb would be aware of that. But he is the hot guy I made out with the other night.

And, worst of all, he’s the guy I made a fool of myself in front of.

“Fuck,” I murmur.

Lars finds his voice and says, “Shit, it’s you.”

Suddenly defensive and ready to run, I snap, “In the flesh.”

Jodi jumps in, utterly confused still. “You guys, uh, know each other? How’s that possible?”

I turn to her and say, “Yeah, we know each other. We kind of met at a movie theatre the other night.”

Silence descends as realization dawns on her face. “Ohhh…”

“Exactly.”

I look at Lars. He’s making eye contact with Caleb, and both of them are smiling knowingly. It’s clear he’s told his friend about our little impromptu kissing session.

Great, just great.

I feel foolish.

I feel dumb.

Why didn’t I ask to see a picture of this guy?

Why didn’t I look him up?

Noooo, I wanted to do it my stupid way.

Oh, well.

It’s too late now.

I catch Caleb murmuring something to Lars just as Jodi is saying that we should just sit down and hash this thing out.

“No way,” I snap.

And then I do what I do best—I run.

The Biggest Catch of My Life

Hell no, not again. This is so not happening a second time.

When the hot chick from the theatre takes off, I jump up from my seat and follow her.

What’s the freaking chance my pseudo-hookup would turn out to be Jodi’s friend?

Pretty crazy, huh?

So her name is Becca.

I like it.

I like her.

That’s why she’s not getting away this time.

I catch balls for a living, for Christ’s sake.

I sure as hell should be able to catch her.

Of course, the balls are being thrown to me on the field.

This Becca chick is going the other way.

Eh, it doesn’t matter.

I’m confident