Playing For Her Heart - Megan Erickson Page 0,40

hand outstretched, his eyes pleading with her to stay. This couldn’t be happening again, this freaking repeat of the dinner with Ethan.

Chloe glanced at Sydney, who was watching them curiously now, a little furrow between her brows. If it wasn’t for her, Chloe would have turned around and walked back out, just put this all behind her. But she couldn’t do that to the girl who’d sent her an excited email with emoticons.

So she stuck out her hand, feeling the trembles up her arm. “Hi, Grant, nice to see you again.” She turned to Sydney. “Yes, I’m Ethan’s sister. I…guess I never got your last name so I didn’t put it all together.”

“I should have noticed your last name but I was nervous and—”

Chloe waved her hand, taking a seat, ever aware of Grant’s eyes on her as he sat, too. “No worries, Sydney. Anyway, I’m so glad you asked me to coffee.”

Sydney smiled. “Dad can get you a drink.”

“Oh, that’s—”

“What would you like, Chloe?” Grant leaned close, closer than he probably should have.

Chloe sucked in a breath. “Um, just a latte is fine.”

“Coming right up.”

He stood, the scent of his cologne and skin right under her nose. She wanted to nuzzle into him, feel his heat, but in one step he was gone, walking toward the counter.

His absence gave her time to collect herself, which she desperately needed if she was going to be any help to Sydney. That’s why she was here, for this bright teenager who sat across from her with a brilliant smile and blue eyes. Which she now saw was Grant, all Grant. She was a beautiful girl.

“Thank you so much for coming, Miss Talley. I had some more questions, if that’s all right.” Sydney dug a spiral-bound notebook out her book bag and sat it on the table in front of her. Then she flipped open the cover and smoothed down a sheet covered in pen. She looked uncertain as she bit her lip and lifted her gaze to Chloe. “Is this okay?”

Chloe went for her best smile. “Of course! Just a bit nervous that I won’t be of any help to you, or that I’ll embarrass myself in front of your father.” That was pure honesty.

Sydney beamed. “Oh, well just picture Dad and I in our pj’s! That’s what you told me, remember? I’ll wear unicorns and Dad will wear…um…football ones or something.”

That wasn’t helping, not at all, because now all Chloe could think about was Grant in bed, not wearing pj’s, oh no, he was wearing nothing at all. And she was slipping into the sheets with him, leaning in to kiss those full lips as his hand cupped her ass—

A steaming latte was placed on the table in front of her, then Grant sat down, a fresh cup in his hand. He took a sip, raising his eyebrows over the rim at her.

She wanted to take this latte and pour it on his pants. He’d shown up here, knowing he’d be seeing her. Sydney must have shown him her business card. While Chloe had been completely in the dark. It wasn’t fair.

But she’d rally. Of course she would. Because Sydney thought she was important and dammit, Chloe could at least pretend to be for the next forty-five minutes or so.

And as Sydney began her questions—about when Chloe first became interested in programming, what classes she took in high school, and where she went to college—Chloe lost herself in talking about her work. She didn’t like talking about herself, but this came naturally to her, and it was for Sydney’s benefit. The teenager scribbled notes as Chloe talked, Sydney’s little tongue touching the corner of her mouth as she concentrated. Every once in a while, Grant would shift his weight, but he kept silent and in time, Chloe relaxed. In a way, the two of them knew her in ways many people didn’t. Although Chloe was highly sought-after in her field, the attention Sydney was giving her made her feel better than any award, any paycheck, any clap on the back.

Sydney talked, too, about her dreams and goals. They talked about baking and cooking, and Sydney promised to send a recipe for shortbread she was working on, and Chloe was going to send one for chicken fajitas in return. Grant perked up at that, which made Chloe forget herself for a minute and smile at him, picturing him enjoying a meal she cooked. He returned her smile easily, happily, and she had