Page 48 of Rise Above

though.”

Did I say that out loud? Squeezing my eyes shut, I

turned to face the window. My cheeks were on fire, so clearly I was embarrassed by myself. I had been cool and collected around him all day, and now I was behaving like a little schoolgirl. What? All he had to do was play some sports and wear a suit, and I was smitten? I was not that type of woman. At all.

“Does it?”

I chanced a look at him only to see a raised eyebrow

and a smirk on his face. My face burned hotter as I sank into the seat. Why couldn’t my thoughts stay inside my head?

“Well, maybe we can just head to the bar then,” he

said casually.

“Whatever you want.” I ran a hand through my hair.

My fingers tangled in the knots of my hair, and my face grew a thousand times hotter.

“Relax, Aife.” He gently patted my knee before

turning into a parking lot. “If I head home now, I will pass out. Zeke would kick my ass for that.” Parking the car, TJ turned to me and smiled. Grabbing his suit jacket, he walked to my side and opened the door for me. The Texan in him was strong, but I loved it.

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We entered the crowded bar, and I immediately felt

overwhelmed, reeling backward slightly at all the cacophony. The music was loud, as were all the voices talking over each other. I could barely see over anyone, and I was thankful TJ was a giant. He peered over the crowd before carefully leading me over to the rest of the team. As we approached, I saw nearly all the guys were still in their suits. Why were athletes always so fucking handsome?

Davis handed me a lemon drop, knowing I needed

something sweet if I was going to drink. I hated the taste of alcohol. Nodding at my friend, I chugged the drink before motioning for another. Davis chuckled before getting me one.

As he handed me the glass, he leaned in and yelled.

“I invited Nat and Dre too.”

A sly smile crept on my face. “Of course, you did.”

“Shut up, Aife.” He pushed my shoulder before

turning to engage in conversation with Zeke.

“You must be special if Walker brought you here,”

a voice said near my ear. “I’m Chris, by the way.” He held a large hand out to me.

I grasped it firmly. “Aife, nice to meet you. We’re

just friends.”

“If you say so.” He brought his beer bottle to his

mouth.

“AIFE!” Dre’s loud shout nearly drowned out the