Ryan - Healthy Scratch

LAUREN SAW THE email flash on her iPhones screen and glanced at the sender/subject. Crap. Jim Wesleys offer. Tempted to open it, Lauren instead shoved the phone into her pocket as she walked toward the kitchen. Despite Caryns protests, Dave had almost completed repacking the leftovers.

Hey, Ive got to earn my keep. He glanced toward Lauren.

She caught the appreciative glimmer in his eyes as he took his time scanning her cut-off shorts and the turquoise embroidered tank top shed bought on Rodeo Drive. Butterflies fluttered again, and Lauren shifted her gaze to Caryn, hoping to deflect the attention. I just saw Wesleys email hit my inbox, Car. Mind if we wait until I go with Mr. Martin to check out housing here?

Caryn laughed. Mind? Stick it in your spam folder and pretend you never saw it. When that check comes, all things McRainey get purged from my brain.

But youll go over it with me?

Of course, no problem, Caryn said. Take your time. Ive heard the model homes are showcases. Ill expect a full report.

You know I love window shopping. Lauren looked at Dave from the corner of her eye. Ready?

He held his hand toward her. Anytime you say, Ms. Gentry.

Lauren allowed her hand to slip into his and tried to ignore the tingle of electricity sparked by the contact. How can he still have that effect on me? Maybe if I hadnt jumped in bed with him last night. No willpower, Gentry. You never learn.

You mind walking? Dave asked when they stepped outside. Sunshine feels good after those winter storms that seem to hit wherever weve played the last few weeks.

Walkings perfect. You may see some cool, rainy days here, but I cant imagine snow in Tampa. Lauren lengthened her stride to keep pace but soon tugged on his hand. You in a hurry?

He turned her way, and she caught the hint of a smirk. Sorry, squirt. Been a while since we walked together.

You know where youre going?

Yep. We drove by after practice. Its not too far.

I dont mind walkingif you want to sprint, though, I need more than flip-flops to keep up.

Dave chuckled and pulled her against his side. You set the pace. Ill keep up.

The contact reminded Lauren how good it felt to have his body pressed against her side. She fought the urge to wrap her arm around his back. Down, girl. Were looking at villas, not bedrooms. She cleared her throat before she could speak. So, youre thinking about renting? Get good vibes at practice?

If I can get something on a lease-purchase, it would make sense. My agent said theres some interest, but its too soon to tell. Now if we go deep in the playoffs He looked at her, but Lauren couldnt see his eyes behind the sunglasses. Besides, even though both Chad and Caryn say they have plenty of space, they deserve some privacy.

Lauren bit back her grin. You need privacy also. No one barging into the bathroom while youre in the shower.

Dave shrugged as a grin hinted. That would depend on who barged in. I have no complaints so far.

Lauren ducked her head, hoping her hair hid the embarrassment. It wasnt intentional.

Do you hear me complaining, Ms. Gentry? My door is always open for you.

#

The villasthese are just breath-taking. Lauren wandered through each, taking mental notes on the colors and furnishings, even though she knew she could never afford to live in one. Dream on. If ones available for rent, I couldnt swing the security deposit.

She returned to the open living area as the property manager answered Daves questions.

Mind if we take time to go back through a couple? he asked, flashing his most disarming smile.

Lauren bit back a chuckle. Shed seen that smile on many occasions. Combined with those chocolate-brown eyesthat woman has no option to refuse. Shes already blushing. Nope, he hasnt lost that magic touch.

Ill leave the doors unlocked. Just check back in when youre finished.

Thanks, Darcy. We wont be too long.

Lauren tried to suppress a snicker when Dave turned toward her. His eyes captured hers in amusement. You have something to say?

Lauren shook her head. Not a word.

Too many options in these condos. He shook his head, spreading the floor-plans across the counter.

Villas, Lauren corrected. Were not in St. Louis. Which villa do you like best?

Not a clue. You have a favorite?

Theyre all spectacular. You could narrow it down. Two bedrooms, three, or four? Three floor-plans for each. Might make it simpler.

Dave rubbed the back of his neck. I dont know. The two-bedroom units feel small.

You could have your man cave and a trophy room if you went with three bedrooms. She saw his eyes cut toward her with a speculative grin.

No room for guests. Besides, I dont need an entire room for trophies, Lauren.

You sure about that? Lauren teased. But, youre right. This two-bedrooms too small, claustrophobic for a big guy like you.

They wandered through the three- and four-bedroom models and Lauren tried to point out differences Dave may overlook. This kitchens much biggeralmost like Caryn and Andrews, she noted in the final four-bedroom villa. You could put a table by the window and make it a breakfast area, too.

True. He nodded toward the French doors that opened to the patio. I think the space outsides larger, also. Though, it would feel smaller if its an upper-level unit. He glanced at the papers in hand. Twenty-five hundred square feetmight as well live in a house.

I dont know anything about the prices, Marty. Is a house out of the question?

He shrugged as he walked outside. At this point, it doesnt matter. Either way, theres nothing to rent. If I live here, Im buying. He sank onto a wicker chair and motioned for Lauren to sit beside him. Whats your opinion?

Well Lauren hesitated as she swept her eyes over the immaculate green space. The ground floor units are really nice, I mean exceptionallybeautiful. I just wonder about the soundproofing. Would it bother you if you could hear people walking upstairs or the TV next door?

Geez, at this price, Id hope not. But, good point. Not much patience for noisy neighbors.

Lauren giggled. Oh, I remember that well.

He nudged her shoulder. Of course, remember sound travels both ways, he teased with a wink. He flipped through the packet hed received at the sales office. Youre right. A house is not that much higher, price wise. He handed Lauren the list of homes for sale. You have time to look at a few?

All day.

Im not keeping you from discussing that email with Caryn?

You heard her. It can wait. She stood and held out her hand. Lets find you a home, Mr. Martin.