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“Why?” She crossed her arms and studied him.
“Out of the goodness of my heart.”
She shook her head. “Not buying it. Try again.”
He grinned, completely unperturbed by her reply. “You’re still a hard-ass.”
“I still know when you’re avoiding getting to the point. Why do you suddenly want to help an organization you hadn’t heard of before Saturday?”
“I’ve got a five-game suspension. It’s going to be announced later today. I need something to boost my image in my free time.” He said “free time” as if it were a bad word. For him, she guessed it was. She could imagine how frustrated she’d be if someone took her work away from her.
“What do you have in mind?”
“I checked your website and saw that you have a few things coming up. A cleanup and silent auction. I’ll come help, invite the media, and show everyone that I’m more than just a distraction for the team.”
“You’ve got it all figured out.”
“Those were just my thoughts. You’re the head of this thing. You tell me where you need me to be and I’ll be there.”
She frowned, not sure if she liked the idea. The part of her that needed ticket sales for the gala knew having the star of the Gators attend her events would bring much needed attention, ticket sales and donations the River Watchers desperately needed.
The skeptical part thought this was an offer too good to be true. In her memory, those types of situations always ended with her left behind and forgotten.
“I can tell you’re not convinced,” he said. “I know having me around might cause a headache for you guys. I don’t want to cause you too much trouble. If you’d like, we can go out to dinner and discuss the arrangements.”
Skeptical, Danielle smirked. “We don’t need to go to dinner to discuss you volunteering here.”
“I know that. The dinner is my way of getting you out on a date.” He held up two fingers. “Two birds with one stone.”
Danielle stood and placed her hands on her hips. “Volunteering isn’t how you earn your way into my bed.”
Jacobe stepped away from the door. With one long stride, he stood before her in the pitifully small office. “Volunteering is only about my basketball image. I came here straight from a meeting with my agent, coach, PR and one of the owners. My suspension right before play-offs is making them question resigning me next year.”
Danielle doubted the Gators would turn away a talent like Jacobe just because of one disciplinary action. But he had been traded because of his outbursts. His point might be valid, but the look in his eyes said something else was on the line.
“What’s really at stake? This isn’t just about re-signing with the Gators.”
His head tilted to the side and surprise filled his gaze. “Why do you think it’s something else?”
“Just a feeling.”
He was quiet for a few seconds before speaking up. “Are you in the habit of turning down people who want to volunteer?”
Fine. He could keep his secrets. As long as he understood she wasn’t going to fall at his feet just because he was bringing publicity to the River Watchers.
“We can discuss volunteer opportunities right here in the office. It doesn’t have to be over dinner.”
“If it’ll make you feel better, we can do that. I still want to take you out tonight.” He tugged on the edge of her sweater, right above her breasts. “Consider a date as the second half of my apology.”
“The first half was more than enough.”
“Then consider it two old friends catching up.”
“We were hardly friends.”
“Then accept the fact that I just want to spend a little time with you. No expectations and no strings attached.” He took her hand in his and threaded their fingers together. “Believe it or not, I’ve thought of you a few times over the years and my thoughts weren’t always about that night. I really do want to go out with you tonight.”
His eyes never left hers. There was nothing sly or mocking in his gaze. The look, his smile and the delicious heat from his body delivered a sensual knockout that nearly stole her voice.
“Jacobe, we shouldn’t blur the lines.”
“Danielle, even if I found another organization to volunteer for I’d still be here asking you out.” He pulled slightly on her hand until she shifted closer to him. “One date. That’s all. Okay?”
His thumb brushed lazily across the inside of her palm. The light touch sent delicious shivers over her body. His gaze grabbed hers and held it hostage. Danielle was lost in the brown depths and lulled bythe slow play of his hands on her. Jacobe’s gaze lowered to her lips. Danielle felt every excited beat of her heart throughout her body.
She nodded. “One date.”
His eyes heated to delicious pools of melted chocolate. He leaned closer. He was going to kiss her. Danielle’s heart jackhammered.
She jumped back. He immediately let go. Her arm hit a small stack of papers on her desk. The sheets flew to the floor. Turning away from him, she quickly bent to pick them up. “Um...as for volunteering, I’ll let you talk with Debra. She helps coordinate volunteers.” She slapped the papers on her desk. He stood in the middle of the small path to the door. She tried to quickly scoot past him without touching.
Her breasts brushed his chest. White-hot desire slammed into her. Her nipples tightened. Danielle jerked forward and almost tripped. When he reached out to help her, she held her hand away and righted herself.
“No worries, I’m good.” She glanced at his face. He was watching her, smiling. Danielle looked away and opened the door. “I’ll get Debra.” She hurried out of the room before she turned into even more of a stuttering ninny.
Chapter 4
“What’s really going on between you and Jacobe?” Debra asked as she and Danielle skimmed a row of party dresses in Revelry Dress Shop.
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