Chapter 3

CHAPTER THREE

Adriana

“Are you sure you can stay for lunch? I’m so sorry you got backed into a corner on this.” Heather expresses to me.

“It’s fine. No big plans, just meeting my best friend back at her place when she is off work. Are you sure it’s okay if I stay? I know you are interviewing others and don’t want you to feel that you have to spend more time with me if you do not want to or have other interviews.” I say.

“Yes, please stay. Let’s get to these questions, so when the boys get back, we can eat.” With that, Heather and I have my interview underway.

It goes by quickly, feeling more like just a conversation than a formal interview. Heather is easy going and just needs someone who can have her back and help with executing tasks. I assure her I’m the woman for the job.

“So, do you like any other sports besides baseball?” Heather asks since we’re done with the interview and just shooting the shit until the guys come back with food.

“Yes, I’m an avid hockey and football fan. I love catching a basketball game too. But since my team has kind of sucked for the last couple of decades, the need to keep up hasn’t been there. "

“Perfect! I love hockey too. Going to games is one of my favorite things to do, but most of the other wives or girlfriends aren’t interested.” Heather says with a smidge of disappointment.

“Sign me up to be your partner in crime to go with!” I tell Heather as the front door opens.

The guys walk in and straight to the dining room as Tyler asks, “Who’s hungry?”

Heather and I respond “We are!” and we just look at each other and laugh. “Well, I guess we’re in sync, huh?” I say.

Heather leads me over to the dining room table to sit down. Cole comes and passes a plate to each of us. Tyler opens the pizza boxes up and we all dive into it to grab a few slices.

“So, Adriana, where are you from?” Cole asks.

“Colorado, born and raised.”

“I love going to Colorado in the offseason. Do you snowboard or ski?”

“Technically, both. Not that I’m good at either.” I tell Cole with a laugh.

Heather and Tyler start talking about the move, and it gives me time to really gaze over Cole. Although I’ve watched him play on tv, seeing him in person is different. He is tall, at least 6’2. His eyes are like the ocean. They’re more of a turquoise shade, like the kind of water you would find near a tropical island. His beard is short, more than stubble, and I can see that it’s dirty blonde with a hint of red. I imagine his hair would be the same color, but he has his hat on backwards, preventing me from seeing it fully.

Why is it so hot when a guy wears his hat like that?

And lord, that man has the best smile in the world. It literally meets his eyes. He responds to something Heather said and all I can think about is how his voice is both soothing and sexy. I could listen to this man talk all day.

Adriana, get it together, girl. You are not in the headspace to be looking for a boyfriend or hook up. Don’t you remember what Toby did and how it felt? This is the brother-in-law of your potential employer, who’s a professional baseball player. He probably has women throwing themselves at him twenty-four-seven.

Doesn’t he have a girlfriend? Might have to fact check that.

All three of them are looking at me, and I must have a confused look on my face.

“Adriana, did you hear what I asked?” Heather questions.

“Honestly, no sorry. Just got lost in my head thinking about how easy this is with you all.” I tell them because it’s true. “I don’t have many friends back in Colorado, and it feels like we’ve all been friends for a while.” What was the question?

“Would you like to accept the job offer as my personal assistant?” she asks.

“Are you serious?!” I ask, not hiding my obvious shock that’s mixed in with extreme excitement.

“Yes, I am. We actually just said what you were thinking. When you find a connection that is instantaneous like this, I believe you should never pass it up.”

“Hell yeah, I accept!” Realizing what just came out of my mouth, I clap my hands over my mouth and take a beat before speaking again. “Oh my God, I’m so sorry that came out.” Yes, I accept. Thank you! I’m extremely excited about this opportunity.

As we both sit back down, Cole says, “What about me? I brought the pizza and suggested you stay.”

I look at him and can feel my face heat up from blushing.

“Dude, stop embarrassing her.” Tyler laughs.

My blush deepens while Heather tries to smother her giggles with her hand. Cole looks at Ty like he just offended him in the worst way.

Not long after, Heather and I go back to the living room to discuss my start date. Three weeks! She let me know the agency will provide all the necessary paperwork that will be required. Thanking her once again before I say goodbye and head out the door.

First thing that has to be done is call Dani. She doesn’t answer, so she gets a voicemail letting her know that we have some celebrating to do tonight.

My phone pings with an email notification that has my offer letter. Holy shit, my gut was right.

Maybe I should follow it more often?