For the Win (Playing for Keeps Book 1) by Amber Garza Read Free Book Online Page A

knelt beside me and lifted the bottom of my jeans to expose my ankle. The wind kicked up, and the scent of mint and spice wafted under my nose, causing my heart to race. Cooper’s fingers trailed over my flesh as he lowered my sock to get a better look. I shivered.
    “It doesn’t look too good.” He frowned. “Can you move it?”
    With a little effort I was able to bend it. “Yeah.”
    “It’s probably not broken then, just sprained. But it’s swelling a lot already.” His hand remained fixated on my skin. It was warm and soft. I hated to admit it, but it felt good. He glanced up at me, and his face was so close to mine that if I moved forward our noses would touch. Unnerved, I drew back a little. “Do you live near here?”
    “Um…” Fear took root in my stomach. “Why?”
    A smile flickered. “Don’t worry. I’m not planning on stalking you, but I do need to get you home.” He glanced over at my bike, and then his eyes made their way to my ankle. “Unless you plan to ride back.”
    My cheeks flamed at how silly and paranoid I was being. There was no way I was going to get myself home. I did need his help. Then again, Dad was probably home by now. He could pick me up. “It’s okay. I can have my dad get me.” Unzipping the backpack sitting next to me, I fished my hand inside. It was then that I pictured my phone sitting on the desk in my room. Damn it, I’d forgotten it. “Never mind.” I sighed. “I forgot my phone.” Embarrassed, I lifted my hand, wiping my face. Too late I realized that was not a smart move since my hands were streaked in blood.
    Without skipping a beat, Cooper reached out and swiped his finger across my cheek. I froze, my heart picking up speed. No guy had ever touched my face before. When our eyes met, he cleared his throat. “You had a little blood on your face,” he said, nervous laughter under his words.
    I nodded as he pulled his hand away. “My house is around the corner.” Reaching over, I zipped back up my backpack and then grabbed it, clutching the straps in between my fingers.
    “Okay.” Sliding his hands under my armpits, he hoisted me up and then guided me to his car. After getting in the passenger seat, I peered over at my bike. Then I looked behind me at the backseat of his compact car.
    “What are we gonna do with my bike?”
    Cooper smiled, that damn dimple forming on his cheek again. If only he could put that thing away. It would make it easier to dislike him. “Lucky for you, I have a bike rack on top of my car.”
    “Do you ride?”
    “Sometimes. My grandpa and I used to ride the trails on the weekends before baseball season started back up.” After closing the passenger door, he walked toward my bike. Settling back in the seat, I thought about what a strange turn of events this was. What were the chances that Cooper would be my Good Samaritan? More importantly, what were the chances that I would actually be happy about it?

CHAPTER 8
    Cooper
     
     
    After securing London’s bike to the top of the car, my cell buzzed inside my pocket. Before even looking at it, I knew who it was. I had been on my way to Calista’s when I saw London fall. It’s why I was driving through this part of town. This street was a shortcut between my house and Calista’s, and I knew if it took too long to get to her house my conscience would take over and I’d never make it there. After the game yesterday I’d ended up hanging out with the guys until late last night. But that didn’t stop Calista from texting nonstop. I knew it was a mistake to hook up with her again, but I hadn’t been thinking with my brain when I got in my car earlier. Calista was persuasive, I’d give her that.
    When I saw the girl fall on her bike, I had no idea it was London. All I knew was that it was a nasty fall. I’d had a fall like that once, and if no one had stopped for me, I would’ve been screwed. The difference was that I had actually broken my leg. That’s why I pulled over.