Intercepted by Love: Part One: A Football Romance (Playing the Field Book 1) by Rachelle Ayala Read Free Book Online Page A

want to be dependent on him, or seem too clinging. Not on the first date.
    “I take that as a ‘no.’” He grinned and dotted a gloved fingertip on her nose. “Then I won’t see anyone else either. Not even your boss, Margo. “
    “Oh, I didn’t mean anything.” Panic sizzled in her veins. He wanted to date Margo too? Had to be. Before she had gotten off work, Margo had sauntered around the circulation desk primping and showing off the address and phone number Cade gave her. Andie would be lying to herself if she said she wasn’t jealous, but when you’re stuck in a small town with a dearth of hot, available men, competition was stiff whenever a new man walked in.
    “You can date her if you want,” she quickly added.
    “I don’t want anyone but you.” He leaned in and cupped both hands around her face. “So, if you can stand not going out with anyone else while I’m here, I’d like to monopolize your time one hundred percent.”
    This was music to her ears. Andie couldn’t help the grin that cracked her cheeks or the bounce in her steps. She hopped on tippy toes and locked her lips to his.
    Six weeks. Anything could happen in six weeks. Maybe he’d fall in love with upstate New York and make this town his home base. There were sure to be Irish Setter clubs in New York state. This could work.
    The kiss was long and slow, and Andie didn’t want to let go. He was so delicious, pressing into her with hunger and grace, his lips strong and firm, yet soft and sweet, his tongue both lazy and demanding.
    She twined her arms around his neck, dragging him down closer as she arched her back. Her fingers caressed the back of his neck. Her moans were muffled by his mouth. She closed her eyes and let all thought go.
    His phone started ringing in his pocket. Reluctantly, Cade disengaged, but not before tenderly tucking a strand of her hair over her ear and giving her a wink, promising more delights to come.
    “Sorry, I can’t think who’d be calling me.” He answered the phone. “Hello? Oh, sure, she’s right here. For you.”
    “Me?” Andie mouthed, but took the phone. She wasn’t even sure which end was which, but put the top part at her ear. “Hello?”
    “Gollie’s missing.” Her mother’s voice sounded urgent and frightened.
    “Gollie? Gone? What happened?”
    “The alarm went off at the vet and when Dr. Menon went to investigate, he found several of the pens wide open. Gollie’s was one of them.”
    “You mean someone stole her?” A sinking sensation floored her stomach. “But, it’s the dead of winter. She’ll freeze out there.”
    “They’re organizing a search party, which is why I called you. Meet them at Dr. Menon’s.”
    “I’ll be right over. Mom, we’ll find her.” She handed the phone to Cade after her mother hung up.
    Cade had already heard from her side of the conversation and was putting a leash on Red. Grabbing her hand, he led her from his apartment.

Chapter Ten
    C ade dug flashlights out of the toolbox in the back of his SUV and handed one to Andie. They were parked outside the vet clinic. Two other pet owners had already arrived, and Dr. Menon was showing them the area where they boarded the dogs.
    “You see here?” the vet said as Andie and Cade approached. “Wire clippers. Someone cut the chain link fence to get to the inside deadbolt release.”
    “But why?” one of the other owners wrung his hands. “How many dogs were taken?”
    “Five are missing, all retrievers,” Dr. Menon replied. “I suspect they were going for the Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever left here for boarding. I’ve contacted the owner who’s still en route from his vacation.”
    “But my dog’s just an ordinary golden retriever,” a woman said. “Why would they take her?”
    “Mine’s not one of those either,” Andie agreed.
    “The Duck Tolling Retriever is worth two thousand dollars. I’m betting the thugs hired to do the job didn’t know exactly what they looked like so