Pitching for Her Love by Tori Blake Read Free Book Online

this doesn’t work out, it will be a fun experience.  Don’t worry about what he wants, because it seems like he just wants to get to know you.  He’s just another guy.  We do this all the time.”
    She was right.  I knew she was right, and it did make me feel a lot better to talk about Grayson like he was just another regular, just another guy.  I finished off the last of my coffee in a long sip.
    “Thanks.” I said. “I know it seems ridiculous. I guess I’m just a little nervous.”
    “Now that’s ridiculous,” said Amanda. “We go on dates all the time.  There is nothing to be nervous about.”  She reached behind her and pulled the garment bags onto her lap.
    “What did you bring for me?” I asked her.
    “A lot, but I already know what you’re wearing,” she said.
    Fifteen minutes later Amanda had me in my dark jeans, an off-white tank top, and a fine black blazer she had procured from Simona Beck .
    “This actually doesn’t come out until next season,” she said, holding it up and helping me slip my arms in, “but that will be great actually.  If you’re photographed it’s like free publicity.”
    The blazer really was great.  It nipped in my waist and didn’t exaggerate my hips or chest too much, but it still showed off my signature curves.  However, the idea of photographers alarmed me.  As if she had read my mind, Amanda continued, “Not that I think you should worry about that. People tend to not even recognize athletes when they’re out of their uniforms.”
    I didn’t know how true this was, but it made me feel better regardless.
    “Shoes?” I asked her.
    “I’d go with a pump,” she said. “I know it’s fall and everyone is all about the booties right now, but I think it will be too closed off that way.  He’s tall, right?”
    “Very,” I said.  She took a thoughtful minute looking through my closet.
    “Try these,” she said, pulling out an understated pair of Christian Louboutins.
    “Those are the first shoes I bought when I moved to Chicago,” I said.  “I didn’t even realize I still had them.”
    “They’re perfect.  You won’t fall and you’ll be comfortable,” Amanda said matter-of-factly. “I think my job here is done!”
    She fell back onto the bed and closed her eyes.
    “What about my hair and makeup?  What should I do?” I asked.  At this, she opened her eyes and raised one brow in my direction.
    “No way. That’s your area of expertise.  I’ve done enough work today,” she said and closed her eyes again.  I stood looking at myself in the mirror, imagining a dark smoky eye and some loose waves in my dark hair, mentally calculating the time it would take to get ready.
    Amanda’s phone began to vibrate and she picked it up without opening her eyes or sitting up.
    “Hello?” she said.  “Oh hey, Meg. Yeah, we’re just finishing up.”
    Amanda gave Megan the rundown while I undressed and got ready for brunch.

Chapter 8
    I sat in my car a few blocks from the venue and watched the clock.  It was 7:06. I decided at the last minute to take my car, even though I appreciated Grayson’s offer. My day with Amanda and Megan had made me feel better about tonight.  It was just business as usual, but I couldn’t help the pounding feeling in my chest.  I decided it was time; I knew Grayson would be on time, that was just the kind of guy he was, but I still hadn’t wanted to risk showing up even a moment before him.
    The walk to the arena was easy. Orange and yellow banners advertising tonight’s event hung from poles on the sides of buildings lining the streets.  The gymnasts’ bodies angled and contorted in effortless, fluid motion, and I began to get excited for the actual event, momentarily forgetting all about Grayson and the potential implications of this date.
    I saw him almost immediately, which wasn’t hard to believe.  He stood taller than most others in the crowd who were huddled against the cold.  I pulled my coat