Someone Like You by Jennifer Gracen Read Free Book Online Page A

sex appeal. Her girly parts were doing a primal dance she had rarely experienced. Get a grip, Abby!
    â€œI’m also sorry I turned your soccer game into a circus,” Pierce said, gesturing with his chin toward the people behind him who were now starting to disperse as the referee blew his whistle to signify the second half would start in a minute.
    â€œThat’s not your fault. I’m sure you get that a lot.”
    â€œIn England, yeah, sometimes. But not here.”
    â€œWell, these are soccer players, so . . . anyway. I’m sorry I didn’t recognize you,” she said. “I have to admit, I’m a little embarrassed.”
    â€œGod, don’t be. I’m not famous here. At least, I didn’t think I was. That one dad who recognized me? Apparently he watches European football religiously.” Pierce’s grin finally faltered. “I left the sport. Two months ago. I’m not playing anymore. I’m officially retired, just here visiting my family over in Kingston Point.”
    Abby nodded, but thought, Kingston Point? If he has family there, they must be disgustingly wealthy. Her whole house could fit into any one of those tremendous Kingston Point mansions, three or four times over. It may have been only ten minutes away from Edgewater, but it was a totally different world. “Well, I hope you enjoy your visit.”
    â€œI’m here—at the park, I mean—because I went for a run, then I’m meeting a friend here. His daughter plays at noon, the next game. He lives in Edgewater. Old friend from high school. So . . .” Pierce shrugged. “I don’t know why I felt compelled to tell you that. I guess I just wanted to assure you I’m not some creepy guy.”
    â€œNo explanations necessary. It’s a public park. But I appreciate it.” Abby wondered who the dad was and if she knew him, but before she could ask, the ref blew his whistle again. She shot a glance over at her team, who were now standing together, waiting for her directions. “I have to go, sorry. Nice to meet you.”
    Pierce gazed down at her, and she felt a little jolt from the intensity of his stare. “What’s your name, Coach? Didn’t catch it.”
    â€œAbby.” She held out her hand. “Abby McCord.”
    â€œA pleasure to meet you, Abby.” His fingers wrapped around hers and the firm handshake sent a rush through her, a strange jolt of sensation. She pulled her hand back quickly, met his eyes one last time, then hurried over to her players.
    As the teams ran onto the field to start the second half, Abby noticed that Pierce Harrison didn’t leave. She watched out of the corner of her eye as he strolled over to the far corner of the field and sat himself down on the grass. It seemed he was going to watch the rest of the game as he waited for his friend to arrive.
    Abby didn’t know why that both unnerved and delighted her, but it did.
    * * *
    Pierce tried not to be obvious, but stole glances at Abby McCord more than a few times. She was adorable. Straitlaced. Very girl-next-door. Which had never been his type.
    But there was something about her. Maybe it was as simple as the fact that she was extremely pretty. Maybe it was more complex, like he loved that she’d never heard of him. Either way, his interest was piqued. As he watched her team get their little butts kicked in the second half, he watched her, too. Man, she was wound up tight, he could tell just from the way she held herself. And as he watched her shout and cheer and try to spur her team into action, he had visions of what she’d be like in bed, all fired up and vocal like that....
    What the hell? Christ, he hadn’t been laid in two months, and his hormones were getting the best of him. But . . . Abby McCord was sweet to look at. He gazed openly.
    â€œExcuse me . . . Mister Harrison?” came a woman’s voice from behind him.
    He quickly turned his