The Harder You Fall by Gena Showalter Read Free Book Online Page B

did, he missed it, for the first time allowing a member of the other team to soar past him, heading for the goal.
    Oops.
    â€œâ€”going to have a pity party, invitation one, if yesterday’s brownies...and this morning’s cupcakes...ruin my wedding gown,” Harlow finished.
    Jessie Kay barely paid attention to her friend, mumbling, “You’re getting married this freaking weekend. The only thing you need to worry about is the death of your dating life.”
    â€œBefore Beck, I had no dating life. My scars—”
    â€œAre hideous. We know, you’ve told us.” She watched as West jumped back into the fray, slamming his big, delicious body into the guy who had his ball. “We love you, anyway.”
    When the final buzzer sounded, the Goal Scouts won four to zero.
    Her takeaway? Mercy didn’t exist in soccer.
    Knowing the boys had to shower and change, she and the girls made their way to the lobby to wait. The Ball Busters emerged first, each man making an obvious point to avoid her gaze as he passed her.
    Had she become total dog food since the game kicked off?
    â€œJase,” Brook Lynn squealed, rushing over when her fiancé stepped into the room, his hair damp and his skin scrubbed clean. “You were freaking awesome.”
    He winked at her. “You know I can’t help that.”
    â€œHey. That’s my line.” Beck shouldered his way past his friend to get to Harlow. “We’re going out to celebrate our victory. Tell me you’re coming with us, love, or you’ll break the heart you resurrected.”
    Harlow smiled sweetly at him. “Are you paying?”
    Sweat beaded on Jessie Kay’s palms as West moved into view, his gaze hard and steady on the exit, as if he couldn’t wait to leave. He wore a black cashmere sweater and an old pair of jeans tucked into well-used combat boots. He was casual sophistication with a mule kick of dominant alpha, and he outshone every other man present.
    â€œI’m not paying,” Beck said, and Harlow pouted. “But West is.”
    Harlow—Jessie Kay’s ride—fist pumped.
    West arched a dark brow. “I am?”
    â€œWell, then, we’re definitely going.” Harlow nudged Jessie Kay with an elbow. “Right?”
    A free meal? “Sure. Count me in.”
    West motioned to the door with a clipped wave and she thought—hoped—he would put his hand on the small of her back to usher her forward. But as they walked to the parking lot, he maintained a steady distance between them. Of course, Jase decided to drive Brook Lynn’s car and Beck decided to drive Harlow’s, the two couples entering their respective vehicles and leaving Jessie Kay and West standing outside. Alone.
    Wasn’t awkward at all .
    He opened the passenger door for her. “Get in.”
    Shocked by the gentlemanly gesture but not the bossy command, she slid inside the vehicle. And instantly regretted it. The air smelled like him, pure seduction and sweet caramel. Trembling, she buckled up and peered out the window, refusing to give in to the urge to watch his big hands molest the steering wheel.
    â€œBy the way,” he muttered, “you still owe me a sandwich.”
    â€œIt’s your word against mine.” Going for casual, she said, “So where are we headed?”
    â€œA hamburger dive I’ve loved since I was a kid.”
    â€œWait. Hold everything. You were once a kid?” She gave a mock gasp, hand fluttering over her heart. “I’m sorry, but I demand proof.”
    â€œToo bad. There’s none available.”
    Please. “Surely there are pictures.”
    â€œNo.”
    â€œWell, why the heck not? Did you destroy them? I bet you destroyed them. Didn’t think you looked handsome enough?”
    Without any inflection of emotion, he said, “Actually, no one cared enough to take any.”
    No. No, she refused to believe it. If he