The Perfect Play by Jaci Burton Read Free Book Online Page B

and was in his car again, this time heading into Concord to the address of Tara’s business. It was Saturday, so chances were she might not even be there. They might not be open. Then again, he could get a feel for her place, if nothing else.
    Yeah, and you have no idea what the fuck you’re doing. You could have just called, moron.
    He didn’t chase after women, ever. It wasn’t ego talking, it was just that Liz threw women at him all the time. And the ones Liz didn’t toss his way came to him on their own. He usually had to fend them off, so he’d never had to go after any. This was new territory for him.
    He found the center where her business was located, parked, and went to the big window where THE RIGHT TOUCH was etched in white scrolled letters. There were lights on and a few people inside. He didn’t see Tara right away, so he stepped through the door.
    Definitely a woman’s kind of place. Lots of fabric and paper thingies spread on tables and tacked to the walls. Some looked like invitations. And there were champagne glasses and giant books loaded with ... stuff.
    “May I help you?”
    He turned and smiled down at a petite redhead with tortoise-shell glasses perched on the bridge of her nose. “I’m looking for Tara.”
    The redhead’s eyes widened and she took a step back, obviously recognizing him. “Oh. Sure. She’s in the back. I’ll get her for you.”
    The redhead walked away, and Mick decided to wander around Tara’s place, though with all the breakable gizmos in here and as big as he was, the “bull in a china shop” saying definitely applied. Maybe he should just stay put.
    “Mick.”
    He turned and smiled at Tara. “Hey.”
    She wore a skinny black skirt that went to her knees and a yellow sleeveless blouse that looked feminine and silky, and he wanted to pull her into his arms and kiss her. But she wasn’t smiling and didn’t look happy to see him.
    “What are you doing here? How did you find me?”
    “My agent found you. You left without waking me this morning.”
    Tara looked around the shop, and it was then that Mick saw three women staring at them and whispering to each other. He heard his name mentioned.
    He loved female football fans. He dazzled them with a big smile. “Hi, ladies.”
    Tara dragged him by the arm. “Come into my office.”
    He followed her, winking at the three women who gaped at him as he walked by.
    Tara’s office was a tiny little room in the back of her shop. He felt like a giant standing in this small space.
    Her desk was clean and tidy, with a laptop in the center and neat piles on each end.
    She shut the door and went around to the desk, clearly using the furniture as a defense. “Why are you here?”
    He arched a brow. “Isn’t it obvious? I wanted to see you again.”
    “Oh.” Her lips lifted for a second, then she frowned. “That’s not a good idea.”
    He crossed his arms over his chest. “Why isn’t it a good idea?”
    “Um, you and me ... well, let’s just say I’m very busy with my career.”
    “So the sex was bad?”
    Her eyes widened. “Oh my God, no. It was wonderful.” She came around her desk and laid her hand on his arm. “Mick, I had a great time last night. Surely you know that.”
    “I had a great time, too. I want to see you again.”
    She shook her head. “I can’t.”
    “Why not?” Then it hit him. “Oh, shit. You’re married.” He did not do married women. Ever.
    “No! Of course I’m not married. What kind of woman do you think I am?”
    “I have no idea. That’s what I want to find out. Let’s go to dinner tonight.”
    “I can’t. Please, let’s just leave it at one great night together.”
    “So you had fun last night.”
    “Yes.”
    “With me. You enjoyed being with me.”
    “I did.”
    “But you don’t want to see me again. Ever.”
    She rubbed the side of her head. “I know, it doesn’t make sense. But I just can’t.” She looked at the clock. “I’m sorry, but I have an appointment.