CHAPTER 17

Much like the first game, Killian only played until he made a touchdown early in the first quarter. There was no blown kiss this time, and his intensity for the game only seemed to increase. He stood with the head coach talking for the remainder of the first half.

During halftime, I took a walk with my friends on the lower level where we eventually checked out one of the crowded pro-shops. Amanda and Malory talked me into a team jersey with number “twenty” and “MacGregor” on the back. I don’t know why I worried, but I couldn’t help thinking it might bother Killian.

 We made it back to our seats when the third quarter started. When the final whistle blew, I was past ready to see Killian.

He drove the four of us to dinner, and I had no idea where that was going to be until we pulled up at Tillomans.

“You okay with coming here?”

I didn’t have a problem, though as far as my co-workers were concerned, my dating Killian would be out of the bag. I gave him a shy smile.

“Yes, but I hope you made a reservation.”

“It’s taken care of.”

Killian got out of the car and walked around, opening Amanda’s door then mine. I’d stayed put until he took my hand and assisted me out. I looked over my shoulder and saw that Lyle had Amanda’s hand in his grasp. He winked at me and Amanda smiled.

Sabrina, the hostess, knew Killian on sight and immediately showed us to a table. She gave me a sharp “what-the-hell” look, but did her duty with a smile. Our party was slightly underdressed, but Tillomans cared more about their guests having a wonderful dining experience than what you wore. If you could afford the prices, they weren’t turning you away.

Killian looked around the table. “I’m hoping everyone here is over twenty-one because I’d like to order a bottle of wine.”

I gulped slightly because I knew the wine prices began at more than one-hundred dollars a bottle. Of course, that was if you went for a house wine. Killian didn’t. I pulled my big girl panties up and enjoyed dinner and the expensive wine.

“Tell me about your major, Lyle, and what your plans are after graduation.”

Lyle began talking about his desire to move to New York, and the college’s latest up-and-coming production. Killian focused his attention on Lyle, showing keen interest.

“What did you major in, Killian?” Lyle asked after speaking non-stop for ten minutes.

Killian took a drink of wine before answering. “Entrepreneurial management with a minor in accounting.”

I knew about the management, but not accounting. My nemesis is math and I looked at Killian hoping he would tell us more, but our food arrived. Amanda changed the subject and asked Killian questions between bites.

“So what do you think are the chances for the Scorpions heading to the Super Bowl this season?”

Killian gave her an indulgent smile. “They’re damn good, but anything can happen between now and the playoffs. You intend to place any bets?”

Amanda laughed. “No, I just wondered what you thought since you kind of hold the game in your hands.”

I wanted to bury my head. Amanda had decided now was the time to see what Killian was made of. I knew she worked her scheme with my best interest in mind, but doing it here, when he was paying an exorbitant amount for our meals, wasn’t the best time.

Killian didn’t miss a beat. “Hmm, I hadn’t thought of it quite that way. Before dinner tonight, I was more excited than nervous about the season starting. Now that you’ve laid the pressure at my door, I’ll work extra hard.” His face was entirely deadpan for about five seconds.

Amanda’s mouth fell open in shock until Killian’s dimples flashed. His smile grew and I saw Amanda’s eyes go dreamy. I probably had the same look on my face.

A moment later, not having learned from her previous mistake, Amanda made me want to crawl under the table again.

“So exactly what are your intentions for my best friend, besides keeping her hidden away on the weekends?”

I saw Killian’s shoulder stiffen for a fraction of a second, but then he relaxed and took my hand, kissing my fingers. His gaze turned back to Amanda.

“Since your best friend considered this nothing more than a fling, I think I’ll let her decide where it goes from here.”

Amanda didn’t blink. “So you heard that conversation?”

“I heard.”

Amanda gave me a look then turned back to Killian. “She tends to think poorly of herself, but I’ve been trying to break that habit.”

Killian cocked his eyebrows. “I’ll keep that in mind.”

I wanted to run from the restaurant. Killian’s fingers were steel around mine, and I knew I wasn’t going anywhere. I decided to give her a piece of my mind. “You know, Amanda, your best friend is sitting right here and you are embarrassing her horribly.”

“Actually, I find this fascinating.”

All eyes turned to Lyle.

He very carefully lay his napkin on the table and fell into a lofty British accent. “I’ve often wondered how the heterosexual crowd handles jealousy between girlfriends and lovers. The complexities of relationships becomes quite enthralling when the opposite sex is involved.” He looked at each of us and continued while staying in character. “I believe if I was the one who started this conversation, Killian and I would be out in the auto lot discussing the rules of courtship.”

Amanda and I were used to Lyle’s acting flair and immediately gave our own imitation of Downton Abbey.

I raised my chin. “Why does every day involve a fight with an American?”

Amanda gave us all a deadpan look. “He’s a fortune hunter, my dear, and really, I hate drama.”

Killian shook his head. “I think I’ve lost this round, or rather lost my marbles.”

Lyle dropped his jaw in exaggerated wonder. “You haven’t turned him onto Downton Abbey?”

I looked at Killian. “Sorry, dear, I save Downton Abbey for my best girlfriends.”

“I guess I need to go to the parking lot with Lyle and learn the rules. I don’t even know what a downtown abbey is and I have no idea if Rebecca uses it to turn me on or not.”

My cheeks went red, but Lyle had broken the interrogation spell and we all laughed.

Killian drove them back to the stadium and they talked football the entire way. I was wondering if there was a Football for Dummies book. If so, I was buying and reading it at the first opportunity.