Game For Love: All The Right Moves (Kindle Worlds Novella) by Marquita Valentine Page B

But, before she could, a couple of people spotted them and made their way over.
    Of course, they wanted autographs and pictures. To Ryan’s credit, he patiently signed whatever they held out and posed for multiple shots.
    When it was over, he sat down with her again and took her hand in his. That was a good sign. Or so she hoped.
    He laced their fingers together. “ I’ve enjoyed spending time with you.”
    Oh, God. He was going to tell her that he didn’t want to see her again.
    She nodded, staring straight ahead, even as her stomach plummeted to her toes and her heart began to ache. Her stupid, foolish heart. “I’ve enjoyed spending time with you, too.”
    “But I’m not sure if you’ll like the attention that you’ll start getting soon,” he continued. “I don’t want it to spook you. Or make you think I’m doing what I shouldn’t be. Sometimes, the press can be harsh.”
    Huh? “You’re not breaking up with me?” she asked, turning to face him. “I mean… you’re not my boyfriend. Obviously .”
    Ryan looked at her for a minute , and then gently removed her sunglasses, setting them on the bench. “Who else do you think I’m dating?”
    She hated he could see the vulnerability that had to be showing on her face. “I don’t know,” she said with a shrug. “I don’t Google you anymore.”
    “Then I’ll answer my own question.” He gazed directly into her eyes. “The only woman I’m dating is you .”
    “Yeah, and I’m not sure why,” she blurted, even as her body got all happy at his answer.
    “Because you’re the only woman I want,” he said simply. “You make me laugh. I look forward to spending time with you and Bluebelle. You don’t want to be with me because of who I am or how much money I make. Hell, sweetness, I had to bribe you into going out with me.”
    “You don’t have to do that anymore,” she said softly.
    “I know.” He looked away. “I want you to promise me something.”
    “What’s that?” she asked, her stomach back where it should be.
    “If you hear anything about me, about what I want to do with my career, you come to me. I want you to get the unvarnished truth, not the media hype or spin.” This time, his expression was deadly serious when he glanced back at her. “I’m not your ex, and I promise to talk to you first, when I decide to leave the Avengers. If it even comes to that.”
    When he decided to leave? Did this mean he was considering it? She wasn’t sure if she wanted the unvarnished truth about that. Look at what Dean had decided for her, and they’d been engaged. She and Ryan were barely dating, so why would he think she’d go anywhere with him?
    In fact, her entire thought process was ridiculous. She was placing more importance on their relationship than was necessary. Instead, she would focus solely on their time together, not expecting more.
    Not expecting forever.
    “If I read or hear something from anyone who isn’t you, then I’ll ask.”
    “Thank you.” He smiled “Ready to go play with Gunner and Bluebelle?”
    “ You know it.” She bolted from her seat, halfway to their dogs before she called over her shoulder, “Last one there never wins a Super Bowl ring.”
    He flew past her before she could blink, stopping beside the two canines that were staring at them like they’d lost their minds. Maybe she had.
    “Already won three of those, firecracker.”
    Ashley blew out a breath , and then tried to catch it. “Except last year.”
    Ryan grunted. “How many have you won, Ms. Designer?”
    “Three less than you.”
    He threw his head back and laughed at her answer. Crossing the small distance between them, he put his hands on her hips. “Another reason I like dating you,” he said, dipping his head to capture her lips in a hot kiss that left her more breathless than ever. “You give as good as you get.” Bluebelle and Gunner circled them, jumping and begging for attention. Ashley couldn’t help but grin. The day was