Her Perfect Game by Shannyn Schroeder Page B

beginning. About two years.” She looked around to see if Derek had arrived and to get the attention of a waitress.
    â€œWhat do you want? I’ll go to the bar and grab it.”
    â€œA light beer would be great. Thanks.”
    Jake went to order, and a couple of women that she’d seen in the last session waved and asked if they could join her table.
    â€œUh, sure, but leave a chair for Jake. He went to go grab some drinks.”
    â€œOh, Jake.” The woman had a grin on her face, and Charlie couldn’t figure out if it was a look of teasing or fondness.
    â€œIs there something I should know?”
    â€œDon’t let him fool you. He acts all shy and reserved, but he’s all alpha, if you know what I mean.”
    No, Charlie had no idea where this conversation was headed. “We’re just talking about gaming. Nothing else.”
    â€œThat’s how it always starts out. Jake finds a girl every year. Singles her out. Makes her feel special. And then wham! He moves in.”
    â€œAre you saying this guy is dangerous?”
    She laughed loud and hard. Her friend joined in. “No. He just leaves you so unsuspecting. By the time he works his magic, you’re into him.”
    â€œNo, I’m not. I’m not looking to hook up with anyone.” Except Jonah. Or Win. Shit, she really wished she could’ve convinced Win to make the trip to the con.
    â€œThen you really don’t know what you’re missing.”
    Charlie leaned forward on the table. “Are you telling me that you and Jake . . . ?”
    â€œLast year.” Her smile widened.
    Her friend sat forward. “Two years ago.”
    â€œWait.” Charlie couldn’t believe this. “You mean you each hooked up with Jake?”
    The first woman laughed again. “Sue was the one who told me about him, made sure we crossed paths.”
    Sue touched Charlie’s arm. “He’s a great way to spend your nights.”
    â€œMy nights are already booked.”
    â€œAre you sure?” Sue glanced over her shoulder where Jake was headed back toward them. “Because Jen and I might be able to convince him that once wasn’t enough.”
    â€œUh, yeah. All yours. I was just having a friendly conversation.” Jake had gotten waylaid by another guy, and Charlie had to ask. “Isn’t it weird knowing you and your friend have been with the same guy? Won’t there be some awkwardness when he gets back here?”
    â€œNo. That’s the best thing about Jake. It is what it is. A good time, a few laughs. Everyone leaves satisfied and happy.”
    Jake set a beer in front of Charlie. Not wanting to let on to the wealth of information that she’d received, Charlie pointed to the women. “Jake, this is Sue and Jen.”
    â€œOh, we’ve met,” Sue purred. “You remember us, don’t you, Jake?”
    â€œOf course.” He bent over and kissed Sue’s cheek and then did the same to Jen. “Do you ladies need another drink?”
    â€œNo, we’re good.”
    Jake settled in the chair between the two women, and Charlie couldn’t quite decide if she should be offended. They weren’t on a date or anything, and she wasn’t even interested in Jake, but watching him sit between two women who were so obviously into him bugged her. Luckily, she didn’t have to suffer through it too long because Derek walked through the door. Thank God he was built like a brick wall. He was easy to spot.
    â€œExcuse me, guys. I see a friend I’ve been looking for. Jake, it was good to meet you. Thanks for the beer. Sue, Jen, have a great time.” She stepped away from the table without waiting for a response.
    â€œDerek,” she called, and the big man turned.
    â€œHey, glad you texted. Let me grab a beer. You need one?”
    She glanced at her still full bottle. “Sure.”
    She followed Derek to the bar, and they took seats