Playing for Hearts by Debra Kayn

of the contents. Grayson’s girlfriend of the week was everything Shauna wasn’t: graceful, athletic, tall, and experienced. “At least my boobs are real.”
    John choked and wiped his hand across his mouth. “Excuse me?”
    She groaned and curled her lip. “Did I say that out loud?”
    â€œYeah.” He chuckled. “I’ll chalk that little piece of information away, and keep it private … don’t worry.”
    â€œI almost wish I could blame my loose tongue on the glass of champagne, but since this isn’t the first time I’ve spoken my thoughts for other people to hear, I’ll just pretend I didn’t say anything.” She studied John who continued to laugh, and slapped his arm, giggling. “It’s not that funny.”
    â€œOh yeah, it kinda is.” He pulled her in front of him and wrapped his arms around her, holding her back to his chest. “That wasn’t a question I had, but it’s still nice to know you’re one hundred percent real.”
    â€œStop teasing me.” She smiled. “What am I going to do with you, John?”
    â€œSince you’ve broached the subject, I’m sure I can think of something.” He leaned down and whispered, “I really like you, Shauna. I hope we can go out again.”
    â€œYou know … ” She leaned her head back against him. “Now that I’ve let my deep, dark, secret out of the bag, I might always believe you only want to date me for my boobs.”
    He kissed the side of her neck. “I plead the fifth.”
    She patted his hands clasped in front of her. “I knew you were a smart man.”
    Several minutes passed, and Shauna relaxed within John’s embrace, swaying to the music. It surprised her how much she was enjoying his company. She was secretly glad he wanted to see her again. A distraction was exactly what she needed.
    â€œTo tell you the truth, I was always afraid of asking you out before you left town.” He rubbed her arm. “I thought you had your heart set on Grayson. I’m not the only one who stayed away because of your solid stance with him.”
    She sighed. “It was a childhood crush, that’s all. One day, I hope everyone will forget about my relentless pursuit of Grayson Schyler.”
    â€œI’m glad to hear that.” John squeezed her tight. “Besides, I’m afraid Grayson is a bachelor for life. He enjoys the fast track too much, and I don’t picture you as a woman who’d settle for anything less than a committed relationship.”
    Shauna somehow managed to hide her reaction to John’s belief. Too choked with emotion from her little white lie to acknowledge his statement, she stared across the yard. John was nice, but could he ever compare to Grayson?
    â€œSpeaking of Grayson … ” John muttered.
    Shauna lifted her gaze and met the cold, unfeeling stare of Grayson. He stood twenty feet away with his arm around a woman she didn’t recognize. She broke away from his intent gaze to check out his gorgeous date in the black and white gown that put Shauna’s dress to shame.
    The woman wore self-confidence while pressing herself against Grayson’s side in a way that screamed of their intimate relationship. Shauna clamped her teeth together. No amount of time or training would give her that amount of sexy.
    Her attention went back to Grayson. His white shirt emphasized his dark tan and the natural gold highlights in his hair. Her stomach warmed. She’d never seen him dressed with such sophistication and poise in person. Usually he ran around in shorts and a T-shirt, and while she liked him in both, the eveningwear eluded to masculine competence that left her lightheaded.
    Before she could mask her displeasure at finding the cozy couple here at the party, Grayson and his date headed her way. If that wasn’t bad enough, John let go of her. The loss of his body heat gave