Charmed by the Player: A Never Say Never Football Romance, #3

By Carina Rose

Things I hadn't expected to happen on my birthday . . .

 

1. To go from brunette to orange when I was aiming for blonde.

2. To run into my ex and his new girlfriend, who happened to be sweeter than my favorite candy bar.

3. To literally collide with a wall of muscle belonging to Lucas Donovan, the extremely sexy cornerback on the Virginia Thunder.

 

Did I say collide? No, I didn't just collide, I lingered. How could I not? The man smelled like a dream, felt like heaven, and looked like a Greek god. If I didn't know better, I would have thought my best friend wished him for me when she helped me blow out my candles. She was all about me finding Mr. Right, except I'd never been lucky in love . . . nor was I looking.

 

And despite all of his wonderful attributes, Lucas wasn't my type. So when he asked for my number, I declined. Why? Because I knew he had cleat chasers and numerous athletic supporters at his beck and call. Totally not my scene. Instead, I decided to chalk our encounter up to a perfect ending to a perfectly messed-up day.

 

Thinking I'd never see him again, imagine my surprise when he popped into my store to ask me out on a date. To say I was thrown a bit off-kilter would be an understatement. Maybe that was why I eventually accepted. Or it could be because I knew my best friend would disown me if I kept turning him down. Not to mention, the man had enough charm to fill my boutique and then some. 

 

Finally happy, I figured my luck had changed. Maybe Lucas Donovan was my Mr. Right. But then my past slammed into my present. And all I wondered was what that meant for our future.

 

• Language: English
• Publisher: Carina Rose
• Release date: Aug 30, 2022
• ISBN: 9798201142803

Book preview

Table of Contents

Chapter 1

Chapter 2

Chapter 3

Chapter 4

Chapter 5

Chapter 6

Chapter 7

Chapter 8

Chapter 9

Chapter 10

Chapter 11

Chapter 12

Chapter 13

Chapter 14

Chapter 15

Chapter 16

Chapter 17

Chapter 18

Chapter 19

Chapter 20

Chapter 21

Chapter 22

Chapter 23

Chapter 24

Chapter 25

Chapter 26

Epilogue Number 1

Epilogue Number 2

Preview - Married to the Tight End

Other Books by Carina Rose

About the Author

Contact Carina Rose

A note from the Author…

Acknowledgments

Chapter 1

Harley

Oh. My. God.

I scanned the instructions on the back of the box, making sure I followed them, which I had. No, no, no. This can’t be happening, I whined, scolding the mirror. Yet, no matter how many times I blinked, my reflection remained the same. Hair that rivaled the brightest orange flame rather than the pretty golden blonde I aimed for almost looked comical… except it wasn’t. If I was standing near a window, I wouldn’t be surprised if someone called the fire department to extinguish the raging blaze.

Defying the directions that got me into this mess, I stripped out of my clothes, turned on the water in my shower, and didn’t bother to wait for it to warm up before I jumped under the punishing spray. After applying a massive glob of shampoo, and with closed eyes, my fingers went to work scrubbing from roots to ends praying that once done, my hair would either be the dark chestnut it was or the platinum blonde that had been my goal.

Older and wiser, my butt! Yes, it was my twenty-seventh birthday and while out shopping for my store, I made a detour into a pharmacy where I bought the box of disaster. My lips formed an O as I blew out a long breath before taking the ends of my hair into my hands. I opened one eye, then slowly peeled open the other, and glanced down at the vibrant colored strands. With a sigh, I turned off the water, wrapped myself up in a towel, and stepped out to turn off my phone’s alarm.

If it were October, I could dress as a jack-o-lantern for a Halloween party, but it was June, and a hot one at that. Not wasting time, I quickly blew dry my hair, and it somehow looked brighter.

Honey, I’m home! I heard my best friend and roommate, Sophie, call from the hall. Swapping my towel for a robe, I pulled the door open. Happy Birth—

Her greeting died on her lips as she took in my appearance. Hey, Soph.

I never knew someone could blink with their eyes opened as wide as saucers, but I did now. Happy Birthday. Um… Her head tilted to the right, then slowly to the left. She furrowed her brows, opened her mouth, then closed it.

Ugh. I know.

What happened? She stepped into the humid room and surveyed the vanity. You bought boxed hair color? I told you I’d make an appointment with Casey for you. She’s the best stylist in Virginia.

And booked. I didn’t think this would happen. The commercials made it look so easy. All of the actresses had super shiny and perfect hair.

She tilted her head, studying me. On the bright side, you own a hat store… no pun intended.

Bright. Funny. Sophie secured a space for both of our businesses while I’d been traveling abroad thanks to her uncle owning the building. True. Wait, it’s just past two, why aren’t you at work?

It was slow, and since you took the day off, I thought I’d come home to sadly tell you my meeting rescheduled… for seven o’clock. I’m so sorry, I know we’re supposed to go to The Tavern tonight to celebrate your birthday, but I can meet you there right afterward, if that’s okay.

It’s fine, don’t worry about it. I wanted to talk to Lynn, the manager, about hats for the servers. So, no worries.

That’s great! See, everything is falling into place. And… She bounced her eyebrows up and down. Maybe tonight’s the night you meet Mr. Right. I mean, it is your birthday after all.

If I had known that Sophie wouldn’t outright yell at me, I would have audibly sighed. Ever since I returned to Virginia, Sophie had been on my case about meeting someone. She even threatened to put my name on an online dating website. I wasn’t opposed to dating, but I wasn’t in a rush to start either.

Had it been a while? Yes. Had I dated in the past several months? No, not really. I had gone for coffee once and met someone else for a drink, but nothing to write home about or even tell my best friend. It all felt robotic—I’d laugh when they said something they deemed funny, I nodded when they went on and on about themselves, and politely declined any future date requests.

Maybe I was broken when it came to dating or just didn’t feel as though the effort was worth it. Maybe that had to do with my past? Before I left to travel to various parts of the US and Europe last year to meet with designers, my then boyfriend, Trevor, and I decided to take a break from our relationship. Despite being together for a little under eighteen months, both of us thought it was for the best. Technically, it was more me than him that did the breaking up. After all, didn’t the saying go that if you let something go and it came back it was meant to be or something to that effect? Well, he stopped calling me soon after my plane took off for Paris. In other words, not meant to be.

I supposed it was inevitable that things would change. My departure was necessary and worth it. What it boiled down to was I wanted to settle down… eventually, and Trevor didn’t. He said something about not wanting to get married until he was maybe thirty-five, and we were in different places in our lives and wanted different things.

Considering I had other hopes, my heart broke a little at that admission. It wasn’t that I was aiming to become a bride, but I did have aspirations of having it happen before my mid-thirties. Even though I was the one who decided to call it quits, it had been the right thing to do. Still, there were times when I missed him. Trevor didn’t fight for us—another blow to the muscle in my chest. The only thing that made me relax was knowing he moved to North Carolina.

We’re going to have so much fun tonight! She pulled me out of my thoughts and into a hug. When our arms relaxed, she picked up the ends of my hair. This really isn’t awful. I laughed, and she added, I’ll text Casey in the morning, she owes me a favor for planning her husband’s surprise party after she forgot his birthday.

Perfect and thanks. Now get out of here.

Before I go, come with me.

She grabbed my hand and dragged me toward the kitchen where my favorite bakery’s carrot cake graced the table. Sophie produced a lighter and lit the candles in the shape of a two and a seven. The small flames flickered as my best friend belted out the Happy Birthday song as though we were in a crowded restaurant and not our kitchen. …to you!

I couldn’t help the smile that grew across my face. After giving her a round of applause, I hugged her. Thanks, Soph.

Hurry and blow out the candles before that icing turns inedible.

Nodding, I closed my eyes. Several choices ran through my mind. I wish my hair wasn’t orange. I wish for my store to be a success. I wish for peace in the world. Granted, that was a bit much, but still worth a shot. I inhaled, opened my eyes, and blew.

Yay! Sophie said, clapping. You better have wished for something or someone sexy. Figured, that thought hadn’t even crossed my mind. Knowing she’d probably relight the candles, I shrugged. If I tell you it won’t come true.

Fine. Okay, I’m heading back to the grind. Good luck with your meeting! I have a great feeling about tonight. Bye, sweetie! Sophie’s voice trailed off as she went one way and I went the other, straight into my bedroom to put away more clothes I still needed to unpack.

The hours ticked by and before I knew it, it was time to get ready for The Tavern. Sifting through my wardrobe, I decided on a short denim skirt with an unfinished hem that hit me mid-thigh, a blue strapless top with a folded over ruffle across my boobs making them look deceptively bigger, and a pair of strappy wedges. I then grabbed my favorite fedora-style straw hat with a navy band around the bottom of the crown, just above the brim.

Back at the scene of the crime, I tossed the hair color paraphernalia away, cursing as it landed in the small bin with a clunk, and began applying my makeup. Using a soft-brown liner pencil, I rimmed my eyes, then swept my lashes up with the same color mascara, and dusted my lids with a pale color that made my baby blues pop.

Thankful that my updo skills surpassed my coloring ones, I twisted the orange disaster into a low chignon, and adjusted my hat leaving a hint of bangs sticking out. All in all, I didn’t look too ridiculous. With a reassuring nod, I hurried out of the bathroom, grabbed my phone and a small clutch bag loaded with business cards, and headed out.

***

Taking a breath, my hands smoothed down my skirt before I pulled open the heavy wooden door. The Tavern was just how I remembered. Except it had a few more signed framed jerseys hanging on the walls. If there was one thing this area loved, it was football. And it was one thing I missed while I was abroad in Europe. Although I did enjoy watching their football while there.

The place was packed, but that had always been the norm on a Friday night. It seemed as though the happy hour crowd was in full swing. Glancing around the room, I noticed a couple of guys I went to high school with sharing a pitcher of beer. When they glanced up in my direction, I gave a small wave. One who I remembered, Jeremy, smiled, then his brows furrowed, and he went back to his friends.

Finally, I spotted Lynn at the end of the bar. I weaved my way through the crowd, saying excuse me here and there. A gap between two separate couples formed, and I took the opportunity to squeeze through only to put myself right in front of another twosome. And not just any twosome: Trevor and a very pretty girl.

Harley? He smiled and pulled me into a quick hug, almost knocking my hat off.

Yup, that’s me. I adjusted my fedora and glanced at the blonde sitting on the stool. If I had to guess, she was a couple of years younger than me. Ironically, she had the same color hair that I had strived for earlier that day.

I can’t believe it, he went on to say.

Right. What are the odds? I asked, with a forced smile that made my cheeks hurt. Seriously, what were the odds? Out of all the bars in Virginia we happened to pick the same one? Not to mention, as far as I knew, he didn’t live here. I thought you moved to North Carolina?

I did, but— He paled. Oh, sorry. Where are my manners? Chuckling, he picked up the girl’s hand and laced their fingers together. Don’t stare. Don’t stare. I repeated in my head. Babe, this is Harley. The one I told you about. Harley, this is Cami… my fiancée.

Did he just say, fiancée? Had he aged quicker than I had? What happened to his age thirty-five rule? About wanting different things? And… I’m staring.

She slid off of her stool and beamed. Cami had to be five foot eight with flats on. And quite frankly, looked perfect next to Trevor—she’d look perfect next to anyone.

It’s so good to finally meet you. I’ve heard a lot about you. Good to finally meet me? I was about to ask what exactly she’d heard, but then Cami extended her hand, which I shook.

Trevor kissed the top of her head and for whatever reason, my heartbeat stammered a bit.

It’s nice to meet you too. Giving my attention to Trevor once more, I had to know what was going on without me literally asking him that question. Are you home visiting?

No, I moved back. We got a place in Reston. Cami just finished getting her MBA in North Carolina.

That’s wonderful.

How was Europe?

Great! I said with a bit more pep than I was feeling.

Cami asked, Would you like to join us for a drink?

Regardless of being a bit curious about the couple, I politely declined. Thank you, but I’m meeting someone.

He can join.

She. I’m waiting for my roommate. But I have a meeting with the manager. Actually, I should go.

Trevor’s eyes flickered with what looked like recollection. How is Sophie?

She’s good, thank you.

He snapped his fingers. Wait, today’s your birthday? Right?

When I nodded, Cami’s smile widened. Then you must join us. We’re celebrating too.

Trevor’s lips turned into a fine line until I glanced over at him. Then they curled up. If I hadn’t looked at him when I did, I would have missed it. And why was Cami being so nice and welcoming? I think of myself as a kind person, but I hardly think that I’d invite my boyfriend’s ex-girlfriend to join us. The phrase, keep your friends close and your enemies closer, popped into my head. Maybe she was an actress and was delivering lines? Whatever the reason, no way would I be joining them.

Thank you, really, but maybe another time. Like when Porky grew wings and took flight. Well, I should go.

Trevor tossed his arm around Cami’s shoulders. It was great seeing you, Harley.

Sure it was. You too. And congrats on the engagement. Heck, let’s all be actors this evening.

Thank you so much, Cami said with a friendly smile.

I raised my hand in a quick wave as I made my way toward the front door. Visions of Trevor and me flew into my head. Not only had he rebounded, but he fell in love. Love. A word we used on more than one occasion. I needed to leave. My feelings for Trevor were gone, that I knew, but something inside of me grew tight and a daze-filled aura took over. Anger maybe? Disbelief? The fact that I wasn’t enough for him? Whatever the case may have been, the stale air prickled my skin, and beads of sweat popped up on the back of my neck.

Air. I needed air. Maybe once I took a deep breath, I’d be fine and could continue celebrating my birthday with Sophie… just not at The Tavern.

Clenching my purse to my chest, I scurried out of the bar, the sole of my shoes sticking to part of the wood-planked floor, as I tossed out excuse me and pardon me to those I bumped into in my hasty departure. Someone called my name, but nothing was going to prevent me from getting to that parking lot. I was about to push open the door when the person on the opposite side pulled it at the same time sending me flying forward and landing against a wall of muscle with an oomph. In slow motion, we both watched my purse and hat float into the air before landing on the pavement. To add insult to injury, the tampon I shoved into my clutch before I left rolled and rested at his sexy boat-shoed foot.

Oh my God, I’m so sorry. Are you okay? His deep voice wrapped around me like a warm blanket. For some reason, rather than step away, my body decided to mold across his cotton-shirted chest. Then, like a woman who wasn’t thinking straight, because clearly I hadn’t been, or I would have grabbed my feminine product, I inhaled and got a whiff of sandalwood cologne, fabric softener, and man. Everything about him ebbed the minor panic attack I’d just experienced. Of its own volition, my fingers fisted the soft fabric covering very taut muscles.

A few too many seconds later and after coming to my senses, I pulled back and looked up, only to lock eyes with the most stunning face I’d ever seen. Except… he looked vaguely familiar. I wanted to ask why that was, but my vocal cords seemed to be on hiatus.

Soft brown hair styled neatly yet looking messy at the same time, hazel eyes that had a sparkle all their own, and lips that for some reason I imagined were soft and kissable made my insides flutter. Put that together with his body, that sultry voice, and arms that still haven’t released me, all screamed trouble with a capital T. Not that I knew that to be true, but a man who looked as though he could have any woman he wanted, in my head meant he probably did.

Are you alright? he repeated.

Yes, thank you. Sorry, I ran into you. His smirk reminded my hand to cover my carrot-topped head since my hat was on the ground along with my business cards. Having the same idea, we both bent over almost knocking into one another.

He chuckled. I’ll get it.

It’s okay. My skirt rose a bit when I squatted, but all I wanted was my stuff and to end any further humiliation.

Ignoring me, he lowered his body and we worked together gathering my things. I couldn’t help but notice the muscles in his legs. When we stood, he handed me a stack of my cards along with that damn tampon. I shoved the cards and feminine product back into my purse.

Thank you, I said, fixing my hat while plastering on the best smile I could without blushing.

I’m Lucas.

Harley.

Harley, he repeated. Some bar goers walked around us. A few gave him a second and third glance. Lucas was stunning, but the ones