Playing to Win (The Players #3)

by Monica Murphy

I need to be a little choosier in my man crushes and not fall for the hot guy with the lazy smile and buzzing sexual energy.

ok me

“Introduce me, future brother-in-law. I want to meet that guy.”

My gaze snags on a woman in the distance, her back to me, long blonde hair spilling down her back. She moves in a way that feels familiar and I sit up straighter, hoping it might be— The woman turns, her profile visible and I slunk back in my seat, disappointment filling me. She’s not Ruby Maguire. Not even close.

Don’t know how that’ll be possible with Ruby. I mean, look at her. How can I not notice her?

“Yo, Maguire.” We both turn in Derek’s direction. “Your boy here called you his girlfriend.”

“That is a dumb nickname,” I murmur, refusing to let his words make me feel a certain way. “People won’t get it.”

“We don’t need anyone else to get it.” His smile is small and a little sneaky and a lot sexy. Ugh. “It’ll be our little secret.”

I have a feeling we’d be so damn good together. Like we have the potential to burn down the world, if she’d just let me show her.

“You were a big help to me today at practice.”

“I did nothing.”

You exist, is what I want to tell her. Just looking at you calms my chaotic t...

“Only your parts.” His smile is soft. Intimate. “I guess I’m a Ruby man.”

You love everything I do for you. And I love doing those things for you because I’m in love with you.”

“I love you too. I love everything about you. How protective you are, how smart. You’re kind and funny and sexy and you never hesitate when I ask you for something. You go above and beyond to make sure I’m happy. Satisfied.”

“It’s like you were made for me.”

“Oh, she said she’s not surprised an ass slap took us down. You did the same thing to me in front of them after dinner.”

“Baby, you can’t even begin to comprehend how much I love you,”