Playing for Hearts by Debra Kayn

house, walked her to the door, and embraced her. She reached up and kissed his lips gently.
    â€œThank you for tonight. I had a wonderful time.” She smoothed the front of his shirt. “If there’s a next time, watch out. I’m going to conquer golf and surprise you.”
    He ran his fingers through her hair and kissed her forehead. “You did great and there definitely will be a next time. I’ll call you soon, okay?”
    â€œI’d love that.” She nodded. “Good night.”
    â€œNight, Shauna.” He stepped away and jogged back to his car.
    With a deep sigh, she went into the house. Making sure not to make any noise, she took off her heels and tiptoed down the hall. At her bedroom, the door across the hall opened. She stopped.
    â€œDad?”
    â€œDid you have a nice time?” Tony Marino rubbed the top of his balding head.
    She crossed the area and kissed her dad’s cheek. “Yes, I did. John’s a nice man.”
    â€œHe is.” Tony frowned. “You okay?”
    â€œI’m fine, just tired.” She walked back to her room and paused at the door. “Good night, dad. I love you.”
    â€œLove you too, buddy.” Tony disappeared back inside the master bedroom.
    After taking off her makeup and slipping into an old T-shirt, Shauna climbed into bed. She closed her eyes. She really liked John, but she couldn’t muster up any excitement about any future dates. She heaved a sigh.
I’m tired, that’s all.
    She smiled into her pillow. Her dad was the best. How many fathers waited up for their twenty-four-year-old daughter after a date? He was the one thing keeping her from going out and purchasing her own home. Who was going to look out for him and make sure he ate and got enough rest?
    Sure, he’d survived with her gone before, but he wasn’t getting any younger. She flipped over onto her side and pulled the blanket up over her shoulder. He’d never dated or showed any interest in getting married again after her mom left. Belinda Marino had ruined her dad’s life, and Shauna would never forgive her.

Chapter Eleven
    â€œI’ve rounded up five people, besides myself, who’ve committed to coming to Cottage Grove during the twenty-seventh through the thirtieth of September.” Grayson handed a sheet of paper over the desk to Shauna. “Two of them wanted reservations at the hotel here in town, and I’ve already reserved the top floor for them in my name so no one questions their arrival before you make the big announcement. It’s not uncommon for me to host out of town guests at the hotel, so we’re safe there. I just hope that’s enough rooms for their entourage. Gary, Dominic, and Bruce will be more comfortable staying at my house.”
    â€œGreat.” She passed over several envelopes. “Since you’re in contact with your friends, you can pass along the updated schedules and what will be asked of them down to the smallest details.”
    â€œFine. What’s next?” Grayson asked.
    â€œI go public.” She wrinkled her nose and placed her hand on her stomach. “It’s make it or break it time with the business owners and the city council. I know they’re going to throw all the problems this will cause within the community out in the open, but I’m prepared.”
    â€œWhat happens if they turn you down?”
    She grinned. “I won’t let them.”
    â€œThen why are you nervous?”
    â€œHonestly?” She leaned her elbows on the desk and cradled her head. “I feel like I’m still proving myself on the job. Everyone still views me as Tony Marino’s wild child. This is important to me, and I want to show everyone how I’ve grown up and I’m no longer the irresponsible kid who ran unsupervised in the neighborhood because her dad was too busy keeping a roof over her head.”
    â€œI think you put too much emphasis