Playing for Hearts by Debra Kayn Page A

on your childhood.” Grayson tapped the folder against his knee. “Your dad did his best.”
    â€œI know that, but … ” She shook her head.
    â€œBut what?”
    â€œHaven’t you ever noticed how no one ever outruns their past in Cottage Grove? I imagine William Turner, the oldest living resident, is reminded daily of the time he hid the mascot at Cottage Grove High when he was sixteen. The man’s almost a hundred years old, and people don’t let him forget.” She glanced out the window. “According to everyone, I’m still the poor girl who made a fool out of herself over a guy after her mother ran away.”
    The silence in the room had her wishing she could take her confession back. She rolled backward in her chair and prepared to stand when Grayson cleared his throat, stopping her.
    â€œI don’t hold that against you.”
    She laughed bitterly. “Oh, yes you do. How many times have you thrown my actions in my face since I’ve been back?”
    He nodded in agreement. “I shouldn’t have done that, and I apologize.”
    â€œWell … ” She hid the fact she wanted to throw her arms around him in thanks. “I appreciate that, and I am sorry. If I could turn back time, I would’ve done things differently.”
    â€œNo.” His eyes softened. “To do so would’ve changed the woman you turned out to be.”
    Simple words that shouldn’t have meant anything to her. But there they were, out in the open. Her breath caught and she was glad she was sitting down. It was the first sign that she was doing the right thing by coming back to Cottage Grove and putting herself back in Grayson’s life.
    â€œI — ”
    The intercom buzzed. “Ms. Marino?”
    She held up a finger, wanting Grayson to wait while she answered the call. “Yes, Ella?”
    â€œEveryone is gathered in the conference room, and ready for you.”
    â€œThank you. I’ll be right there.” She looked to Grayson and raised her brows. “Well, this is it. Wish me luck.”
    He stood up as she stepped around the desk. “You won’t need luck. They’ll be falling over themselves wanting to help.”
    â€œI hope so.” She swiftly inhaled. “I’m afraid they’ll say no and I’ll never find out if I can pull this off.”
    â€œDon’t be. Think of them all naked, listening to every word you say.” He gave her his lopsided grin.
    She dropped her gaze to the front of his shorts, and squeezed her eyes shut when she realized what she’d done. He chuckled, and hooked his finger under her chin, raising her face. A shimmer coursed through her spine and she met his gaze.
    â€œGood luck,” he whispered, right before he kissed her.
    He took her lips with a gentleness that surprised her, savoring, tasting, and enjoying her. Her mouth opened and jubilation swept her away. The shock value alone had her forgetting the task ahead of her, waiting in the other room. The fear of failure disappeared for that brief moment.
    She let herself melt under his caress, an intimate tango between his full lips and hers. The kiss went on through her sigh and his groan. She slipped her hand under the hem of his shirt, her fingers sprawling against his skin, so hard and hot.
    From out of nowhere an annoying sound persisted. A sound she knew well.
Damn, damn, damn.
She cleared her throat. “I’m coming, Ella. You can shut off the intercom.”
    She pulled away and rested her forehead against his chest. “I have to go.”
    â€œMmm.” He cupped her face and tilted her chin, placing one more kiss upon her lips. “Go blow them away.”
    She straightened her dress and smoothed her hair. She laughed, the sound more hysterical than a womanly giggle. She blew out her breath, shaking her arms and loosening the tension.
I’ll show them all I can do this.
    She looked at Grayson and