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  The owner of the Patriots, Bucky Buchanan, dominated the scene. Sariah had heard he was a storyteller and she could see crowds gathered around him as his boisterous voice carried from twenty feet away.

  Her eyes kept wandering as she prayed that Mack Quinn would be here. All the players should be here, so why not him?

  Teresa tensed beside her and Sariah immediately refocused. “Teresa? Are you all right?”

  Teresa nodded but her breath was coming too fast for Sariah’s liking. Sariah took one of her hands and started kneading it gently between both of her own. Any kind of massage calmed Teresa down but Sariah didn’t think it was a great idea to grab her employer’s shoulders and start working on relaxation techniques at this upscale party.

  “I’m fine, sweetie,” Teresa murmured. “Look.”

  Sariah followed Teresa’s gaze and noticed the owner, Bucky, striding toward them. He wasn’t exactly handsome but he had a commanding presence with a well-worn face and a cowboy look that reminded Sariah of John Wayne. People tried to waylay him and he would graciously shake their hands and say a few words with each of them, but didn’t stop for long. He was obviously focused on reaching Teresa. His eyes were a deep blue and they twinkled as he approached Sariah and Teresa. His entourage didn’t follow him, but many eyes in the room were watching his progress.

  He extended both hands to Teresa. “Teresa Metcalf, as I live and breathe,” his Southern accent was charming and Sariah noticed Teresa was blushing prettily. “How do you become more beautiful every time I see you?”

  Teresa pulled her hand free of Sariah’s grasp and clasped his hands. “You old charmer. I don’t believe a word of your flattery.”

  Sariah hid a laugh. These two were flirting. In front of the crowd. She looked around for Hyde and Lily and saw them clear across the ballroom. They weren’t aware Bucky was hitting on Teresa yet. Teresa’s divorce from Hyde’s dad, who deserted them both a year ago, had only been finalized last month. Sariah had never seen Teresa so much as glance at a man her age.

  “You know I couldn’t tell a lie if someone hogtied me and branded me for it,” Bucky said. “Your beauty is unsurpassed and I’m pleased as a good shot of whiskey that you’ve graced my home with your lovely face.”

  “You stop it.” Teresa pulled one hand and waved it in front of her face. “You’ll make me blush.”

  “You’re already blushing, darlin’.” He winked at her then finally released her hands and offered his hand to Sariah. “Sariah Hyde? It’s a pleasure to make your acquaintance, little lady.”

  Sariah shook his hand, surprised he knew who she was, but she and Lily did look quite a bit alike. “You even talk like John Wayne.”

  He joined in her laughter, not appearing the least bit put out. “But I’m much more charming and wealthy, right?” He arched an eyebrow as if daring her to refuse him.

  “Charming as a lion, I’m sure.”

  “Teresa thinks I’m charming.” He turned his attention back to her. “Now that I’ve got you here, I have to show you my gardens.” He extended his elbow to her then glanced at Sariah. “You don’t mind, do you?”

  Sariah shook her head, though it worried her to not be close to Teresa. Would Hyde care? Who would Sariah talk to in this crowd?

  Teresa gave Sariah a happy grin as she and Bucky started across the ballroom toward a balcony door. It was probably a great boost for Teresa to feel pretty and desirable after what her ex-husband had put her through, but Sariah worried. What if Teresa got confused or said something that offended Bucky, who was basically Hyde’s boss?

  They disappeared out the open door and Sariah hurried to where Hyde and Lily were chatting with Rigby Breeland and his wife. Hyde saw her coming and he must’ve seen the concern on her face because he excused himself and hurried to meet her. “Are you okay?”

  “I’m fine,” she said. “But your mom went on a stroll with Bucky Buchanan out to his gardens.”

  Hyde’s shoulders lowered and he smiled. “Bucky’s a good guy and he knows everything about my mom. He’ll be kind to her.”

  “Okay. I just feel so responsible for her.”

  “Thanks, Sariah.”

  “I’ll go sit outside and keep an eye out,” Sariah said.

  “Thanks.” He turned back to Lily and the Breelands, who were watching both of them.

  Sariah smiled at her sister so Lily would know she was fine. Both Hyde and Lily had been worried about her coming tonight, knowing she didn’t like attention and was happier doing her massage therapy or working in the garden with Teresa and Allie. The thing she hadn’t told them was she wanted to come, hoping to see Mack Quinn.

  She hurried toward the door Bucky and Teresa had disappeared out of and searched the property. The pool area was well-lit and landscaped with waterfalls, decorative pools, and a couple of hot tubs. Sariah strode down the descending patios, past the pools, and saw the beautiful flower gardens. The lights in the garden were softer but Sariah could still see several couples strolling along the lit paths that were filled with some spring flowers in bloom and others still budding, flowering bushes, and trees. The darkness beyond looked to be a thick forest. It smelled fresh out here, similar to the Colorado mountains that she loved so much. She wished she could see it all in the daylight.

  Walking slowly to the main path, she sank into a comfy, padded bench and waited for Teresa and Bucky to appear again. She hoped they wouldn’t think she was stalking them but the night air was mild and she’d rather be alone in this garden than hiding in a crowd full of people. Especially if Mack wasn’t coming tonight.

  * * *

  Mack arrived at the Super Bowl celebration party later than he’d wanted. Atlanta traffic could be horrible sometimes and he’d been caught in a traffic jam heading out to Marietta. When he arrived, he greeted fellow players but his eyes searched the spacious ballroom for Hyde Metcalf. He hoped Lily and maybe even Sariah would be here tonight. Since Hyde had rebuffed him from pursuing Sariah, for the second time, he’d stewed about what to do. He’d decided to try to get Sariah’s sister, Lily, alone and get her take on the situation. Maybe he could soften her and get her approval and maybe even Sariah’s phone number.

  As his eyes finally found Hyde, his stomach hopped when he realized Hyde wasn’t talking to Lily but to Sariah. Her long, dark hair swooped over her right shoulder, covering her neck. Her knee-length pale blue gown fit her beautiful shape perfectly. It was an interesting dress with a high neckline, long sleeves, and no back or chest exposed. It made Mack appreciate Sariah all the more. Her beauty was unequaled and she didn’t need to be showing off skin to anyone.

  Sariah strode away from Hyde and out a patio door. Hyde returned to Lily’s side, talking to the Rocket and his wife.

  Mack felt like a sneaky teenager, but he knew this was his first and maybe only opportunity. He would be very cautious not to make Sariah uncomfortable, but he needed to know if he had any chance with her. He respected Hyde, but still felt Sariah was an adult who should be able to decide who she associated with.

  Staying on the outskirts of the ballroom, he approached the rows of exterior patio doors from a different direction, keeping an eye on Hyde and Lily. Neither of them glanced his way.

  As he exited the ballroom, he found himself on the back patio. He searched around the pool area and couldn’t see Sariah anywhere. Walking slowly, he finally saw her at the entrance to the main garden path. She sat on a bench, facing the opening of the path. He couldn’t see her face clearly but he would recognize her thick, dark hair and perfect shape anywhere.

  Mack increased his pace, his breath coming quicker in anticipation. If Sariah waiting for him on a garden bench wasn’t a sign from above that she should be in his life, he didn’t know what was.

  Chapter Four

  Sariah didn’t mind waiting for Teresa and Bucky. Hushed conversations from the garden floated to her, along with some giggles and laughs. Obviously, more couples than Teresa and Bucky were enjoying a stroll, or more. It
made Sariah smile. If only she could be one of those couples, with Mack. She shook her head. He hadn’t come to the party. She’d pinned all her hopes of truly connecting with the man she’d been staring at all season on this party. It felt like her last chance. If she didn’t see Mack tonight, she might not see him until next fall. The offseason for the players had officially started. Google had informed her that Mack had a condo in Atlanta and a home near his parent’s place in Newport, Rhode Island. She didn’t have any way to contact him. Maybe she could follow him on Instagram, comment on his every post, and hope he’d contact her. That was dumb. He surely had someone hired to manage all his social media, and protect him from star-crazed women like her.

  Footsteps approached. Fear filled her and the horrid memories resurfaced of being held underwater until she wanted to die. She shook that off, stood quickly, and whirled to face the threat head-on.

  Mack Quinn strode determinedly toward her. All fears disappeared. He looked magnificent in a tailored tux that made him look like a buff international spy instead of a football player.

  Sariah’s breath caught in her throat. He stopped a couple of feet away, as if worried he would overpower her or frighten her. A slow smile grew on his handsome face. “Hi, pretty girl,” he said softly.

  Sariah hid a laugh and returned his smile, happiness filling her. “Is that your standard line for every girl?”

  Mack shook his head. “You’re the only girl I’ve ever said it to.”

  Sariah wanted to rush into his arms, but that would be insane and much, much too pushy. “Come on, I can’t believe that. I have social media. I know you date a lot of pretty girls.”

  “I’ve never dated anyone as beautiful as you.” Mack’s blue gaze seemed to deepen and he took a couple steps closer to her, close enough she could smell his soft cologne—sandalwood and lavender. It fit him, tough but kind. “I’d better fire my social media people if they’re making me look like a player.”

  Sariah tilted her head back so she could hold his gaze, tucking her hair against her neck just to make sure. “You’re even bigger than I thought.”

  He smiled at that but then he sobered quickly. “Sariah,” her name on his lips made her knees quiver. “Did a man hurt you?”

  Sariah backed up a step, but ran into the bench and almost fell down onto it. Mack reached out and steadied her with his hand. His palm wrapped around her waist and she felt small and desirable under his touch. But why would he ask something like that? Did he know about Tyler? All the horrible memories resurfaced and she remembered why it wasn’t smart to fall for someone high-profile like Mack, but how could she resist him? His blue eyes were tugging her in and his large frame shouted protection to her. There was nothing to fear from Mack. All she wanted was to forget Tyler ever hurt her and lean in closer to Mack.

  Bravely, she did lean closer. It was obvious he was waiting for an answer to his question, but his grip on her waist tightened and he bent toward her. Breathing became difficult as she focused on his handsome face and the depth in his blue eyes. He wanted to be with her, but he was very concerned about who had hurt her in her past. She didn’t want to think about her past right now. She wanted to lift up onto her tiptoes and wrap her arms around his broad shoulders.

  Voices approached and she tore her eyes from Mack’s handsome face to see who was emerging from the garden. Horribly for her, it was Teresa and Bucky.

  “Mack Quinn,” Bucky’s loud voice sang out. He stuck out his hand. “There’s my favorite offensive lineman.”

  Mack chuckled, released his grip on Sariah’s waist and shook Bucky’s hand. “Nice to see you, sir.”

  “It’s a great night, Mack. We’d better head in, they’re going to be doing some sort of awards and singing your praises I’m sure.” He winked at Teresa and grinned at Sariah. “Can we escort you lovely ladies inside?”

  Teresa shook her head. “We’ll enjoy the night air for a bit longer. You go on in.”

  Bucky nodded. “I wish I could extend our time, but duty calls.”

  “Of course,” Teresa murmured. “Thank you for the stroll.”

  “My pleasure. I hope to see you again soon.” He tipped his nonexistent hat to her and turned, slapping Mack’s shoulder. “Ah, offensive linemen are the best. What are you, three hundred pounds?”

  “About that,” Mack murmured. He gave Sariah one last searching glance but fell in to step with Bucky and headed into the house.

  Sariah didn’t move, and neither did Teresa, until the men disappeared. Finally, Teresa let out a soft sigh. “Well, sweet Sariah. Do you want to share any secrets with me?”

  Sariah swallowed hard. “Sadly, there’s nothing to share. How about you?”

  Teresa smiled. “Oh, there’s a lot to share, but I suspect Bucky Buchanan is just a charmer and nothing will come of our stroll. Do you want to head in for awards?”

  Sariah wanted to sit here and wait for Mack to reappear but she knew that probably wasn’t happening. “We’d better. I’m sure Hyde will get something.”

  “Ah, my boy. I’m sure you’re right.” They walked slowly toward the brightly lit house. Sariah felt depressed and she knew she had no right to. Every interaction with Mack ended much sooner than she wanted it to. If she didn’t get another chance to talk to him tonight, she feared their chances had run out.

  * * *

  Mack liked Bucky. He was a great owner and a great guy, but him interrupting when Sariah had been leaning in … curse his boss from here to the South Pole. He cheered along with everyone through the awards ceremony. It was an amazing accomplishment as a team to win the Super Bowl and he was proud to be part of it, but he just wanted more time alone with Sariah.

  After the ceremony he talked with different teammates, sponsors, coaches, and some celebrities. His recently-traded fellow lineman and college buddy, Miles Moore, brought a beautiful redhead over to their circle after they finished eating platefuls of the buffet-style dinner. Miles and the redhead could be siblings, except he was twice her size.

  Mack smiled at the woman, but his gaze was searching for Sariah as it had been all night. He hadn’t seen her or Hyde for a while and was worried they’d left.

  “Mack.” Miles grinned at him. “I come bearing gifts.”

  The redhead laughed and rolled her eyes at him. “I’m not a gift, you silly boy.” She put her hand out. She looked beautiful in a fitted, off-the-shoulder black dress, but Mack only had eyes for one woman. “Scarlett Lily,” she introduced herself.

  “Oh.” Mack nodded, shaking her hand. “I should’ve recognized you.” He’d only seen a few of her movies, but you’d have to be living in a tent in the South Pole to not know who Scarlett Lily was.

  “It’s all right. I came tonight hoping to meet you.”

  Mack’s eyebrows lifted. Why would Scarlett Lily want to meet him? She was older than him, extremely famous, and could have any man she wanted. He only wanted Sariah so he hoped this wasn’t about Scarlett looking for a date.

  She swirled the liquid in her drink and stared at him for a few beats before saying, “I knew your brother in college.”

  “Which one?” He had a lot of brothers people claimed to know, but he didn’t think Scarlett Lily needed the Quinn name to social climb. At least she wasn’t after Mack. A lot of women wanted to date a “hot giant”, their words not his. It made him uncomfortable. Scarlett seemed really nice, nothing like the cleat chasers.

  “Griff,” she said.

  “You went to USC?” Mack asked to be polite. He noticed his buddies gaping at him as if he were on the movie screen. Talking to Scarlett Lily didn’t intimidate or impress him. She was a beautiful woman and he liked her movies, but he really wanted to find Sariah before she disappeared.

  “Yeah. Griff and I … dated.” Her smile was warm but there was something in her clear, green eyes that told him Griff had hurt her.

  “I’m sorry,” he said.

  She gave a throaty chuckle and Mack thought she was a brave lady who didn�
��t need his sympathy, but maybe she needed his brother. He’d have to ask Navy about it. Instead of taking his apology for what it was, I’m sorry my brother hurt you. Scarlett turned it to sarcasm and something to laugh about, I’m sorry you dated the jerk.

  “Griff’s a good man.” She smiled and her eyes got a faraway look in them. “Always the strong, silent type, unless I tickled him.”

  Mack’s eyebrows lifted. She’d tickled Griff, and lived to tell about it. Scarlett was indeed as brave as the characters she portrayed. “If you thought he was quiet in college you should see him since he retired from the SEALs.”

  Her smile dropped away. “He made that a little difficult.”

  “Griff makes most things difficult,” he muttered.

  Now Scarlett’s eyebrows were the ones lifting.

  “I love my brother,” Mack said. “He is a great man. It’s just …” He didn’t know how much he should share but something in her eyes made him feel he could trust her and possibly ease her suffering a little bit. “Griff endures alone and he thinks he does it to protect others—people like me and you.”

  “You’re a wise man,” Scarlett said. She moved closer, went onto tiptoes, and kissed his jaw. He thought she’d probably meant to kiss his cheek but he was too tall for her to reach. Her kiss was soft and kind, something a sister or friend would do. Staying close she whispered in his ear, “Tell Griff I asked about him, will you?”