Playing to Win

something.”
    “Sure. See you both later.”
    They waved her off and she walked through the playground with Cole. A lot of the larger debris had been cleared away by the guys and by the loader they’d brought in, leaving the site nearly bare.
    “Wow. Huge accomplishment today.”
    He slanted a smile at her. “It has been. They’re coming to dig this up, then grade the area to even the ground out.” He laid out the blueprints for her, and though she’d already been through them, she loved hearing the excitement in his voice as he talked about all the equipment that would be put into place.
    He was so different now, so focused on doing things for others. And his teammates—his friends—kept interrupting them, giving him good-natured teasing as well as asking him questions about what to do next.
    She stayed out of his way and let him work.
    By the time they finished up for the day, it was getting dark.
    Because his uncle and aunt extended the invitation, Cole invited everyone to Riley’s bar for dinner and drinks. Most of the guys came along. Tara was tired, so she went home.
    Jenna was happy to not be working at the bar, and instead be a customer. They gathered at a table, ate burgers, and visited with Cole’s parents and aunt and uncle.
    “You two are getting to be a familiar couple together,” Cole’s mother said as they finished their meal. “I’m getting a hint that there’s more than just a business relationship there.”
    Savannah didn’t answer, just looked at Cole, who shrugged and said, “You know, Mom, you might be right about that. But that’s between me and Savannah.”
    “Yeah, good luck with that one,” Jenna said. “Have you ever known the family to butt out of a relationship?”
    “I beg your pardon,” Cole’s aunt Kathleen said. “I have never interfered. I only offered advice a couple times.”
    Jenna snorted. “Sure, Mom. Whatever you say.”
    Ty slung an arm around Jenna. “Your family is awesome. And helpful in the relationship department when a nudge is needed.”
    Jenna arched a brow at Ty. “Are you insinuating I needed a nudge?”
    “More like a kick in the behind,” Jenna’s mother said.
    Ty snorted and Jenna glared then said, “Okay, you might be right about that.”
    “Babe, I’m always right.”
    Jenna rolled her eyes.
    “The Rileys never butt in where they’re not welcome,” Cole’s mom said. “I only asked if Cole and Savannah were dating.”
    Cole put his arm around Savannah. “We’re dating. Subject’s closed.”
    “I think we’ve just been asked to mind our own business, Cara,” Kathleen said.
    Cara laughed. “I think you’re right.” Cara turned to Savannah and squeezed her hand. “But I will say you’ve been very good for my son, so I hope this lasts a very long time.”
    She could think of nothing to say to his mother other than, “Thank you, Mrs. Riley.”
    Her stomach tightened. This all felt so good, so natural. Being around his family made her want more than she had ever thought to hope for.
    But this wasn’t her family, so she needed to stop hoping. As she well knew, things could change fast, and all her hopes could disappear. It was always best to be realistic.
    After dinner everyone left. The guys had early practice tomorrow, and it had been a long day. Cole drove her home.
    “Do you want to come in?” she asked as he walked her to her front door.
    “You know I do.”
    She closed the door behind him.
    “Something to drink?”
    “No.” He headed into her bedroom.
    Curious, she followed him in there. He pulled off his shirt, kicked off his shoes and went into her bathroom, where he turned on her shower.
    “By all means, make yourself at home.”
    He paused midway through pulling off his shirt. “I’m dirty and sweaty after today. I need a shower. Do I need to ask permission?”
    Her lips quirked. “No. I could use one myself.”
    “Then get naked and get in here.”
    He dropped his pants and slipped into the shower.
    It took her less than thirty seconds to divest herself of her clothes. When she opened the shower door, he held out his hand and helped her step in.
    The shower was warm and steamy, and his body was hot and smelled of sweat. She loved the scent of a man who’d worked hard. He pulled her under the water to wet her body down. She grabbed the shampoo.
    “Don’t be in such a hurry. Let me do that,” he said, taking the shampoo from her hand and pouring some into his hand.
    She closed her eyes and