Playing to Win

I could feel this way. Or that I deserved it. But you know what? You’re right. I do.”
    Sometimes Savannah wondered if she’d ever feel that sense of contentment that seemed to surround Liz.
    “So, how are things going with our problem child?” Liz asked.
    “Oh, they’re going fine.” She opened up a packet of sugar and added it to her tea, then decided today was the kind of day she’d need two sugars.
    Liz arched a brow. “Two sugars doesn’t signal fine to me. What’s going on?”
    She met Liz’s probing gaze. “Nothing. Cole’s being cooperative.”
    “Cooperative is good, but what aren’t you telling me?”
    A lot. But she wasn’t the type to share intimate secrets. Instead, she plastered on her brightest smile. “He gave a great interview to the local television station last week. Did you see it?”
    “I did. And you’re still hiding something. We might do business together, Savannah, but we’re also friends.” Liz reached across the table and laid her hand on top of Savannah’s. “Tell me what’s going on.”
    Savannah’s shoulders slumped. “I slept with him.”
    “With Cole?” Liz’s eyes widened. “That’s an interesting development.”
    “That’s an understatement. I tried so hard to deny the attraction. I’m a professional. I should know better.”
    The waitress brought their chicken salads, but Liz leaned forward. “Honey, I’m the last pot to call the kettle black in this instance, since I did the very same thing with a client who is now my husband. Tell me all about it.”
    She picked at the pieces of grilled chicken, feeling miserable about everything. “I don’t know what happened. I had a handle on it—on Cole—but he’s just so darned attractive. I don’t think I tried very hard to resist him.”
    “Well, those Riley men can be persistent as hell.” Liz waved her fork at Savannah. “Once you fall for one, you don’t stand a chance in hell.”
    “I’m not falling for him. We’ve only had sex once and it isn’t going to happen again.”
    Liz gave her a wry smile. “Isn’t it?”
    “No. I’m determined to finish this assignment, make him the best wide receiver the Traders have ever had, and get out of his life.”
    “Uh-huh. Famous last words. You and me need a night out with Jenna and Tara. The four of us need to have a talk about sports jocks and the irresistible testosterone factor.”
    Savannah lifted her chin. “I’m a strong woman. I can resist.”
    “Sure you can, honey.”
    This conversation with Liz was not helping. “My career is my number one priority. I won’t let any man get in the way of that.”
    “So was mine. Until Gavin came along.”
    “Your situation isn’t the same as mine. You were already in love with him.”
    “I was. But he didn’t know that when he came after me.”
    “It still affected how you interacted with him once the two of you became involved.”
    Liz took a swallow of tea, then set the glass down. “You’re right. It did. I was scared to death, afraid he’d find out how I felt, afraid the whole situation with Mick would blow up in my face. I’d already lost one client. The last thing I wanted was to lose another. I tiptoed around like a ballerina on pointe, waiting for the inevitable stumble of my career.”
    Savannah took it all in, listening to Liz talk about her fears. “But it all worked out for you. You got the guy and kept your career.”
    Liz nodded. “It turns out I was worried for nothing. I was afraid to fall in love, afraid I’d lose who I was, afraid he wouldn’t love me back. We were both so stupid.” She took a bite of salad and swallowed. “And I know with your background you must have triple the amount of fear I did.”
    She shrugged. “I try not to let it influence my decision-making and the way I live my life, but I know it does.”
    Liz squeezed her hand. “You know I’m a big old busybody and I want to interfere where my friends are concerned, but I’ll try to stay out of your way. Just know if you need me to talk to, I’m always here for you.”
    “Thank you.”
    “But just one piece of advice, if I may?”
    Savannah smiled, knowing Liz wouldn’t be able to control herself if she didn’t interfere just a little. “Sure.”
    “Open yourself up to the opportunity. Let him in and see whathappens. If nothing else, you go back to doing what you were doing before, with no change to your life. I’d hate to see you spend your life alone because you’re