Page 17 of Payoff Pitch

She smiles. “He’s in finance but played football in college. He’s really cute, with a beard. I love a guy with a beard. And he’s a big man. You know I need that.”

Ripley is tall, about six feet, and curvier than the rest of us. She only likes to be with bigger men.

When we were in college, she didn’t have the highest self-esteem because of her body. She was always a bit uncomfortable in her own skin. I hate that for her. Just because she’s a little bigger than society deems acceptable doesn’t make her any less beautiful. She happens to be a gorgeous woman with her red curly hair, blue eyes, and porcelain skin. None of us are stick-thin. We’re athletes. We have muscle mass, though Ripley is bigger than the rest of us.

Whoever she was dating in Houston changed that for her. She’s always been tight-lipped about whoever it was. While it’s still a work in progress, she definitely feels more comfortable about her body. She’s even doing a plus-sized lingerie ad in the next few weeks.

“That’s exciting. Where are you going?”

“I’m not sure. He said to dress nicely, so I’m guessing a fancy restaurant.”

“Good for you, Rip.”

“What about you? Any prospects?”

“My new vibrator is the only action I’ll be getting in the near future. I can’t imagine any man living up to that monster.”

She giggles. “It’s a big boy, for sure. What about Ezra? You won’t consider giving him a chance? He’s hot and clearly into you.”

I blow out a breath. “He just doesn’t give methatfeeling. You know the one I’m talking about.”

She scoffs. “I do. Trust me, I do. Maybe it will grow in time though. You two would be so cute together.”

I sigh. “I don’t believe that. Either you’re immediately attracted to someone or you’re not. I’ve never had a situation where I felt nothing and it eventually turned into something. Have you?”

She shakes her head. “No, I suppose you’re right.”

“When you want someone, it hits you right away.”

CHAPTER FOUR

BAILEY

The Uber drops me at the address Mr. Montgomery gave me. I look up at what can only be described as the biggest mansion I’ve ever seen. I mumble to myself, “Being a sports agent must pay well.”

I look down at my wardrobe, suddenly feeling underdressed in black leggings and a small Anacondas sweatshirt. Do rich people dress fancy all the time? Will he need me to dress fancy when I babysit his daughter? I have a few nice things, but not enough to wear every day.

I also notice a few contractors’ pickup trucks parked in the driveway. What else could he possibly be doing to his house? How much space do a single man and his daughter need? Maybe Arizona was mistaken and he’s not single. Or maybe like forty people live here. They’d certainly fit.

I thank the driver and walk toward the front door. Before I have the chance to knock, the door swings open and the most adorable little girl appears, jumping up and down. Her hair is in messy braids, and she’s wearing athletic shorts and an Anacondas T-shirt, immediately putting me at ease.

She screeches, “Bailey Hart is at my house! Omigod, wait until I tell my friends.”

I crouch down and smile. “You must be Harper.” I hold out my hand. “It’s nice to meet you. I hear you’re a softball player too. A really good one.”

Her eyes widen as she takes my hand. “You’ve heard of me?”

So precious.

I nod. “Arizona Abbott told me all about you. She said you might be on the Anacondas in a few years.”

She gasps as I hear footsteps making their way toward the door. I look up as the imposing figure approaches, and my mouth immediately goes dry. The man is tall and shockingly well-built, apparent even in a business suit. He has dark hair with a hint of gray, golden brown eyes, and a trim beard my sister would describe assitworthy. I’m starting to understand the term.

His navy-blue dress pants do little to hide his thick legs. He’s wearing a white button-down shirt with rolled sleeves and a vest that matches his pants. I’m speechless. He’s unquestionably the sexiest man I’ve ever seen in my life.

This right here is what I was describing to Ripley the other night. Thisholy fuck he’s hotfeeling.

He holds out his hand and smiles with full lips. “Thank you for coming. I’m Tanner Montgomery.”