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"I thought you'd go celebrate" She waved to the dozen eight-year-old boys ribbing each other over their victory

"Not till the championship And that's only if they work hard," he said, loudly enough to get their attention The boys looked up at hi one hundred percent, guys" A collective grin spread through the group "I'o" He inclined his head and they took off

Parents passed hi the long sack over his shoulder and accepted congratulations, du all the praise back on their kids When she tried to slip away, he caught her, slinging his arm over her shoulder He introduced her to the parents as they walked to their cars, ignoring their curious stares, keeping the conversation light Tessa realized that Chase Madison wasn't offering anyone a piece of his private life

And she loved him for it

He stowed his gear, searching the lot for her Jeep "I walked"

He blinked "That's got to be five miles"

"Four and six-tenths Giveit a shake "You are so readable, Chase Madison"

He covered her hand with his, puckering his lips "Read this?"

She kissed hiry"

"You're always hungry"

"Don't you think you should feed me?"

His piercing gaze caressed her hotly "I want to do more than feed you, woman," he murmured in a husky voice

"Chase!"

"Yes," he said innocently

"That was … ah—?"

"True" He shut the door and withindown the street toward his house He needed a shower, and though she liked a little sweat on awith it was a bit much She wanted to see his place anyway and was surprised by the modest Cape Cod

"Before you ask, no, I didn't build it Janis owned it"

Bitterness weighed his tone, and, once inside, she asked about it