His Seduction Game Plan by Katherine Garbera Page A

ringing,” Kingsley said.
    She sprang to her feet as if she’d been given a reprieve and he wondered if that was how she felt. After all, she kept blowing hot and cold with him. Hunter didn’t let it bother him. He was playing a game. A long game. Games weren’t won by Hail Mary passes.
    Kingsley sat down next to him on the bench.
    â€œI was going to ask if you’d had a chance to talk her into letting you see Coach’s files but I can see that you weren’t thinking about the past,” King said.
    â€œI wasn’t,” Hunter admitted. “I’m playing the long game.”
    â€œDon’t get hurt,” King warned. “She’s not the only one who can fall for it.”
    â€œI’m not playing with her, not like that, Kingsley. It’s just I want her to want me to see the files. If I bribe or force or seduce her into it...she’ll always remember that about me.”
    Kingsley clapped him on the shoulder.
    â€œI wish we could go back ten years and keep our younger selves from—”
    â€œDon’t say it. I wish that, too. But we both know we can’t. You’ve managed to make a new start for yourself. There’s nothing wrong with that. I’m going to figure it out, too. You know it takes me twice as long as you to do anything.”
    Kingsley laughed the way that Hunter wanted him to. He wouldn’t think about going back in time because he wasn’t sure he’d even do things differently. Not breaking up with Stacia would have meant spending a life together that he knew both of them would regret.
    But at least she’d be alive.
    Yeah, there was that.
    His father had once said there were no such things as shortcuts and finally Hunter felt as if he got it. He’d been paying for every mistake he’d made and everything he wanted. The price didn’t bother him most days, but on nights like this one when he wanted to be an average guy on a date with a pretty woman, it did.
    He needed something from her. But if he wasn’t careful he’d end up hurting her.
    â€œAre you going to bring her to San Francisco for the Seconds party?” Kingsley asked.
    â€œI want to. I don’t know if she can be away from her father for that long so I’ll have to check,” Hunter said.
    â€œGood. I think the more she gets to know us the more inclined she’ll be to let you see Coach’s files.”
    â€œI hope so,” Hunter said.
    â€œIf you think it would be easier, I don’t mind playing the heavy. I’m actually really good about getting what I want,” Kingsley said.
    Hunter didn’t like the idea of Kingsley manipulating Ferrin any more than he liked the thought of doing it himself.
    â€œTen yards at a time,” Hunter said.
    Kingsley laughed. “Just like Coach always said.”
    â€œIt’s as true off the field as on. I mean it’s the only way I have been able to stay positive and think that one day we will find the answers.”
    â€œYou know something?” Kingsley said, getting to his feet. “Me, too. Let’s go find the ladies and have a drink. Then you can ask Ferrin to go with us to San Fran. I’ll be there for moral support.”
    More like to mock him if he made a mess of the asking. “Whatever. I don’t need a wing man with Ferrin.”
    â€œAre you sure?”
    â€œYeah, I am.”
    Kingsley led the way back to the house, where Gabi and Ferrin were sitting in the kitchen, each sipping a glass of wine.
    â€œEverything okay?” Hunter asked her, sitting down.
    â€œYes. It was just my mom,” she said, blushing. “I hadn’t called her in a few days so she wanted to check on me.”
    â€œMoms are like that,” Gabi said. “Mine stops by the house if I don’t call her every day.”
    â€œMade for a few uncomfortable moments,” Kingsley said.
    Everyone laughed. Hunter was looking down at the table when he