Win Me Over by Nicole Michaels

certain the dog was a Maltese; a friend of hers had one growing up. As show dogs they had long white hair that hung to the ground, but this one was cut in an adorable little puppy cut save one tiny fountain of longer hair on the top of her head. Callie looked closer and saw that it was adorned by a blue bow dotted with tiny footballs.
    She felt Bennett’s presence even before she looked up and saw him watching her pet his dog. She stepped from the car and smiled at him.
    â€œI’m quite shocked, yet another surprise from you, Coach Clark. Does your team know that you have a sweet little bow-wearing pocket dog up here for a companion?”
    He stuffed his hands in his pockets. He was wearing a long-sleeved T-shirt and sport pants. “They do. She sometimes comes to summer practices. And the guys have camped up here several times. She gets lots of attention.”
    â€œI bet she does.” Callie leaned down and gave the little dog one more scratch behind her ears, trying hard not to imagine cuddling against Bennett’s large, naked body in a tent. An amazing visual, but a bad idea. If for no other reason than she refused to be the next dance coach in line to be reckless in the man department. “What’s her name?”
    He looked a little bashful and then muttered, “Misha.”
    â€œ Misha ? Oh my.” Callie laughed out loud. “It just keeps getting better, doesn’t it?” Her last words were directed at Misha herself, who jumped up and rested two tiny paws on Callie’s knees.
    â€œYou obviously take her grooming very seriously,” Callie teased. “I love your taste in bows.”
    Bennett sighed. “One of my players from a few years ago’s mother is a groomer in town. She hooks us up. Misha has a standing biweekly appointment.”
    Callie could tell that he was having fun with the conversation, and she liked that he wasn’t above talking about his girly dog.
    â€œThat is really adorable, Coach Clark. If you’re not careful I might start liking you.”
    The looked at each other for a moment before Bennett finally nodded down at Misha.
    â€œ She obviously likes you,” he said.
    â€œShe is much better with first impressions than her grumpy owner. Misha can tell right away that I’m completely likable.”
    â€œI’ve never had a problem finding you likable, Coach Daniels.” His voice was low, almost as if he’d rather she hadn’t heard the comment.
    She met his eyes— oh, I heard you all right . She wondered what likable meant to him, but whatever it was, the sound of his voice and the look on his face had her stomach clenching. She didn’t want to make him uncomfortable before they even got started, so she decided it best to change the subject. “So should we get on with things?”
    He turned and began to lead her through the garage and into the house. “You hungry? I made a little something. If you’re not, no big deal, but I hadn’t eaten.”
    Matter of fact, she was starving, and the second she entered the house a hunger pang struck in reaction to the incredible scent. She could detect garlic and basil, and it was like walking into an Italian restaurant.
    â€œOh my gosh, Bennett. It smells amazing.” She couldn’t see his reaction as she followed his beautifully wide shoulders down a narrow hallway.
    His body was so large and muscular, it now made sense that he’d been a pro football player; he was made like one. And he’d managed to maintain his physique years after. Even through his shirt she could tell that his back would be well formed. The way he walked was sexy, straight and confident, gait smooth. She loved how his hair was neatly trimmed short on the back of his neck. His butt was firm and tight, moving perfectly with each stride. Good lord, if Eric were here he’d have passed out by now. Callie smiled at the thought as she was led into the main part of