The Introvert's Guide to Speed Dating - Emma Hart Page 0,4
it, kicking the ball at the goal. Leo got his fingertips on it and only just managed to stop it going in the goal.
“Fantastic, Leo!” Oliver said, clapping his hands as he walked behind the goal. “More of that, boys!” He grabbed the soccer ball and kicked it back to Tom, then walked over to me.
“He’s doing good,” I said with a smile.
“He is. He’s the best we have in this group for the tournament next weekend.” Oliver grinned at me. “Clean his gloves, Mum. He’s in goal.”
I laughed, pushing my hair behind my ear. “Well, I hope he plays well. His dad will be here.”
“Is that a good thing?”
“For Leo. Not particularly enjoyable for me,” I admitted. “Either way, it doesn’t matter.”
“Ah. I get it. Great goal, Tom!”
“Hogwash!” Leo said, punching the air.
“We’ve been watching Harry Potter.” I winced.
Oliver laughed, folding his arms over his chest. “I’ve heard worse, let me tell you.”
I was sure he had.
“Hey, so I actually wanted to—”
“There’s my favorite reporter!” Seb appeared out of nowhere and wrapped his arm around my shoulders. “I hear I’m to defer to you in all things for the next week or so.”
“I prefer journalist,” I replied. “And I’m not sure you need to defer, but cooperation would be helpful.”
“I’m missing something,” Oliver interjected, looking out at the boys. “What are you deferring to her about?”
“The paper is doing a special edition on the sports center. I may or may not have made a donation to the charity Mr. Chester’s wife runs a few weeks ago.”
I should have known there was a reason for the paper. My boss didn’t do anything unless it made him money.
No judgement there.
I, too, liked money.
“I see,” Oliver said slowly. “Nothing like a quid-pro-pro to keep a town honest.”
I swallowed back laughter, but Seb didn’t hide his.
“Gotta do what you gotta do.” He snorted. “What do you need from me, London?”
“Um, a lot,” I replied thoughtfully. “It’s all on my computer, though, so can I call you tomorrow?”
“Why don’t we meet for lunch instead? It’s stock taking day in the bookstore which means Holley won’t crash it because God forbid she leaves Saylor to do her job by herself.”
That time I laughed. “That works for me. I’ll text you and let you know.”
“Great. I’ll see you tomorrow.” He squeezed me then released me, disappearing as inexplicably as he’d appeared.
At some point during our conversation, Oliver had wrapped up the soccer session with the other coaches and the boys were all heading to the dressing rooms to get changed. Sebastian had recently installed shower facilities, and boy were those welcome.
My car didn’t stink like little boy.
Well, not as much as before.
I wasn’t sure I’d ever get that smell out…
“Hey,” I said, collaring Oliver after he was done speaking to one of the other moms. “Do you have a sec?”
“Sure. What’s up?” He walked off to the side with me.
“I was wondering if I could interview you.”
“I knew you were going to say that,” he groaned.
I gave him my best smile. “Please. You’re such a big part of the center and do such a great job with all these kids. It won’t be anything insanely long, and I’m going to ask all the main coaches and trainers.”
“What kind of questions?”
“A little background, how you ended up working here, and why you do it. Stuff like that. Strictly professional with a sprinkling of personal.”
He looked at me, meeting my gaze with eyes that weren’t quite blue but weren’t quite green. They hovered somewhere in the middle, like a hazel with a variation of flecks in it. “Do I get a lunch meeting for this interview?”
Whoa.
“Do you want a lunch meeting for the interview?” I raised my eyebrows. “Or are you taking a cheap shot at asking me out?”
Oliver’s tongue ran over his lower lip, and he grinned. “What if I am?”
“Then it means you’re paying instead of me.”
He laughed, and it was deep and guttural and did things to me that were not appropriate to feel right now. “Bloody hell, talk about backing a guy into a corner.”
Dipping my head, I laughed, pushing my wayward bit of hair from my eyes once more. “I’m messing with you. If a lunch meeting is easier for you, we can schedule something soon.” I opened my purse and pulled out my card. “Let me know when you’re free and we’ll work it out.”
Oliver took the card and looked at it, then tucked it into his pocket. “I’ll do just that.”
“C’mon,