“We can’t keep doing this, you know,” she said softly.

Instinctually, he hugged her closer. “You mean having fun with each other?” He didn’t want to be serious right now. He didn’t want to talk about what they were doing or what they shouldn’t be doing. He didn’t want to be a responsible, staid adult like Omar Perkins, who’d lost his chance at football greatness because of a woman and a family. “I think we can keep doing what we’re doing as long as we’re having a good time,” he said. “As long as…as long as we don’t take things too seriously.”

“It isn’t that easy.” Turning, she faced him, and he could just make out her expression in the dim light. “I mean, I’m flattered. You were the hottest guy in school, and now you’re the hottest guy in the NFL but…”

His chest swelled: sure, he knew he was handsome and he’d had his pick of women, but to hear that from Camille Pollert? That took it to an entirely different level. “You think I’m the hottest guy in the NFL? I knew it! Don’t think I won’t be telling Kyle either; the guy needs to be taken down a peg.”

“Oh my God!” She flicked his forehead; he grinned. “Yeah, I’m attracted to you. But we can’t keep doing this. I’m hoping to be offered a job with the NFL, and I can’t jeopardize that by fraternizing with one of their stars. Beyond that, I have a child, one who already idolizes you. You like to have fun. You pretend to be only about fun. But I know that’s not all there is to you. And while we might intend to keep things casual…”

He stared at her, understanding her concerns about her job, but also marveling that his Watergirl saw too much about him that he’d never intended anyone to see. She saw a man who wasn’t just a great football player or a great lover or a great joker. She saw someone who belied that façade he’d perfected over the years, and Jesus Christ, it scared him. Camille had already gotten under his skin enough without her pulling him apart, piece by piece.

He needed to respond to what she’d just said. To agree they should stop seeing each other. But damn if he couldn’t get the words out of his mouth. Looking over her shoulder, he realized with a start that there was a gazebo on her property. Why were they standing in the grass still? He’d been so distracted by playing football with her, kissing her, and talking with her that a bomb could’ve gone off and he wouldn’t have noticed. Taking her hand, he led her to the gazebo, where she sat down next to him. “I care about you, Camille.”

She smiled sadly. “I care about you, too. Maybe too much.”

Snaking his arm around her, he lifted her until she sat on his lap, facing him. Then he kissed her, nipping at her lower lip, wanting her to forget everything but the feeling of being in his arms. He didn’t want her to think about the future, or about responsibilities, or careers, or anything like that. Only this moment, these feelings, this kiss and this night.

“I heard everything you said. I don’t want to interfere with your career or do anything to hurt Kylie. And because I have to concentrate on football, I’m not looking for a committed relationship. But God, I want you, Watergirl. More than I ever thought possible,” he growled against her mouth.

Whenever I see a Virna DePaul book, I MUST read it!  I have loved every book I’ve read of hers and Down Deep wasn’t any different, even though it was football and I’m not football girl.

Heath is your typical NFL player, cocky, arrogant, and WAY too self-confident. Camille just knows that he is going to be the same douchebag he was in high school.  Heath remembers Camille and is determined that she knows he’s changed and he’s now the guy for her.

Lots of laughs in this book and a great start to a new series!

5 stars!

Virna DePaul is a New York Times and USA Today bestselling author, and a former criminal prosecutor who writes thrilling, sexy stories about ordinary people overcoming extraordinary obstacles to find love. She has been traditionally published with Penguin, Harlequin, and Random House, and is also a bestselling Indie author.

Website: www.virnadepaul.com

Email: virna@virnadepaul.com