“Hey, Castle!” Melissa Taggart greeted me Monday morning at KWSH radio station where I was set to talk about KIDS Klub on air with Mike Musie and Jeff Marcus who’d combined their last names to call their morning show Wake up with Mucus.

She and I went back five years, to the first year I’d been in D.C. to play when she’d called asking me to come on the show and talk about my charity work.

“What’s up, gorgeous?” I said, bending to give her a hug and picking her up off the ground.

“Put me down!” she said with a giggle, smacking my arm when I set her feet back on the floor.

She was a tiny thing, topping out at ninety-eight pounds and she was a real sweetheart. Her husband Ben was a great guy who was a carpenter and had helped me put up a deck around my pool a couple summers before. Her two boys Nick and Justin were ages ten and eight and thought I was pretty cool since I’d get Melissa tickets to my games whenever she called.

“If you weighed more than a football, I wouldn’t be sweeping you off your feet,” I teased.

Laughing, she struck my arm again. “Speaking of feet sweeping, have you met her yet?”

I canted my head to the side, raising an eyebrow. “How about you take care of your love life and I’ll take care of mine.”

“I saw the picture on Petra’s blog.” Crossing her arms, her chin went down as she kept her eyes on me. “Really, Castle? I get partying, but four women?”

“Right before I passed out, there were only two,” I replied meekly.

She shook her head. “It’s just that you’re such a good guy, and I hate that those pictures make you look like a jerk.”

“Bad boy,” I corrected with a grin.

“Bad something.” She chuckled. “Okay, follow me,” she said, turning to head to the studio as she said, “Ben’s had so much work lately building cabinets for a couple of your teammates’ houses. Thank you for recommending him!”

“Of course. He’s the best. And I’m glad to help,” I answered.

At the studio booth, I saw Mike and Jeff inside who were on the air but waved when they saw me.

“You know the drill. Wait until the ‘On Air’ sign goes off then head on in,” Melissa told me. “There’s another guest who’s already in there, so make yourself at home as usual and I’ll talk to you after.”

When the sign went off, I went in and both guys took their headsets off and came to greet me.

“What’s up, player?” Mike said, clasping my hand and pulling me in for a guy hug.

“Dude,” Jeff said next, shaking my hand and pulling me in for another hug. “Four chicks? Holy fuck! Did you at least get any digits? For me?” He laughed.

“I’ve gotta digit for you,” I stated with a grin, giving him the finger and making them both crack up.

“I so wanna be you when I grow up,” Mike said, shaking his head in awe. “Chicks, cash, looks. If I were you, I’d be the biggest dick around.”

“I’ve got the big dick part down,” I quipped making them laugh again.

“Come on in and grab a seat and a headset,” Jeff instructed.

I followed him and saw a woman in a tight, cobalt blue turtleneck sweater sitting at the console, head down and long auburn hair hiding her face. “Oh, Castle, this is Rori Flannigan who owns Flannigan’s Flowers and Fare on 14th just off Logan’s Circle. She runs the bakery and brought us some fan-fucking-tastic cinnamon rolls and muffins and other shit this morning. You’ll have to try something. I swear, after the first bite, you’ll moan like Blake Lively’s sucking you off.”

“Fuck,” I mumbled as he handed me a small plate with a cinnamon roll on it. I took the first bite staring at Rori who finally looked up, not bothering to hide the annoyance on her beautiful face.

Have I mentioned that I seriously didn’t know what it was about her that made me want her, why I felt some fucking cosmic pull toward her, but I did. And I knew I was going to get her somehow.

As I chewed, I found out that Jeff was not wrong. Best fucking cinnamon roll I’d ever had. “Hey,” I called to Rori as I chewed. Holding up my plate I said, “This is amazing.”

“Thanks,” she murmured, turning her head away and glancing around at the studio as if looking for an escape hatch.

“Have a seat,” Mike said. “We’re back on in forty seconds then I’ll introduce you two. Jeff and I will ask some questions, you answer, we’ll play a couple songs, then come back and close it out. You both good?”

I saw Rori’s body stiffen when I sat in the chair next to her. Jesus.

“This really is good,” I turned to her and said, nodding at my plate.

“Thanks,” she again muttered.

“Headsets on,” Jeff ordered. “You’re tuned in to Wake up with Mucus, with Mike and Jeff. I’m Jeff.”

“And I’m Mike. We’ve got two special guests this morning to talk about KIDS Klub. The gorgeous Rori Flannigan is here from Flannigan’s Flowers and Fare, and let me tell you, folks, she makes a mean cinnamon roll. Make sure to head over to her bakery at 1346 Fourteenth Street Northwest for an orgasmic experience.”

Out of the corner of my eye, I saw Rori flinch, and I turned to make sure she was good which got me a frown. Damn. What was it going to take with this woman?

Jeff began talking then. “Our other guest you might know as The BFD. And let me tell you, he is one big bleeping deal. Over five-thousand passing yards and twenty-five touchdowns. Great to have you back, quarterback Calder Castleman.”

“Thanks, Jeff. It’s great to be back again,” I stated.

“So, Rori, can I call you Rori?” Mike asked.

“You sure can, Mike,” Rori replied jovially, and I looked over to see her smiling, noting she’d quickly recovered from her tenseness.

“Just what is it that you put in this glaze?”

Jeff concurred, “Yeah, it’s like rainbows and fairies and unicorns all got together, put a bucket in the middle of them all, pulled out their stuff and…”

Please don’t say jizzed into it, I thought with a wince.

“…made it,” he finished.

Mike smirked as he touched the screen of what looked like an iPad which produced a rimshot sound.

Rori chuckled and I was pretty sure she’d been thinking the same. “It’s a family secret,” she declared. “If I tell you, my Mimi Sue would have to kill you.”

“Mimi Sue. That’s your grandmother, yes?” Mike asked.

“Yes. She’s the silent partner of the two businesses my best friend Mara Lewis and I own. Mara runs the flower shop while I run the bakery. So, you can come in to get a coffee and cinnamon roll, then go to the other side and order a bouquet of roses to be sent to, oh, maybe your girl, Nevaeh, and attach a card that says you can’t wait to see her birthmark again.”

Holy fucking God.

I stared at Rori in shock, knowing my mouth was hanging open, and if my mother had been there, she’d have smacked me upside the head for “trying to catch flies.”

Rori smirked as she looked at the hosts, fully aware that she’d thrown me for a loop.

“Nevaeh. Mm, she sounds heavenly,” Jeff threw out there.

“I wouldn’t mind looking at that celestial body,” Mike added, pressing the button again which let out a wolf whistle. “So, Castle, have you ever patronized Ms. Flannigan’s shops?”

I felt Rori’s eyes burning into the side of my head as I answered, “I have, Mike. Many times.”

“Bakery or flowers for the ladies?” Jeff asked, touching his own iPad which played Ace Ventura saying, “Flowers for me? I do declare, Mr. Beauregard” and the sound of a woman moaning in the background.

Fuck.

“I’ve only ordered flowers, but I actually did make it inside the shop just the other day,” I commented.

“Oh, yeah? Did you try one of her fabulous muffins?” Mike questioned, wiggling his eyebrows. Then iPad poked, another quote rang through the studio. “Would you like us to assign someone to butter your muffin?”

“Mean Girls,” Rori murmured and I looked at her with a frown not knowing what she was talking about.

 “No. But I plan to go back soon and try one,” I shared.

“So, you stopped by to order flowers then?” he pried.

I peered at Rori who’d tensed up again, and God, I was an amazingly nice guy for not mentioning her screwing up my orders and instead answering, “Yes. They have excellent customer service. Matter of fact, on this visit, I was offered, I guess what you could call dating advice.”

“Do tell,” Jeff said, pushing his iPad again that played Kirk Lazarus saying, “Hey, baby, you and me’s goin’ on a date.”

How the hell these guys knew which damn things to push for these blurbs, I had no idea, but they were fucking pros at it.

“Well, one of the employees, I think her name was Shannon, told me I should, uh, go out with her coworker. She said this woman needs a little TLC to help her not be so uptight.” Rori then employed some Maze Runner shit and I heard, “Fuck you” inside my head. Or she could’ve said it out loud. Either way, I swear I heard it.

“Are you talking about a romp in the sack?” Jeff inquired with a snort.

Wanting to give Rori a little payback for her Nevaeh comment and the it-did-or-didn’t-happen telepathy, I nodded with a smirk and shared, “I could be.”

“Rori, do you have any idea who he’s talking about?” Mike asked.

“I’m not sure, Mike. But I doubt anyone at our shop would be interested in Mr. Castleman. I mean, he’s a notorious playboy who’s been photographed with tons of women he’s…had relationships with,” she did air quotes when she said relationships, “so no telling how many STDee…” she caught herself, dragging out that fucking “Dee” before resuming, “defenses he’s put against ever having a monogamous relationship.”

What the fuck?

I narrowed my eyes at her and saw she at least had the decency to appear totally abashed at what she’d said, but she recovered quickly.

“But he-he’s very handsome and all but he’s known for dating a lot of women, so I’m sure whomever he’s talking about from my store knows she’d just be another notch in his bedpost.”

“Hold that thought,” Jeff said. “We’ll be right back after a word from these sponsors then Highly Suspect will entertain you with ‘Little One’ followed by In This Moment’s ‘Oh Lord.’ Stay tuned, D.C.!” He looked at Rori and me. “Two-minute break!”

Before I could ream her ass for her comments, I turned to see she’d taken off her headset and stood then asked, “Do I have time to run to the ladies’ room?”

“Of course,” Mike told her. “Down the hall and to the left.”

She rushed out of the studio, and I saw her take a stutter step when she saw Melissa, then ducking her head, Rori walked quickly down the hall, disappearing into the restroom.

“She’s pretty sassy,” Jeff pointed out.

“Yeah, if that’s what you wanna call it,” I answered, standing.

“Now, Castle. She was just goofing around.” I raised my brow and Jeff shrugged with a chuckle. “She very well could’ve been talking about your dee-fenses.” He and Mike burst out laughing.

“Hilarious, guys. You know I don’t fuck around that much. And even if I did, my shit’s always wrapped up tight to protect my,” I glared at them, “Dee-fenses.”

They laughed and Mike shared, “Ah, don’t worry, man. We’ve got you covered. Seven-second delay and all.” He held his hand up like a gun making a clicking sound with his mouth, “shooting” me with his finger.

“Thank fuck,” I mumbled as I headed toward the door. “Be right back.”

Leaning my shoulder against the wall, I let out an annoyed breath waiting for Rori to come out of the ladies’ room. What she’d said was totally uncalled for, even though it’d been edited out and all of D.C. hadn’t heard it. But I had, and it pissed me off that she had that low an opinion of me.

The door opened and coming out, she startled upon seeing me, stopping dead in her tracks and gasping out an, “Oh!” 

“Yeah, oh,” I said standing straight and crossing my arms over my chest, blocking her from moving down the hall. Biting her lip, she darted her eyes to either side of me, looking for a way around. “What the fuck was that, Rori?” At her blank stare, I bit out, “You have anything you want to say to me?”

Letting out a breath and eyes full of what I hoped was remorse, she looked up at me. “I’m sorry…”

Finally.

“…I mentioned your STDs on the radio.”

Jesus. That hadn’t been remorse in her eyes. It’d been the goddamn devil. I opened my mouth ready to lay her out, when I saw she was biting her lips as if to keep from laughing.

What the hell. Who was this woman and how was she able to set my emotions to churning within minutes of simply being near her?

Without thinking, I took a step into her, and grabbing her by the shoulders, leaned down and smashed my mouth to hers.

But it wasn’t what I thought it’d be.

Lips still on hers, I opened my eyes only to see her green ones glaring back at mine, and I pulled away, disappointed that I’d been wrong in thinking there’d actually been heat, chemistry, between us.

But when her hand flew out and slapped me across my cheek, I stood there shocked, thinking in that millisecond, Ah, there’s the fucking heat, but it was in her temper not in any kind of desire for me.

Then my shock grew even, well, shockier when her hand suddenly darted out to clutch my shirt and pulling me closer, she kissed me.

It took all of .005 seconds for me to let go of any thoughts of anger, because kiss.

Tongue.

Female.

Good.

My hand slid to the back of her neck, fingers threading up through her hair, anchoring her mouth to mine, as her hand followed suit at my nape. In the meantime, my tongue matched every move of hers, stroke for stroke, before it upped the ante, taking over and doing its thing, garnering a sexy moan from her, fuck, that moan, almost bringing me to my knees as the electric current I’d imagined would flow between us, the heat I’d assumed would be there, flowed and burned like crazy.  

When I let out a growl, she instantly tensed, all tongue action ceased and we were back to staring at each other, close range.

Her hands landing on my chest shoved me away, then we stood breathing hard and staring at each other, both of us in a stupor at what’d happened. Pointing at me, she snapped, “This never happened!”

Before I could say a word, her hands at the bottom of her sweater tugged it down in a snap straightening it which made her hard nipples even more noticeable. At my quiet groan, her eyes skated down my body landing on the huge bulge in my jeans, at which she smirked impishly, then walked around me and headed back to the studio as if nothing had happened.

Christ.

Thinking of all things disgusting—booger eaters, rotted teeth, Sam’s baby barf that went in my mouth once—I adjusted myself and returned to the studio. Entering, I glanced at Rori who was finishing up a story she’d been telling to the guys.

“Then my friend looks at me and says, “That’s a lot of dough.”

They all laughed and the show started as Mike announced, “We’re back with Wake up with Mucus. If you missed the first segment, we’ve got Rori Flannigan from Flannigan’s Flowers and Fare here along with The B-F-D,” he accentuated each letter loudly, “quarterback Calder Castleman.” Jeff played a clapping track then stated, “So, Castle, you set several records this year, which was amazing to watch, by the way. I know the fans love you, hence the nickname, but off the field, you’re also The BFD when it comes to charities. What can you tell us about the almost five million dollars you’ve donated over the past five years to KIDS Klub?”

I heard Rori gasp, probably at the amount I’d given, before I answered, “Well, Mike, besides loving that I can help kids get into sports, I have to tell you that KIDS Klub was started mostly because of my best friend, Jack Watson. See, I grew up in an upper-middle-class family in Delaware, but Jack, I guess you could say, grew up on the wrong side of the tracks. He had a great family and his parents worked hard at what they did, but there never seemed to be enough to go around for him and his brother and two sisters.” I snorted previous to saying, “He hates when I tell this story, by the way, so I’m sure I’ll get an earful later.” The guys chuckled because they’d heard this story the previous times I’d been on, but they’d also met Jack, so they knew there was a positive outcome to it all. “Anyway, Jack’s dad, James, was a ship loader and hurt his back when Jack and I were in junior high, so things really got tight when he had to go on workman’s comp for over a year. Long story short, my parents knew the Watsons’ situation even before James’s accident, and they’d helped with sports equipment and other things for Jack, but after James was hurt, when they wanted to help even more, James was too proud and wouldn’t let them. So they started the KIDS Klub, which was a way they could help not only Jack, but other kids too, and Mr. Watson couldn’t get mad. Jack’s now my agent, which he charges me an arm and a leg for, and believe me, his parents are presently being well taken care of,” I informed with a chuckle.

I heard Rori suck in a breath again, certain it was because she’d just found out my family had started the Klub, and I turned to see her looking at me, mouth hanging open. When she realized she was staring, closing her mouth, she turned quickly away.

I continued, “KIDS actually originally stood for ‘Kids in Delaware Succeed,’ but it’s taken off and we’ve opened facilities in three other states as well. Delaware now has four Klub facilities, including two in Wilmington, which makes me proud of my family and the work we’ve done,” I added. “The Klub is for kids ages six to eighteen of all financial situations, so everyone’s welcome. On top of providing programs that run year-round, such as education and career development, health and wellness, the arts, and character and leadership, we also sponsor many field trips that aid in these programs.”

“That’s great,” Jeff said. “My nieces loved the summer reading program too.”

I nodded in agreement and grinned as I said, “The best part, in my opinion, is we have sports leagues where kids compete in football, basketball, baseball, softball, volleyball and swimming, so there’s something for everyone. And I have to mention that our sports leagues are superior to many others, with most competing against surrounding states’ AAU teams which aids in getting kids seen by college coaches. Matter of fact, Matt Helman, longtime KIDS Klub’er and who was DeMatha’s quarterback the past two years, just signed to play football with USC back in the fall.”

“That seriously is very cool,” Mike said. “You have such a generous family that works to help these kids succeed. When I met your parents a few years ago, I could tell they love what they’re doing.”

“They do,” I agreed. “And this year, with the help of generous donations from the public, we’ve also added twenty-five college scholarships, based on need, for kids who are or were Klub members to apply for.”

“Wow. I know Julie at the D.C. Klub will be ecstatic about this,” Jeff jumped in as Mike hit his iPad and Meg Ryan’s “Yes, yes!” scene from When Harry Met Sally reverberated throughout the studio.

I chuckled. “She already is. Oh, and don’t forget to remind your listeners about the fund-raising dance a week from this Saturday at the Klub downtown. It’s 80s and 90s themed, so pull out your leg warmers and the Jinkos, I think that’s how it was pronounced?”

“You mean those huge-assed skater jeans from the 90s! J-N-C-O was the brand and I think ‘Jinkos’ is correct.”

I chuckled. “Works for me. Oh, and I’ll be deejaying. Might need to get some scribbling tips from you guys.”

“We might be DJs, but we’re not cool ones that know things like that,” Mike said with a laugh.

“My wife and I’ll be there,” Jeff said. “I promised her I’ll drop it like it’s hot, so you’d better be laying down some mean tracks.”

Of course, the song, “Drop It Like It’s Hot” started playing for a couple seconds.

Everyone laughed then Mike asked, “So, Ms. Flannigan, as a supporter of KIDS Klub, are you also going to be dropping it like it’s hot a week from Saturday?”

Rori chuckled nervously. “I’ll see what I can do, Mike.”

“Your business has been a big supporter of the Klub for the past two years. Anything you want to add?”

“Well, two of my brothers live in the D.C. area and their kids have been involved in KIDS Klub for several years now, and they love it. Every time I see them, they go on and on about something they did with the Klub, so when I decided to contribute to a charity, the Klub was the first thing that came to mind.”

“You gave a generous donation last year, and you have collection jars in both your bakery and flower shop, yes?”

“Yes. And I plan on making an even higher donation this year, God willing.” She smiled humbly at the guys.

Snapping his fingers then pointing at her, Jeff tilted his head, and sporting a sly look asked, “You’re a mizz and not a missus, right?”

I watched Rori’s face turn beet red. “Yes, that’s right.”

“Well, you and Castle should attend this dance gig together!”

Once again, I felt more than saw Rori go rigid at Mike’s suggestion. When he touched that dumbass iPad again, I cringed hearing the soundbite of Julia Roberts saying her, “I’m also just a girl standing in front of a boy” line. Fuck.

Rori chuckled at the movie quote just before uttering an emphatic, “No.”

Timeout.

We need to talk. Yeah, me and you. Mano a tú-o, if you will. So, there are some things you need to know to understand why I’m me.

First off, you gotta know that I don’t embarrass easily. These radio guys? Bang-up job at getting me completely discombobulated that morning. Assholes had me sweating like Leonardo DiCaprio at the Oscars.

Second, I’m a hunter as are most men. Modern Darwinism says we’re hardwired to be this way because of our cavemen ancestors. Therefore, I love the hunt, aka the chase, and Rori just sweetened the pot with that kiss. There was no stopping me now.

Third, which goes hand-in-hand with the second one, I need you to understand what I mean when I tell you I’m competitive. I’m saying, I’m COMPETITIVE. I hate losing. Hate it. Just so you can fully understand, here are examples of my competitiveness:

One—When Carson and I were five years old, our parents took us to the Easter egg roll/hunt at the White House. During the hunt, I made at least fifteen kids cry after knocking them to the ground so I could get to the eggs before they did. They were all at least twice my age.

Two—After a loss, in every sport I’ve played from age seven up, although I tell the opponent good game, in my head I’m saying, Fuck you.

Three—If my GPS says I’ll arrive in so many minutes, I have to beat it.

Four—When we were thirteen, Carson sent her picture in to a magazine for a beauty contest. I sent mine in too. I won. It was girls only.

See? Competitive. I’ve never been okay with losing. I probably stole bottles from Carson when we were babies.

Anyway, Rori not wanting to go with me, in my mind meant losing. And it bothered me. A lot. Therefore, my goal was plain and simple: to get her to go with me.

Yeah, it sounds crazy, but that’s just how I’m built. Eyes on the prize and all.

 “No? Aw, c’mon. It’s a charity dance! You’re both donators! It’d be fun!” He turned to me. “Castle, you’re not seeing anyone seriously right now, are you? So whaddya say?” Mike kept pushing.

I stalled for a moment to keep from going off on him live and on the air for ignoring Rori’s answer.

Timeout number two.

Four—I have a sister. Therefore, I’m a born protector. So, although my competitive hunter wanted to throw her over my shoulder and take her back to my cave, the protector in me only wanted to keep Rori safe. Talk about an internal conflict.

And here you thought men were so simple. But now you know we’re not when it comes to our basic instincts.

So back to the SNAFU that was playing out right in front of my eyes.

Scratching the side of my jaw, I realized that appeasing Mike was the only way to get out of this—also that it was time to shave—and I glanced over at Rori, who looked like she was about to get tackled by Dick Butkus. Making a point of giving her an exaggerated wink, hoping she’d go along with me—then graciously decline after we were off the air if that was what she wanted although I hoped it wasn’t—and asked, “What do you say, Ms. Flannigan? Is it a date?”

So, apparently, Rori hadn’t gotten my drift or knew the meaning of appeasement.

Instead, she blurted, “I can’t believe I just kissed a man who blows up my NNE list!” She held up her fist and started flicking up fingers for each of what I guessed were my flaws. “You’re arrogant! You’re a pro athlete! And you’re a player! You’re also…breathing!” She said that last part almost as if it were a tragedy. “I can’t go out with someone who sends two separate flower bouquets to two different women on the same day and writes sweet nothings on their cards just so he can get laid!”

Christ almighty.

She looked at Jeff and Mike next and stated shakily, “Thank you, gentlemen for having me on your show. And, please, everyone, donate to the KIDS Klub because it’s such a worthwhile cause.”

She took off her headset, stood, smiled a bit maniacally then left.

Looking back at me, Jeff muttered, “I think that first no would’ve sufficed.” Then realizing he was on air, he straightened in his seat and said, “But I’m sure Castle, The B-F-D, will not have any problem at all finding a date to the charity dance for The KIDS Klub!”

Shit.

“Oh, you know he won’t,” Mike chimed in, giving me an apologetic look as he went with it. “Because he’s sexy, he’s hot, and he’s rich!” A clip of a guy saying, “I’d do him,” played just then making me even more annoyed. “Look at the phone lines lighting up with calls! I’ll bet they’re all women, and probably some men, wanting to go with Castle to the dance!”

“No doubt!” Jeff answered, he too giving me a remorseful look. “Thank you, Castle, for coming on today. We look forward to the dance and also to another great year of football ahead. And, listeners, make sure to donate, donate, donate to KIDS Klub! You’re listening to Wake up with Mucus on KWSH. We’ll be right back after these messages from our sponsors.”

The “On Air” sign went off and taking off their headsets, they both let out a breath and looked sheepishly at me.

“Dude. She’s a little high-strung, wouldn’t you say?” Mike finally said, as if testing the waters, trying to find out just how pissed I really was.

But I found I wasn’t all that mad. Rather, I was fucking dumbfounded, because while I’d sat there listening to them at the end, hunter, competitor, chemistry and fantastic kiss aside, I found I was clueless as to what it was about Rori Flannigan that attracted me so much to her. Even after she’d embarrassed me not once, but twice on air, I still wanted to ask her out.

Next stop, tattoo parlor to have Dumbass inked on my forehead.

“She’s a little something,” I mumbled, setting my own headset on the desk.

Staring at me for a moment, I saw a grin growing on Jeff’s face then he declared, “You’re gonna get the girl, aren’t you?”

Maybe it was that I was used to every other woman falling at my feet and she hadn’t done that, that attracted me to her. Maybe it was that she was a firecracker. Or, and this was the most likely reason, maybe I was a just goddamn glutton for punishment. Who the hell knew.

But looking at Jeff, I nodded slowly, then standing, shook both their hands thanking them, and at Mike’s, Go get ‘er, Tiger, I left.