Read Online Playing for Hearts by Debra Kayn - Free Book Online Page B

said he had a couple years left in him to hold on to the title. There were rumors that he had an injury. Some reporters even said the tennis association kicked him out for testing dirty by doing illegal drugs, which I know can’t be true. Grayson refused to explain his reasons to the press, like it’s some big, hidden secret. I never understood why he’d allow everyone to speculate on the reasons, and let the stories grow.” She sighed. “I remember thinking it was a sign when he came back to Cottage Grove and remodeled the tennis center that he wanted me. I almost left college my senior year. God, I was so juvenile.”
    â€œDon’t be so hard on yourself.” Diana turned the air conditioner higher.
    â€œThe weird thing is I never did ask him why he came back or what happened to make him give up competing. It must be hard, because he’s continually receiving public challenges from other players, begging him to reenter the circuit.”
    â€œMaybe your dad knows,” Diana said.
    â€œNo. He doesn’t. I’ve asked.” She rubbed her forehead. “I know Grayson wouldn’t tell me if I asked him now. He can barely stand to be in the same room as me.”
    Diana slowed down and turned into Shauna’s driveway.
    Shauna slipped off the seatbelt, leaned forward, and kissed Diana’s cheek. “Thank you. You saved me once again.”
    â€œI’m worried about you.” Diana swiveled in the seat. “I know something happened between you and Grayson at the McMillian party, but you’ve never so much as spoken a harsh word about Grayson before. Are you sure he didn’t hurt you?”
    â€œNo.” Shauna jolted when her cell phone rang. “I’m just figuring out that Grayson’s not all that and decorated with glitter.” She glanced at the display. “Thanks again. I need to get this. It’s John.”
    â€œI’ll call you later.” Diana laughed. “I’ll want details.”
    She shut the car door, waved, and pushed the call button. “John?”
    â€œHey, gorgeous. I’ve got a sack of Chinese food to go and wanted to know if you knew anyone who wanted to share my dinner with me?”
    She laughed. “I might.”
    â€œWhat time do you get off work?” he asked.
    â€œI just got home. Come on over.”
    â€œSounds great. See you in fifteen minutes.” He cleared his throat. “Oh, and Shauna?”
    â€œYeah?”
    â€œI’m glad you said yes.”
    She smiled. “Me too.”
    It wasn’t a lie. She looked forward to spending more time with John, and having him take the initiative of seeing her before their planned date next weekend made her happy. He was a considerate man, and she wanted to know him better.
    She dropped the phone in her purse and headed up the path to the house. The lawn needed mowing, and the porch railing needed painting, but Shauna ignored all the things she should be helping her dad out with and headed to the garage where her dad spent most of his day, working on other people’s vehicles.
    The loud consuming sound of the air compressor and impact tool hid her approach. She stood beside the maroon two-door car and grinned at the legs sticking out from underneath the frame. She’d recognize those grease covered overalls anywhere.
    She waited for the compressor to stop, bent down, and grabbed the hem of her dad’s pants. “Watch your head.”
    With one pull, she rolled him out from underneath the car. He raised his brows in surprise. “What are you doing in here?”
    â€œWhat? Is it a crime to visit my old man while he’s working?” She planted her hands on her hips. “When are you going to sell the shop and retire to the recliner in the house?”
    He growled as he pulled himself up into a sitting position. “I’m not getting older, just better looking.”
    She leaned down, swept off his