Allure: The Arranged Hearts Series

Chapter 15

I wokeup to the gentle vibrations of my phone on the nightstand, accompanied by the soft, rhythmic snores of Lore beside me. She always claimed she didn’t snore, but I found the sound endearing, a reminder of the love and comfort we shared. Groggily, I reached for my phone, squinting at the bright screen that illuminated the darkened bedroom. It was a call from So Sports, the network that had offered me a position as a sports anchor.

Carefully, I slipped out of bed, trying not to disturb Lore’s peaceful slumber. As I made my way to the living room, I couldn’t help but smile at the thought of her adamant denial of snoring, despite the evidence to the contrary.

I answered the call, and the producer’s voice greeted me with enthusiasm. “Niko, good morning! I hope I didn’t wake you. We wanted to touch base and see if you were still interested in the anchor position we discussed.”

I paused for a moment, my mind drifting to the recent offer from my previous team. They had doubled the amount, tempting me with a lucrative contract to return to the field. It was a decision that had been weighing heavily on my mind, but as I glanced back at the bedroom where Lore lay, her gentle snores a reminder of our life together, her words echoed in my thoughts. She encouraged me to do what was best for me, reminding me that happiness couldn’t be measured in dollars.

With a newfound sense of clarity, I responded, “Absolutely, I’m still very much interested in the position. It’s a dream I never imagined I’d be able to do. I’m excited to start this new chapter with So Sports. Thanks again for the opportunity.”

The producer’s joy was palpable through the phone. “That’s fantastic news, Niko! We’re thrilled to have you on board. In fact, we’d like to set up a tour of the studio today, so you can get acquainted with the team and learn the ropes. How does that sound?”

I couldn’t help but smile at the eagerness in her voice. “That sounds perfect. I’m ready to dive in and give this my all.”

After ironing out the details of the tour, I ended the call with a sense of excitement buzzing through my veins. However, I knew there was one more important call I needed to make before I got back in bed. I dialed Marcus’s number, my agent who had been with me through thick and thin. I knew he wasn’t going to be happy with my choice but it was mine to make. That sentiment was becoming more clear the more I thought about it.

“Niko, what’s up!” Marcus greeted me with his usual enthusiasm. “I’ve got great news. I’ve scheduled a press conference for you and Lore to address your sudden marriage and possible resignation with the Knights. I didn’t tell them you would be coming back but I mentioned a big announcement. It’s time to let the world know about your exciting new chapter.”

I took a deep breath, knowing that my next words would shape the course of my future. “Actually, Marcus, there’s been a change of plans. I’ve decided to decline the team’s offer and fully commit to the anchor position at So Sports.”

“Wait, what? Have you actually taken enough time to think about this?” he questioned.

I released a sigh and took a seat on the couch.

“Yes, I am positive my time with the Knights has come to an end. Although I still love the game, it’s not the same love as it used to be when my cleats first touched that fresh manicured grass. The game doesn’t hold the same meaning for me anymore; it’s time to step into a new chapter, as you mentioned. In every sense of the word, not just in my personal life but my professional one too.”

As I said the words aloud, my decision became even more sound. The thought I didn’t love the game the same way I used to bothered me on a level I didn’t understand. It had become more focused on breaking records than just loving to be out on the field. I was tired of it all.

There was a brief silence on the other end of the line before Marcus spoke, his voice laced with surprise. “Can I ask you how you can give up something like this, Niko? The money, the fame, the glory of the game?”

I chuckled softly, glancing once more at the bedroom where Lore still slept, her snores a gentle reminder of the woman who was opening my eyes in more ways than one. “Because, Marcus, I’ve gotten a taste of what life can be when you’re truly happy. Money and fame can’t compare to the joy and fulfillment I feel when I’m with Lore and pursuing a career that aligns with my new passions.”

Marcus let out a sigh, but I heard the understanding in his voice. “I respect that, Niko. Congratulations on your new path. And remember, I’m always here if you need me.”

I grinned, the weight of the decision lifting from my shoulders. “Of course you will be. After all, who else is supposed to negotiate my anchor pay?”

Marcus laughed, the sound a welcome reminder of the support I had in my corner. “You’ve got that right. Now go out there and show the world what Niko Lockwood is made of.”

As I hung up the phone, I felt a sense of peace wash over me. I had made the right decision, one that prioritized my happiness and the new journey I was on with Lore. With renewed determination, I prepared for the day ahead, ready to embrace the challenges and triumphs that awaited me in this new chapter of my life. And as I made my way back to the bedroom, Lore’s gentle snores guiding me, I couldn’t help but smile at the thought of the beautiful life we were building together, one decision at a time.

I snuggled closerto Lore as she started to finally stir. I kept my eyes clothes waiting for her morning routine that I had got used to. I laid still, not wanting to alert her that I was awake. The funny thing was, I was always awake when she did this.

I felt her turn in my arms to face me, so I kept my breathing even, and I stayed as still as possible. She leaned forward and placed a kiss against each of my eyelids, then the tip of my nose, my forehead, and finally, my lips. I had to fight like hell every morning not to kiss her ass back.

She then placed her hands on both sides of my face as she said a prayer.

“Good morning, God. It’s me again. I look forward to our alone time every morning. A moment where I can thank You for everything You have done in my life and continue to do in my life. Thank You for placing this amazing man in my life, thank You for health and a clear mind. I know I’m not Your usual believer, but I know where my thanks belong and who every blessing or protection comes from. I ask that You cover my husband’s heart, his mind, and his soul throughout his day. Give him the strength to endure, to smile, to be thankful, to be Niko Lockwood. Bless our marriage and give us the strength to keep growing in your love. I know it is done because I have asked.”

The room got silent so I knew the rest of her prayer, she must have been finishing silently. Every morning, she prayed the same prayer over me and our marriage. I had never met a woman who would do these things. She was everything, which was why I hadn’t agreed to go by my mother’s for dinner yet. If I could push this off for months, I would. I just wasn’t ready to bring her into something that used to be so beautiful but now was tarnished by fame and unspoken positions.

I remember a time when I used to love to be around my parents and my siblings. But, the more I found myself, it seemed the further I moved from them. I slowly opened my eyes and Lore’s were still closed. I pulled her in closer to my body, needing any amount of contact to make my day all right.

Not long after, her eyes fluttered open and she smiled.

“Good morning, love,” I whispered.

She leaned forward and kissed me a few times before responding.

“Good morning, I hope you slept well,” she said while twirling my dreads around her finger.

“I can’t complain. I have news though.”

Her brow rose as she braced herself for whatever I needed to share.

“So, earlier this morning, while you were snoring.”

She held her hand up to stop me. “How many times do I have to tell you? I do not snore.”

I laughed, unable to contain it as I held my hands up in mock surrender.

“My bad. Like I was saying, I got a call from So Sports about the anchor position and they wanted to know if I was still interested.” I paused.

I waited as my wife’s eyes expanded, waiting before she seemed as if she were ready to burst. I had learned she was impatient when it came to news, but I loved to see her rattled just a little.

“Ugh, Niko. Would you get to the point? You know I hate when you do that,” she asked, before nudging my shoulder.

I laughed and then continued. “I do, I’m sorry. I just like to see you all out of sorts sometimes. It’s cute.”

She poked her lips out, rolled her eyes, then smiled.

“Anyway, I told them yes, I’m taking it. I called Marcus to tell him to decline the contract with the Knights. My journey with them is done and the new one with you is all that matters. I want to slide into my purpose and I can’t do that if I’m going back to something I don’t love because of money.”

Lore practically tackled me as she climbed on top of me. She wrapped her arms around my neck, hugging me tight with genuine happiness. I couldn’t help but grip her ass. She made me brick up by the way she was on top of me.

“I am so excited for you and I can’t wait to see what you accomplish,” she said.

I smiled up at her and glanced over to check the time. I noticed I still had at least an hour and a half before I needed to be at the studio. I returned my attention to her and reached down in between her thighs to play with her clit. She moaned at my touch and she was already wet.

I quickly pulled my dick from the confines of my briefs, slipped her panties to the side, and slid every inch into her slowly.

“Niko, mmm, fuck.” She moaned as I stroked from beneath her.

I smirked up at her and bit my lower lip.

“I love the way you say my name. Say that shit again for me. Show daddy how well you can take dick, baby.” I groaned, my eyes half-lidded.

Her pussy always had me on a high every time I got up in it. She pulled herself up and proceeded to bounce on my shit. I groaned.

Damn, if I had known this was what it would be like as a married man, I would have been made the leap, but I knew better. This shit would only be this way with Lore, no one else. I continued to love my wife’s body and her soul until it was time for us to get ready.

I would have never guessed leaving her side would get harder and harder as each day went by. I glanced around Lore’s place, reminding myself that we needed to find the time to go house shopping. I hadn’t been back to my place since the first night we stayed there. I could tell she needed to be close to her art and nothing at my spot held any need for me. I knew once we took that step to find a place together, it would change everything.

“Niko, are we still having dinner with your family this weekend?” Lore asked from the kitchen.

I had forgotten all about that damn dinner. I was sure it was because I had no intentions of being around anything that would piss me off. Lore walked into the living room and stood in front of me. My tie was undone since I planned to fix it before I walked into So Sports. She reached up and started fixing it. I couldn’t help but smile.

“Nah, I would rather celebrate with you. I’ll let my mom know we will pick another time. I don’t feel like being irritated at the moment. I want to settle into this peace I’ve been feeling lately.”

Lore nodded. “Well, I support you. Have a good day today and I’ll be waiting by my phone to hear all about it.”

I leaned down and kissed her once, then had to go back for another before finally leaving. I drove to the studio and parked in the employee parking area after going through security and being given a visitor’s pass.

As I stepped into the bustling studio of So Sports, a rush of excitement and nerves coursed through my veins. Today marked the beginning of my new career as a sports anchor, a thrilling chapter in my life that I had been eagerly expecting.

The show’s producer, Emily, welcomed me with a warm smile and a firm handshake. “Niko, we’re so glad to have you on board,” she said, her enthusiasm clear in her voice. “Let me give you a tour of the studio and introduce you to the team. Also, your agent, Marcus, called and mentioned you would like to do an exclusive interview with your wife, introducing her to the world. We would love that. ”

I nodded, liking this idea much better than the press conference that I had initially planned. I made a mental note to tell Lore about it and make sure she was cool with everything.

“Yes, if you can let me know so I can pass the information along to my wife.”

“I sure will. Let’s get this tour underway.”

I followed Emily through the labyrinth of corridors, taking in the sights and sounds of the fast-paced environment. The walls were adorned with posters of legendary athletes and iconic sports moments, serving as a constant reminder of the passion and dedication that fueled this industry.

As we entered the main studio, I couldn’t help but marvel at the state-of-the-art equipment and the bustling energy that filled the room. The set was an impressive display of sleek design and innovative technology, with multiple cameras, teleprompters, and a massive LED screen that dominated the backdrop.

Emily introduced me to the various members of the team, from the camera operators and sound technicians to the fellow anchors and reporters. Everyone greeted me with genuine warmth and enthusiasm, making me feel instantly welcome in this new environment.

“And this is where the magic happens,” Emily said, guiding me toward the anchor desk. “This is your spot, Niko. From here, you’ll be delivering the latest sports news and insights to millions of viewers across the country.”

I ran my hand along the smooth surface of the desk, imagining myself sitting there, sharing my love and knowledge of sports with the world. It was a surreal moment, a dream come true for a lifelong sports enthusiast like me.

Throughout the day, I shadowed the other anchors, observing their techniques and learning the ropes of live broadcasting. They shared valuable tips and advice, from how to engage with the camera to crafting compelling narratives that would captivate the audience.

As the tour came to an end, Emily handed me a stack of scripts and a schedule for the upcoming week. “We’re thrilled to have you on the team, Niko,” she said, her eyes sparkling with excitement. “Your unique perspective as a former NFL player will bring a fresh dynamic to the show. We can’t wait to see you in action.”

I thanked Emily and the rest of the team, feeling a surge of gratitude and determination. This was my chance to make a difference, to share my passion for sports in a whole new way. I knew that the road ahead would be challenging, but I was ready to embrace it with open arms.

As I left the studio that evening, I couldn’t help but smile. The first day at So Sports had exceeded all my expectations, and I was eager to dive headfirst into this new chapter of my life. With the support of my colleagues and the love of my wife, Lore, I knew I could tackle any obstacle that came my way.

I stood backstage at the studio, my heart racing with anticipation as I prepared for the exclusive interview. This wasn’t just any ordinary press conference; it was an opportunity to introduce the love of my life, my wife Lore, to the world. My agent, Marcus, had worked tirelessly to arrange this moment with my new employer, and I couldn’t have been more grateful.

As I adjusted my suit and took a deep breath, I felt a gentle hand on my shoulder. I turned to see Lore, her eyes shining with love and support. She looked absolutely stunning, her beauty radiating from within.

“Are you ready for this, baby?” she asked, her voice soft and encouraging.

I smiled, taking her hand in mine and bringing it to my lips for a tender kiss. “With you by my side, I’m ready for anything.”

Together, we walked out onto the stage, greeted by the bright lights and the applause of the studio audience. The interviewer, a well-known journalist in the sports world, welcomed us with a warm smile.

“Niko Lockwood, it’s an honor to have you here today,” she began, her eyes sparkling with curiosity. “And who might this lovely lady be?”

I grinned, pride swelling in my chest as I introduced Lore. “This is my incredible wife, Lore. She’s not only the love of my life but also an extraordinarily talented artist and an inspiring art teacher.”

Lore smiled, her hand squeezing mine as the interviewer turned her attention to her. “That’s wonderful, Lore. It’s clear that you both have a passion for what you do. Now, I have to ask, how did you two meet? It seems like there’s a story there.”

I glanced at Lore, a mischievous glint in my eye. We had agreed not to mention Arranged Hearts, not because we were ashamed of how we found each other, but because we knew our love story was so much more than that.

“Well,” I began, a smile tugging at the corners of my mouth, “let’s just say that God brought us back around to each other in the most unique way.”

Lore nodded, her eyes meeting mine in a moment of shared understanding. “It’s true. Our paths had crossed before, but it wasn’t until fate intervened that we truly found each other.”

The interviewer leaned forward, intrigued. “That sounds incredibly romantic. Can you tell us more about that initial meeting?”

I chuckled, the memories of that fateful night flooding back. “It was at a nightclub, of all places. I was out with my teammates, and Lore was there with her friend. We ended up dancing, talking, and just connecting on a level I had never experienced before.”

Lore smiled, her eyes misty with emotion. “It was like we had known each other forever, like our souls recognized each other in that moment.”

The interviewer sighed, clearly touched by our story. “That’s beautiful. And now, here you are, married and building a life together. How has that journey been?”

I took a moment to gather my thoughts, wanting to convey the depth of my love and admiration for Lore. “It’s been incredible. Lore has been my rock, my inspiration, and my partner in every sense of the word. She’s taught me so much about love, about art, and about what truly matters in life.”

Lore blushed, her eyes filled with love and gratitude. “And Niko has been my unwavering support, my source of strength and encouragement. Together, we’ve faced challenges and celebrated triumphs, and I know that our love will guide us through whatever the future holds.”

As the interview came to a close, I brought Lore’s hand to my lips once more, a silent promise of forever. Our love story may have been unconventional, but it was ours, and it was perfect in every way.

And with Lore by my side, I knew that the best was yet to come. Because together, we had found a love that could conquer anything, a love that would stand the test of time.