Chapter 25
Jamal King
The next morning, Theo’s in my closet touching all my suits.
Saying he’s a tactile guy is an understatement.
He loves my hair and can’t keep his hands out of it.
I’m rethinking my relationship with it. I’ve never had someone openly adore my natural hair.
My moms says she likes it, but she’s my mom“ Where do you buy your suits?” He’s running his hands over the geometric green and pink suit I wore to last year’s charity gala.
“That one’s a Trevor Fox; Liska’s fiancé custom-made it for me. I can hit him up, and he’ll make you one.”
Theo smooths down the suit, placing it back where it belongs.
“Are they all from Trevor?” His fingers caress the next suit.
“No, most are an up-and-coming Black designer that I love. Are you looking to add color to your suits?” I’d love to take him shopping.
“I couldn’t pull that off. My tastes are too basic.”
“Never.” I pat the bed by my side and take a chance. “Come here, Kitten.” Last night when I called him that, he melted and had an orgasm.
“Kitten,” he scoffs, but dives into bed. “I’m no kitten.”
“You act like a ferocious lion, ready to attack.” I pull his hair around his ears, making it stick out like a mane. “But with me, you’re a soft kitten and a cuddle whore.”
“I don’t cuddle,” he says as he throws an arm around me. Arguing would be pointless, and we have errands to run today.
“Will you be okay if people see your hair like this?” His fingers comb through it again and again.
“If you keep looking at me like that, we’ll never leave the apartment,” I tease.
“I’ll pull it back for practice, but I’m fine with it.
Last time I was disrespected and didn’t have control.
” I trace Theo’s sharp jaw. “It’s also part of my anxiety and need to be a role model.
I don’t want to step out with wild hair lookin’ ghetto.
Don’t let this go to your head, but I can’t get enough of the way you eye-fuck me. ”
“Oh, that went straight to my head.” He pins me to the bed, grinding against me. I figured frotting in real life would be awkward and possibly painful. With his cock sliding against mine, I could forget about life and stay in bed with him.
Sadly, we have responsibilities and need another shower before leaving the apartment.
An hour and a half later, Theo glares at me through the bank officer’s large glass window, and I smile at him from the waiting area. He’s trying to be mad at me, really, really trying, but he can’t.
Last night, we stayed up talking, and today, I’m righting some wrongs.
We unfortunately had to stop by the atrocious place he calls home to get documents for the bank. That place is creepier than a haunted house, as if everyone who has lived there is protesting the outlandish decor.
Theo explained how the King family, excluding me, has a financial adviser who controls all the money. His paychecks from the Enforcers and his endorsements are deposited into that account, and he has to explain all credit card charges and ask for money for large expenses.
It’s all he’s ever known, and he was told he wasn’t allowed to open his own account.
Reading the vibe, I wouldn’t be surprised if someone threatened Theo.
John, or John’s father, or the financial adviser, all make money off his interest. He alluded to being cut off along with his mother.
He’s protective of her, and she’s…oblivious, terrible, callous… maybe all three.
At twenty-three years old, he’s opening his first bank account.
“All set?” I stand as Theo comes my way. He jerks his head toward the door, and I follow him out. “Everything alright?”
Theo slumps against the side of the building and runs a hand over his face. “It’s too easy. Something bad will definitely happen.” His distress bleeds out of him, and it makes me question his safety.
Because we’re in public, I can’t hug him until he feels better, but I relax against the wall and lean into him so our legs, hips, arms, and shoulders touch. “I wish I’d known sooner. I won’t let anything bad happen,” I say with false confidence.
He barks out a humorless laugh. “Because I’m useless.”
“Quit tearing yourself down. C’mon. We gotta hit payroll before we go to practice,” I encourage. He’s switching his deposit over to the new account.
We’re already downtown, and the office building across from the stadium is only a few blocks away.
“Are we going together? Practice,” he clarifies with trepidation.
“We can if you want to.” I shrug even though my heart rate has spiked and there isn’t enough air on the street.
Theo walks alongside me, stealing glances before saying, “Not to sound like a grown-up, because I’m clearly not, but I think we should figure out what we’re doing before we tell anyone.”
Now it’s my turn to steal a look. I’m not sure if he said that for my sake or his, but I guess it doesn’t matter. The team will be all up in our business and want explanations for something I can’t explain.
There are no words to describe how I feel about Theo. Confused lust is the combo that comes to mind.
Theo is the star of my therapy sessions.
She’s made me face some ugly truths, and how Theo saw right through me.
I repressed my anger at John so deeply that I couldn’t recognize it.
Shoving my hatred of him down morphed into anxiety.
I’ve been focused on my mental health, but Theo could see the anger that everyone else missed.
I didn’t have to hide it from him, so I didn’t.
I took it out on him. He didn’t deserve it, and I’ll do better.
Theo feels everything so deeply. I recognize his indifference as a defense mechanism. He’s stubborn and combative, and I want to protect him from the world.
“Good idea,” I reply, my heart slowing down.
We board the plane for our away trip, and Theo sits with me as if he’s always been my travel buddy. Brant shoots me a concerned glance but takes a seat with Mav.
Everyone is staring at me, but no one will say anything.
It makes it worse. The open secret everyone’s afraid to discuss.
Nevaeh canceled braiding my hair because she had a paying client in her studio.
It’s currently sticking out in all directions from under the do-rag Theo bought me.
At least this time it’s a choice and not a fiasco.
I’m tempted to say something so everyone can relax, but everything I come up with sounds ridiculous.
Theo’s voice is low as he talks to Sarah on the phone.
“Seriously, it took me less than half an hour. Just ask for some cash and go open a bank account. You can lie and tell them you’re volunteering and put your paycheck in the new account.
” He pauses, and his foot presses against mine.
“Jamal did.” He has a soft smile he saves for me.
“If you’re scared, we can do it next time I’m in town for a game. ”
Sarah’s voice is too low for me to hear.
“Sounds good. Love ya too. Bye.” Theo ends the call and tips his head back on the headrest.
His eyes are on me, but I stare at the back of the seat. My insides are knitting into a jumble for no reason. It’s not no reason, and I can hear my therapist’s voice in my head asking me to examine my feelings. I’m happy Theo has Sarah, but I’m jealous and it’s absurd.
We haven’t defined who we are or even if we’re a we. As usual, I’m leaping ahead.
Theo isn’t open with his feelings, so I read his actions and body language instead. Although we’re not actually related, the media has dramatized our connection. And on top of that, I don’t know how I feel.
That’s another lie. Waking up with Theo in my bed made me happier than I’ve ever been. I hope he feels the same.
“Oh, I got you this.” Theo pulls a travel pillow out of his bag. “You looked so uncomfortable on the last flight.”
It’s nearly impossible not to kiss him to show my appreciation. “Thanks,” I whisper, and tuck the pillow between my head and the window, far away from his lips.
Coach wants a late, no-contact skills practice before we go to the hotel in Minnesota.
Some of the guys are grumbling, but it’s not a big ask since we were served dinner on the plane.
I’m in front of a wall mirror, putting a series of bands in my hair to hold it back under my helmet.
As hard as I try, I can’t regret leaving my hair natural. Not with the way Theo reacts to it.
“You missed a section,” Theo says. “Sit and I’ll do it.” He gestures to the bench by my locker. He had me show him how I do my hair for hockey. His guilt is wack but adorable.
“Okay, this is too much,” Mav complains. “We don’t want to say anything offensive, especially after Benz and I already did. But we can’t let this go. It’s one thing for King to decide to go with…with…” He sputters for a description that won’t disrespect me.
“Colin Kaepernick hair,” I supply, picking a man I admire. Not only did he risk his career for social justice, but he unapologetically rocked his fro with pride. Something I’m determined to do.
“Yes.” Mav points at me. “But…but O’Keefe literally doing his hair is alternate reality level. We would chirp anyone coming in with a radically different flow. We’re not letting this go.” Mav stands with his arms crossed.
Theo sections off more hair for the next band. He’s surprisingly good at it. He pulls it tight enough, but it doesn’t sting my scalp.
“What do you want to know? My cousin was going to braid my hair today but got hung up at work.” I meet his stare as my insides go into hyperdrive.
“You didn’t wake up and say ‘I’m letting my hair down so Theo can play with it,’ ” Mav says in a high-pitched voice.
“No, I begged him to let me play with his hair. It’s been my goal since getting traded to this team. You caught me,” Theo deadpans. It’s so close to the truth, yet sounds implausible.
“Bullshit,” Mav mutters.
“Listen.” Ace commands everyone’s attention, “King can let whoever he wants do his hair.” He winks with a quiet laugh. “But seriously, are you two friends now? Because that’s new.”
“For a trial period,” I joke, and Theo yanks my hair.
“I found out he’s not the enemy, and if I act like his indentured servant, he will maybe, possibly consider being my friend. Right, Maj?” He says the last two words directly into my ear, and I fight a shiver.
“You’re an asshole,” I say.
“See, nothing has changed.” Theo saunters away, and I’m left helplessly staring at his back.