Chapter 29 #2
His midnight blue eyes harden. “Not true. My personal life should be mine and my actions are on me. I should have calmed down and listened to you. Actually, the only reason I didn’t beat him up was because of you. So, you see, not your fault.”
I hold on to his words instead of freaking out and going to that place where doubts nag at me, stealing every bit of serenity.
He’s right. He’s an adult, and he knew the consequences, taking full accountability.
A sigh heaves my chest. “What does that mean?”
He narrows his eyes at some point on the ceiling.
“That means everyone is pissed at me. I swear, I’m going to prove everyone wrong.
” His eyes seek mine, losing the hardness instantly.
“But I also need my personal life to be in balance. And for that, I need you. This was a fucking incident, but I’ve played my best since you came back into my life. ”
“Sure? I really don’t want to jeopardize your career.”
He scoots on his ass, causing some water to spill over the edge just like my emotions. He takes my hands in his. “I’m in love with you.”
The declaration has my heart erupting with millions of butterflies that tango in my chest.
“I love you,” he repeats.
I snap out of my trance, jumping into his arms as more water laps over the tub, splashing straight on the tiles. “I love you too. So much, Ian, like I never thought possible.”
His sigh of relief fans my neck as he hugs me, pulling me to him.
A comfortable silence follows as we wash each other, taking our time.
Getting out of the tub, blissfulness blankets me as we dry each other. Together, we’ll relish the good times and face the bad ones.
After brushing our teeth, we go to the kitchen to prepare breakfast. Touches accompanied by kisses here and there tattoo a smile on my face.
My phone rings, and when I see it’s my father, I pick it up right away.
“Hi, baby girl. How are you?”
Inhaling deeply, I steady myself. “Good.”
“Tell me what happened that night.”
I take that as a good sign and I rush to tell him. “There was this guy who kept bringing drinks to our table even though I kept refusing. When I left, he followed me outside. He said some stuff and groped me.”
“Then he deserved more than a shove,” he says gruffly.
Is that a sign of acceptance? I knew I got too excited too soon.
“He’s in the public eye.”
I glance at Ian, who leans against the counter, gripping the edges. I offer him a reassuring smile, and his muscles unknot, the stiffness vanishing.
“I know, Dad.”
“But are you aware of that? You’re all over the internet with people trying to find everything about you. Is this what you want your life to be?”
“Dad, I—”
He cuts me off. “I had a meeting with the owner and it’s the first time in my career someone accused me of unprofessionalism. That my daughter is dating my player.”
“I’m sorry for that.”
I truly am sorry for the situation, but not for loving Ian. I can’t go on like this. I tried so hard at the expense of my happiness, but I can’t any longer.
As if he can read my mind, he exhales deeply. “See you on Tuesday.”
He hangs up, and I wrap my arms around myself. I love my father, but I hate his rigidity.
Ian pushes himself off the counter. Pulling me into his chest, he lifts my chin with his index finger, searching my eyes.
I chew on my bottom lip. “He sounded disappointed. Am I a bad daughter if I can’t stay away from you?”
His facial expression relaxes at once. He rests his forehead on mine. “What I do know is it makes you the best girlfriend and future everything.”
I giggle and palm his chest. “You’re going to live under constant pressure. We don’t need press and others on top of that.”
His brows furrow, readying himself to go on the offensive. “What do you suggest?”
“You’re going to make a public statement that we’re friends.”
“Lilly…” I feel his displeasure in every syllable of my name.
I tilt my head, aware of what I am asking and hoping he can understand. “We’ll still be together, but…”
“In secret,” he groans. “Everything we didn’t want.”
Lifting on my toes, I lock my arms around his neck, playing with the ends of his hair. “It doesn’t matter because we know the truth.”
He sighs, but nods.
It’s not like I like it any better, but we must keep the fire in check. Ian has to deal with benching and get back in everyone’s good graces.
He pins me with an intent look. “I’m not hiding in the house. That would be my deal breaker.”
I have been constantly falling for him, but I wonder if maybe my feelings for him resemble an abyss—groundless.
“We’ll just have to watch out for PDA,” I offer, sweetening the deal.
“Until the end of the season. And when I win the Super Bowl, you better get your ass down on the field so I can reveal to the world that you’re my woman.”
I nod. “From friends to lovers, it sounds like a solid plan.”
Smiling at each other, we move to the table to eat. We have this.
“What are you going to do today?” I ask, finishing my omelet.
“Practice, even though I’m not playing. Something motivates me to always give my best,” he says, voice dripping with innuendo.
He won’t stop kissing me, and I forget everything when I am wrapped up in him, so it’s no wonder that I am late.
When I reach the store, my best friend drags me toward the office. “Oh my god, you’re on every gossip site. And if I ever see that fucking asshole again, I’m beating him up myself.”
“Get in line,” I say, but can’t hide my grin.
She has a knowing grin on her face. “You fucked.”
I shush her even though the office door is locked. I slump against the door, sighing dreamily.
She joins her palms in a grateful prayer. “Finally.”
My smile falters. “Don’t get too excited. We’re together, but in secret.”
I tell her about our plan, and she hugs me. “It’s a step in the right direction. Maybe the press will get bored when they find nothing else. And he’s benched, so we don’t want fans to hate you.”
No, I don’t want that. All I want is to be with the man I love.
Hopeful for the future, I go on with my day.
Inside the loft, I find him doing pushups. The titillating view transfixes me. Muscles ripple down his back, his muscular forearms corded with thick veins.
“Enjoying the show?” he asks with a smug grin.
In a fit of theatrics, I fan myself, and he chuckles.
He finishes the set and stands up, dabbing the sweat away with a towel.
I drop my bag and get my hands on his hard chest, running on pure impulse. Watching him exercise sparked the throb between my thighs.