15
VALENTINA
Lucy: Val! Did you see that play? OMG he is so amazing.
Me: Yeah, I saw it. I’m here you doofus.
Lucy: Yes, but are you actually paying attention to your man?
Me: He is not my man, Luce. It’s all an act.
Lucy: It’s not an act, babe. That boy wants you, and he wants you *bad*.
Me: Well he can want until pigs fly, but he will never get.
Lucy: Oh don’t be like that. You know that under previous circumstances, you’d let him dip into your chocolate starfish.
Me: What the hell is wrong with you? That’s horrible!
Lucy: Girl…be for real. You’re the one who told me it only hurts for a little. Quit being a prude.
Me: I’m going to quit being your friend, you sick pervert.
Lucy: Whatever. Just continue to be a bore and I’ll keep getting my neck cracked by Chase. But that man isn’t going anywhere near my chocolate starfish. It’d be like a cucumber pushing through a grape.
Me: Wow. Thanks for the visual. I’m turning my phone off now because I have a feeling things will only get worse.
I stand next to Monty and Killeen, listening to him talk animatedly about today’s win.
“Your boy was fantastic, my dear.” Monty takes my hand and pats the back of it.
“He did great, but he’s not my boy. In reality, I mean.” I look left and right for anyone who may have just heard that comment.
Luckily no one seems to be paying too much attention, which is good. The last thing Nic needs is someone running to the tabloids to expose our “relationship”.
“I’m sure it’s a relationship that could become very real if you wanted.” Killeen throws me a wink and smile and I try not to shudder from the thought.
“I’m married to my career, at the moment. When the time is right, I’ll find the right one. For now, this fake relationship suits me just fine. ”
I smile at the two of them and feel the weight of a hundred eyes on me. My gaze slowly wanders around the room discreetly, as if I’m simply looking around and not searching the faces of all the women who stand judging me.
They assess me, their eyes roaming up and down, taking note of everything from my shoes to the way my hair is styled.
A few lean in close and begin whispering, their hands shielding their mouths in case I’m a lip reader.
One woman stands just outside one group of women who do not hide their obvious assessment.
She listens but doesn’t feed into their gossip.
I push a lock of hair behind my ear and turn back to the Montgomery’s, my Oscar de la Renta teardrop earrings that Lucy gifted me with for my birthday swaying.
From the corner of my eye, I sense a presence nearing me and I stay focused on the couple in front of me until I can no longer ignore the body right next to me.
“Hello Monty. Killeen. How are you both today?”
“Pretty damn good with that first win of the season,” Monty bellows for everyone to hear.
“Pre-season, dear. It was just preseason,” Killeen corrects.
He runs his hand over her shoulder and down her arm. “A win is a win, my darling.”
I smile because I simply cannot help it. These two are what a happily ever after look like.
“I agree with you, Monty.” He claps her hand when she raises it for a high-five, both jovial in their demeanor. “I apologize. How rude of me. I’m Carina Rinaldi.”
The gorgeous woman holds out her hand to me and I graciously shake her hand. “Valentina San Ramón. Pleased to meet you.”
“My husband is Frank Rinaldi, the quarterback,” she adds.
“Wow. He played amazing. I’m looking forward to seeing him in action this season.” She smiles and blushes when I compliment him.
I’ve learned that the fastest way to be accepted into a group is to pay their husbands a compliment based on merit and talent. The last thing you want to do is tell them how attractive their husband is. That will get you on the “keep her away from your man” list.
“Same. That injury late in the season had me worried. But after some intense rehab, he’s ready to bring home a another Lombardi for Monty.”
“I’m countin’ on it,” Monty cheers.
They exchange more words about a few plays before Carina brings me back into the conversation.
“I see you’re wearing number thirteen. He had quite a game himself. Is he your…husband?” She takes a look at my fingers to check for rings, and though I wear some, none don a fat diamond.
“Oh no. We’re not married,” I correct, and hear the clearing of a throat. Monty’s throat. “He’s my b-boyfriend.”
My mouth is dry and the words feel like sandpaper on my tongue. This is the first time I’ve said that word out loud or acknowledged it to anyone other than Lucy. I guess I should get used to it since this is the role I’ll be playing for the next few months.
“Well welcome to the Drillers family. It can get a little rowdy, but we’re a fun bunch with maybe a sour grape or two.” She winks at Killeen who snorts with laughter. “We should get tog–”
She’s interrupted by loud cheers as the men come walking into where their families await. One by one, giants begin to fill the room and their wives, children, girlfriends or other family members rush to them, congratulating with hugs and kisses.
“Excuse me. There’s Frank. I better go boost his ego.” Carina smiles and hurries to greet her husband.
He sees her and drops a bag at his feet to catch her in his arms. Her feet dangle as his arms wrap around her tiny waist. The beastly man kisses his wife like it’s months since their mouths last touched.
My attention is set on the love birds when I’m startled by a warm hand touching my arm.
“Hello mi Reina.” A deep voice whispers in my ear, and plump lips brush against my lobe.
Shivers run over me like a tidal wave. I would like to attribute this feeling to my recent dry spell, but I begrudgingly must admit that it’s the man.
“Hey. You scared me.”
“I can tell,” he quips, arching his brow in that sexy way that guys do. “This is our first appearance and lots of eyes are watching us. Now may be a good time to christen this relationship with a congratulatory kiss.”
Tightness grips my chest at the thought of having to kiss him. How am I supposed to keep my wits about me if he lays those warm, plump, and perfect lips on mine? I’m a strong woman, but acting unaffected would be an Oscar worthy performance.
“What a great idea. Perfect place for that.” I forget whose company we are in until Killeen leans in to add her opinion.
Nic follows her words up with a double eyebrow raise and a winning smile. He knows I’m backed into a corner and there’s no getting out of it. I clench my jaw and give him a curt nod, then breathe deep and prepare myself for the incoming.
It’s just a kiss. He’s not that charming…or handsome…or sexy. And he probably kisses like a troll. Maybe his breath smells like gym socks. Or his to–
My internal dialogue comes to a screeching halt when his lips touch mine.
Tender with just the right amount of pressure to make my toes curl.
His tongue peeks out and licks the seam of my lips and before I know it, I’m parting them to welcome him in.
When I feel his tongue move past my teeth, I snap out of my trance and quickly pull back.
I’m panting and I just know my cheeks are flushed. I look around to find everyone’s attention on us, watching our every move.
I put on a tight smile and through gritted teeth tell him, “Okay. That’s more than enough. They all saw.”
He grabs my hand and twines our fingers together and when I try to pull away, he squeezes tighter.
“Are you afraid they’ll see how much you like when I kiss you?
” I open my mouth to protest and he gives his head a small shake.
“Don’t try and deny it, mi Reina. I heard that little moan.
I can give you more of those if you’d like. ”
“Okay,” I say loudly. “I think it’s time to go. I have a lot of work to do. Monty. Killeen. Thank you for the amazing afternoon.”
I kiss both of the Montgomery’s on the check with a smile.
“Our pleasure dear. See you at the next game?” Killeen asks, and I give her a hesitant nod.
We wave goodbye to them as well as a quick wave to Carina who watches us leave, and yank my hand free from his as soon as we’re out of sight.
“Don’t you pull that shit again, Nic. I’ll have your balls.” My nostrils flare with the warning.
“Oo. Promise?” I smack his chest and the asshole has the audacity to smile. “We better get going.”
“Why?” I furrow my brow as he pulls me along behind him. “Wait. Stop. I’m not going anywhere with you. I’m going home.”
I try to dig my heels in to stop him, but in literal heels I can only slide along.
“You are going somewhere with me because I have some people you need to meet–”
“Yo. Big bro.” A shout echoes from the end of the corridor and every muscle in my body immediately goes rigid.
A young woman followed by an older couple rush towards us. All three have wide and joyous smiles and I know exactly who they are.
“No no no no. No. Nic. Let me go.” I feel sick as he continues to pull me along.
What is about to happen is probably my worst fear –aside from being swallowed whole by an anaconda. Meeting the parents .
I have only ever met the parents of one of my boyfriend’s and it was the most miserable experience. I had barely said hello when his mother began planning our wedding and taking my measurements to see if I could fit into his grandmother’s gown.
My head was spinning and it only took me twenty-four hours to break up with him.
Marriage has never been my little girl dream.
I didn’t pick out my wedding dress and flowers with my besties when I was little.
When they were playing wedding, I was sharpening my skills as divorce attorney. One of us had to be logical.
My hand is dropped and Nic holds his arms wide when all three people clamor to hug him. They’re all smiles and happiness and everything a perfect family should be. They seem to be the type that are supportive of their kids’ decisions and ambitions, not judgmental.
“You were fantastic, son.” His dad, who I recognize from the pictures, says with tears in his eyes.
“I always knew you’d be a star.” His mom doesn’t just have tears in her eyes, they’re full on gushing down her cheeks.
“He gets it from me.” His sister winks and pretends to brush off her shoulder.
She giggles when Nic tickles her sides and puts her in a gentle headlock. She fires back with a punch to his gut which has him hardly batting an eyelash.
A head peeks out from around Nic’s back and I see a beautiful woman drying away her tears. She places her hands on his biceps and pushes him aside.
“Hello. I’m afraid we haven’t met. I’m Elena. Nic’s mom.” She holds out a hand and I take it, trepidatiously.
“H-hi. Yes. I recognize you from the pictures Nic has shown me. I’m..” I swallow down what feels like a hairball and clear my throat. “I’m Valentina. Nic’s–”
“Girlfriend.” He finishes for me, afraid of what I may say instead.
Elena is quickly shoved out of the way –lovingly– and in steps his sister.
“Girlfriend? Well this is a first. Hi. I’m Greer. The prettiest, most talented, most intelligent Loving of the bunch.” She reaches out and hugs me and with my arms plastered to my sides, and I smack my hands against her back.
“Will you guys let her breathe? She’s going to think we’re nuts.” Mark pulls his daughter off of me and guides his wife further back, giving me some extra room and calming my impending panic attack. “Hello Valentina. I’m Mark. The unfortunate leader of this crazy tribe.”
I ease, my shoulders pulling away from my ears, and smile genuinely, thankful to Mark for saving me.
“It’s so wonderful to meet you all.” Nic steps up and slides his arm around my waist and I flinch.
All of this touchy-feely stuff is not settling well with me.
All the men I’ve dated have known my strict rule of no PDA.
It’s unprofessional and I must maintain my decorum because at the end of the day, my career is the most important thing to me.
I don’t need a reputation as a woman who flits around kissing every Tom, Dick and Harry.
“Nico,” his mother coos, her eyes bouncing between him and I. “Why is this the first time we are hearing of a girlfriend? And one so beautiful, at that.”
“It’s kind of…new,” he explains.
“We were taking some time to get to know one another before deciding whether or not we were compatible enough to build a relationship on. So many individuals jump head first into something, not really knowing if they are suited for one another. They’re so excited at the prospect of love that they forget about compatibility. ”
Four sets of eyes stare at me, their faces painted with confusion.
I feel blood drain from my face all the way down to my toes.
Lucy has always told me that I have a tendency to rationalize and analyze every aspect of my life instead of just living.
It’s the control freak in me and honestly, it’s probably why every relationship I find myself in ends in destruction.
I can’t handle needy men, or guys who want to cuddle and give each other nicknames. It’s simply not me. And if that is how I’m going to have to play this part, I’m going to fail miserably.
Crickets begin to chirp before someone speaks up. “Well we are so excited to meet you. How about we head out to dinner and all get to know one another better?”
Mark grabs his wife’s hand and places his other one on Greer’s shoulder. Nic’s hand slips from my waist to my hand and once again, I work to contain my desire to pull away and run straight to my home where I can lock the doors.
“My car or yours, mi Reina?” Nic speaks and it makes my eyes twitch with irritation.
I’m convinced he wants to send me to an early grave. That’s the only explanation as to why he keeps fucking with me. I think I’m going to have to remind him of the parameters again. He hasn’t just stepped over the line, he hurdled it and sprinted far beyond it.
“I’ll drive so you can rest.” And so I don’t punch you in the balls .
“This is so exciting.” Elena looks like Nic told her we’re expecting her first grandchild with the way moisture swirls in her eyes.
The only way that could happen is if I let this idiot con me into bed with him.
No, you’re the idiot for thinking you wouldn’t fall right in .