Chapter 10 #2
The question seemed to come out of the blue and neither brother was thrilled it had been asked.
Ford smiled with an aw-shucks look he was damn good at. “I don’t know. What’s it like to be human?”
Laughter filled the room.
The answer satisfied the curiosity, but I could tell the interview was going to be left on a sour note so I raised my hand. “What would you say to your younger selves and to all the young boys out there hoping to be exactly where you are?”
Beck looked relieved. An answer that he could sink some teeth into.
He was much more comfortable than before, taking a minute before answering.
All the while looking me directly in the eyes and I could sense a thank you behind his soulful expression.
“I’d say never to stop dreaming and go for what you want.
However, every dream worth its salt takes a lot of hard work and giving up on several aspects of your life. ”
“I’d add that family is very important. If you have an incredible one behind you, then you can beat the odds all because you have a solid base to lean on,” Ford added while glancing toward his brother.
I could tell by the furious writing on notepads that my question and their answers would be in front of everyone by the morning.
“That’s all the time we have,” the coach said. “These boys need their rest for the next game.”
“Just one more question.”
While I couldn’t see the reporter jumping in to ask the question, his voice rang out over the buzz in the room. “This question is for Beck. Is there any truth to the rumor you were secretly married in Arizona a couple weeks ago?”
Needless to say, the entire room almost erupted with a frenzy that could only be created by sensationalized news. Several reporters moved closer to the table so they wouldn’t miss the answer, which blocked my view of whoever had tossed out the question.
However, a sickening feeling pooled in my stomach as a hint of recognition settled in.
The asshole from the hallway.
My skin was crawling, but I knew better than to move. If I did, all eyes would fall on me and since I’d written the article, questions would be raised instantly.
Beck laughed as if the guy had made a huge joke and to his credit, he scratched his head and acted as if the question was adorable or ridiculous.
“If my mother were here, she’d tell you that any woman who dared marry me would have her hands full.
She’d also advise the poor girl to buckle up.
I might be considered a playboy, but even I wouldn’t do that to a beautiful woman.
Women deserve the best, someone who will dote on them, treat them like queens and enjoy spending time together.
If you’d look at my schedule, the marriage would be doomed from the start. ”
Thank God that seemed to satisfy the crowd of eager beavers, enough that when Beck and Ford were encouraged to stand, I was able to push my way through the group toward where the jerk who’d asked the question was located.
Wouldn’t you know it.
He’d disappeared out the side door.
What in the hell was going on?
* * *
This time I knew where the team was staying and there was no chance of running into them at the bar.
By the time Matt had gotten his secretary to make reservations, every hotel in the area had been completely booked.
She’d managed to snag a room at a small motel in South Beach, but it was a long way away from where the team would be.
At this point, the best thing for me to do would be to head back to my hotel and write a short follow-up piece that highlighted the game and not just the players. So Matt wouldn’t be happy. So what?
He’d learn to live with disappointment.
I rounded a corner, finally able to get away from throngs of fans, eager and willing to try for a marriage to the star player.
I rubbed my eyes, barely paying attention to where I was going.
I’d searched for the asshole in the press room, also asking who he was.
No one seemed to have any idea about his identity.
At this point, I was fairly certain he was the same one as before.
As soon as I turned a corner, a hard hit caught me by surprise. I hadn’t just run into a man. I’d run into a granite cliff. My breath vanished from the collision, my body suddenly pressed against molten iron.
A huge, warm hand gripped my arm to keep me from falling and the instant smell of cedarwood and rain was pleasurable but overwhelming.
When I looked, I first noticed shoulders that were too broad for a doorway. Then a grin almost as wide, eyes piercing mine with extreme intensity.
With my heart still in my throat, somehow my mouth managed to water from the sight of him, his thick hair still damp from a shower.
“I was hoping I’d run into you,” Beck said with a quiet reverence oozing of sensuality and dark promises. “The plant was a nice touch.”
“How is your dad?”
“A pain in my mother’s ass.”
I could see the relief on his face. “I think that runs in the family with the men.”
He growled while glaring at me. “Such a brat.”
“What are you doing here?” I wanted to laugh at my silly question.
“The last time I checked, I was allowed in. Some sassy reporter made it sound as if I was a player to be looked up to.”
“Oh, really? Where in the world would you get that impression?”