Chapter 15
Chapter
Fifteen
CHLOE
I’ve been to nice restaurants before. For business and with our group of friends. I know what utensil to use and when, so I shouldn’t be intimidated, but I am. Never in a million years did I think I would ever just walk in and get a table at a Michelin star restaurant.
The front of the restaurant is all glass, overlooking the street. People walking by can barely see in with the amount of tint on the windows. The décor is all deep wood tones with pops of white and gold. It’s gorgeous. Whoever their interior designer is deserves a standing ovation.
Then you have the appetizers. They look like little works of art.
They look too pretty to eat.
“Does it look okay?” Brantley asks.
“Huh?”
“The appetizers. Do they look okay?”
“Of course they do. Why do you ask?”
“Because you’ve been glaring at the plate,” he says, making me wince.
“Sorry. I was just trying to talk myself into grabbing one.”
“What’s stopping you?”
“They are just so pretty,” I confess quietly.
Brantley tosses his head back and laughs. “Lamar will love to hear that you think his food is too pretty to eat, but even he would tell you that it’s meant to be consumed.”
Brantley leans forward and grabs one, placing it on my plate before he does the same for himself. At the same time, we both move and take a bite. The flavors hit my tongue, making me moan. I don’t know what the hell this is, but it’s delicious, and I could eat it every day for the rest of my life.
“It’s a mini beef Wellington bite,” Brantley tells me.
“Did I say that out loud?” I murmur, embarrassed.
“You did.”
“Sorry.” I wince.
Brantley frowns. “Why are you apologizing? You did nothing wrong.”
“Because from experience I know men don’t like it when I just blurt out all of my feelings.”
“Chloe, I don’t want you dulling yourself down just because you’re with me.
Rest assured, I know what I’m getting into when it comes to you.
The first time I met you, you brought up cockroaches, then asked me if I was a serial killer.
I know what I’ve signed up for, and I’m up for the challenge. So just be you.”
“Are you sure?”
“Yes,” he says with zero hesitation.
Something about the way he says it puts me at ease.
I knew he was a good man, but he just confirmed it.
He sees me for me, and he isn’t afraid. He isn’t asking me to change myself like so many others have done in the past. Which is really saying something considering he’s known me a lot longer than those other people did.
How did I miss how sweet he was?
I take a sip of my wine as I stare at him.
“How is it?” he asks, not breaking eye contact.
“I’m not the biggest fan of wine, but this one is delicious,” I tell him honestly.
His eyes narrow for a moment. “That’s right, you like martinis. Would you like one of those instead?”
“No, this is perfect.”
“How do you feel about deviled eggs?” he asks.
“I’ll eat them. Why?”
“Because Lamar has a dirty martini deviled egg recipe that he does every year around Easter. I’ll have to see if he will make it for you sometime.”
“Now that I can get behind.”
The server comes out with two plates and sets them in front of us. “All right, here we go. This is a beefsteak tomato and burrata salad with olive streusel.”
“Thank you,” Brantley and I say in unison.
As she leaves, I pick up a fork and knife.
“Delicious,” I murmur as I go in for another bite.
“I told you he was a wizard.”
“I won’t lie, I think he might be your best investment yet.”
Brantley’s eyebrows shoot up. “Even better than the Foxes?”
“I love the Foxes, you know that, but they don’t feed me like this,” I say, pointing at the plate.
“True enough, but I see you indulge in the nachos.”
I laugh. “My guilty pleasure. You caught me.”
Once my plate is cleared, I dab the corner of my mouth with the napkin.
“I’m going to run to the little girl’s room before the next course arrives,” I tell him as I stand.
Brantley smiles. “Take your time.”
The trip to the bathroom goes by without an issue. As I make my way back, though, the hostess steps out in front of me, making me come to a sudden stop. Next thing I know, someone is hitting me from behind.
“Watch it,” the hostess snaps.
“I’m sorry,” I tell her even though I know it wasn’t my fault.
Should I have been paying attention better? Sure, but she stepped out in front of me.
“Are you okay? I hit you pretty hard with the tray.”
I look over my shoulder and nod at the other employee. “I’m fine. I’m so sorry about that. I hope you didn’t spill anything.”
He shoots me a smile. “Don’t worry about it. All empty glasses.”
“Chloe, are you okay?”
I look over and see Brantley rushing toward me with a frown.
“I’m okay. We just had a little bump in.”
When I scan the room, my heart freezes. Everyone is looking at us.
Oh god. They all saw it. Now they know the clumsy girl is with Brantley Gibson.
I look down at my feet, not wanting to see his judgment. Not wanting to see the embarrassment he wears because he’s with me.
I should have known this would happen. This always happens to me. I’m like a beacon for things to go wrong.
“Hey, are you okay?” Brantley asks quietly.
“I’m fine. Let’s just go back to the table. Unless you want to leave.”
Instead of responding, Brantley cups my face in his hands and tips my chin up so I’m forced to look at him. It shocks me when all I see is concern in his eyes. No hints of judgment anywhere to be found.
“Are you sure you’re okay?” he presses.
“Yeah.”
“Do you want to finish dinner?”
“Only if you do.”
Brantley removes his hands from my face and grabs my hand.
He pulls me back to the table where the server waits with our next round.
As we eat our grilled quail with sweet-and-sour plum glaze and then our dessert of poached peaches with baked ricotta Brantley keeps the conversation flowing.
By the time we are done, I almost forget the incident with the hostess.
When we get home, I brace myself, waiting for the other shoe to drop.
This is it. Even though this date was as close to perfect as I’ve ever had, I don’t expect anything. I wouldn’t blame him for not wanting to go out with me again.
My heart races as Brantley follows me to my bedroom door.
“What are you doing?” I ask as I come to a stop outside of my room.
“Walking you to your door like a gentleman,” he teases.
“I thought that was only for the front door.”
He shrugs. “Considering we live together, I thought this was more appropriate.”
“Well, thank you. I had a good time. I’m sorry if I embarrassed you.”
Brantley steps forward and cups my face once again. “You didn’t embarrass me. Now can I be a gentleman and kiss the lady at the door, or would that be too soon?”
Unable to find the words, I nod.
Brantley’s eyes search mine for a moment, and then it happens. He lowers his head to mine and kisses me. At first it’s just a brush of his lips over mine, and then he deepens it ever so slightly. I step closer only for him to pull back and rest his forehead on mine.
“Why did you stop?”
Brantley smiles. “Because this is our first date, and I won’t ruin it. Now I need you to go into your room and lock the door behind you.”
I pull away and place my hand on the door handle.
“But where’s the fun in that?” I tease, making him chuckle.
“Thank you for a great night. I hope you know I expect a second date.”
“Tell me when,” I say with no hesitation.
Brantley smiles. “I’ll let you know. It will have to be once I get back.”
“I look forward to it. Good night.”
I step into my room and shut the door behind me. Like a teenage girl, I silently scream and jump around.
He wants a second date! With me!
What the hell am I going to wear?
brANTLEY
“Goal!” the announcer yells.
A smile covers my face. Hell yes. I don’t know what’s going on right now with the team, but they are on it again tonight. Whatever they are doing, they need to keep it up.
My phone vibrates in my hand, and I look down at the screen.
Chloe
The boys are on fire tonight!
My smile grows. I fucking love that she’s watching. The only thing that would make it better is if she were here with me.
Me
Tell me about it. Let’s hope they keep it up.
Chloe
I darken the screen and look toward the bench. Coach is sitting, watching everything happen, meanwhile, his assistant Collins is giving everyone directions and yelling at the guys on the ice.
Is that the difference? Has Coach pretty much stepped to the side and put Collins in charge? Is this his way of telling me that Collins is the right pick for the head coaching position?
The door to the suite opens up. The smell of the cologne gives the person away immediately.
How had I never realized how unpleasant he smells until now? More importantly, when did he start showing up to all the away games?
“What are you doing here?” I ask without looking.
Louis falls into the chair next to me. “What, am I not welcome?”
“I don’t pay you to travel with me,” I point out.
“Well, if you started spending more time at home, I wouldn’t have to track you down, now would I?” he says, putting me on edge.
“I spend plenty of time at home. Now why are you here?”
“Touchy, touchy. If I didn’t know better, I’d say you need to get laid,” he jokes.
I haven’t had sex with anyone since Chloe moved in, and I have no intentions to, not unless it’s her, but that’s none of his business.
When I don’t respond to his joke, he sighs.
“I found a new investor I think you should meet.”
“I’m good.”
“No, you’re not. Not until Mr. Graceland signs on the dotted line, and even then, ideally, you should invite one other to join, if not two.”
“I’ll think about it,” I tell him as my eyes move to the ice.
I won’t think about it. Not right now at least. It’s bad enough that I’m going to have to let one other person in. There’s no way I’ll accept two more.
“He will be at the game tomorrow night whether you like it or not, so be prepared to woo him and cross your fingers the team keeps playing like they are tonight.”
I clench my jaw, but I bite my tongue. It pisses me off that he’s making all these calls without my permission, but at the same time, isn’t that what I pay him for?
“I’ll arrange a date for the night for you,” he says as he stares at the phone.
“No. No dates,” I growl.
“Okay. No dates. Women muddle the water anyway.”
I’m fuming at his words. I should tell him to fuck off, but I’m not alone in this suite. There are several employees hanging around. Any one of them could be looking to sell the next story to the press. So I keep my mouth shut.
“The team is looking a little better if the score is anything to go by,” he says absentmindedly.
“They are. They are finally working together as a team. Found their rhythm,” I say right as Clayton James scores.
Fuck yes. I smile.
“Hopefully this isn’t a fluke,” Louis says, instantly pissing me off.
I turn toward him, not bothering to hide my glare. “Now why the hell would you go and say something like that?”
He shrugs. “What’s the big deal? It’s the truth.”
I turn back to the ice and shake my head. Biting my tongue is becoming harder and harder.
Maybe it’s time to find a new business adviser…
The game comes to an end and we stand.
“How about we go out and get some drinks?” Louis says.
“I’ll pass. Have fun, though.”
“What, are you too good to get a drink with me now?” he quips with a little edge in his voice.
“No, I just don’t want to go out. I have to go back to my room and get some work done. That is unless you don’t think I need to keep making money,” I throw back.
Louis raises his hands but wisely keeps his mouth shut. I head to the locker room while he heads to the bar. After I’m done giving my after-the-game pep talk, I make my way back to my room.
Sighing, I change out of my suit and get into bed. My phone next to me vibrates, and I smile when I see Chloe’s face.
Chloe
I hope you told the team we are all proud of them. They fucking killed it.
I swear to God they are giving us some killer social media content without even trying.
I’m getting into bed. I hope you have a good night.
Instead of texting her back, I hit the FaceTime button. When the call connects, I smile.
Something I’ve definitely been doing more of recently.
“Hi,” she says softly.
“Hi. How was your night?”
She turns on her side and props the phone up on a pillow next to her. “Good. Thank you for the ramen, by the way. It was delicious.”
“You’re welcome.”
Is it a little overkill that I order her food every night that I’m gone? Probably, but I like doing it. I like spoiling her. Well, and knowing that she’s not hurting herself or burning down our home.
“How was the game?” she asks.
“Peaceful until Louis showed up.”
Her nose scrunches. “The hotel looks nice.”
“It’s not bad. I stay here every time I’m in town.”
“You’ll have to send me a picture tomorrow of the bathroom.”
“Why the bathroom?”
Chloe levels me with a look. “The bathroom is the best part of fancy hotels. It can make or break an experience.”
“Not the bed?” I quip.
The corners of her mouth kick up for a second. “No, not the bed. Although that’s important too. Right up there with the soundproofing.”
“Touché. Nothing worse than hearing your neighbors.”
“Exactly.”
“How was work today?”
“Great. We were busy as hell, but we got everything done that we needed.” She pauses for a second. “I really love this job.”
“I’m glad you finally caved and accepted it.”
“Don’t let it get to your head that you were right.” She rolls her eyes.
“I wasn’t going to say it.”
“Uh-huh.”
“Do you have anything planned while I’m gone?”
“Liv and I are talking about maybe meeting up, but we will see if it happens.”
“Why wouldn’t it?”
Chloe shrugs. “She’s busy.”
“I get that.”
Mason and Liv have a busy work schedule, and then when you add Ari into it, it’s starting to become almost impossible to actually see them. Not that I blame them. We’re all growing up, our lives changing.
Chloe yawns, and I can’t help but think about the way we’ve changed and how we are bound to.
This time next year, will she still be living with me? Will we be doing more than dating?
“I better get to bed. I don’t want to be late. The last thing I want to do is piss off my boss.”
“I don’t think your boss would mind, but I’ll let you go.”
Chloe smiles softly. “Good night.”
“Night. Sweet dreams, beautiful. Don’t let the bedbugs bite, or should I say monsters?”
“Ugh, why did you have to say that? Now I’m going to have to sleep in your bed,” she groans.
My dick twitches at the thought.
“What a hardship for me. Make sure to leave your scent all over them.”
She rolls her eyes. “Go to sleep, Brantley.”
I smirk at her. “Yes, ma’am.”