Chapter 15
Cici
Every time Covey takes the field, I can’t help but stare at him. His smile lights up his face and makes me want to fall into his arms and get one of his amazing hugs.
He waves to the fans like it’s his favorite part of the entire game, and honestly it might be. He really is that nice of a guy.
He stops right before he reaches the dugout and stares up at the box. Logically, I know he can’t see me, but I feel like he’s looking right at me.
“I'm sorry for being a jerk,” Adam says softly.
“It’s fine,” I mumble, keeping my full attention on the field.
I don’t want to talk to Adam. I want to focus on the game and nothing else.
The sooner the game is over, the sooner I can part ways with Adam and never see him again.
I’ll make sure to avoid the restaurant where he works out at all costs…
Which kind of stinks because it’s the best Mexican restaurant in the city.
The room erupts in cheers as Wyatt and Cord each score a run.
“It’s not fine. I’m struggling with the idea of me not being able to afford the things you’re used to.”
“No one asked you to.”
“Yeah, but I'm also not going to let my girlfriend pay for everything. That would make me feel pretty lousy.”
“I'm not your girlfriend, Adam.”
I barely spare him a glance when Covey’s name is called and he takes his place behind the plate. I move to the edge of my seat and watch him carefully.
“C’mon, Covey. You can do this,” I mumble under my breath.
He hits the ball out of the park and everyone loses their minds. We’re all on our feet screaming like crazy people, except Adam. He’s sitting back in his seat with his arms folded over his chest and a frown on his face.
I don’t understand what his deal is. I thought he’d be excited to come here. I thought he’d be a sweet guy to hang out with after last night. I was wrong on all accounts.
“Just because you’re not my girlfriend yet, doesn’t mean you can’t be,” he says softly.
“It also doesn’t mean I want to be,” I say carefully. There’s a security guard in our box and that’s not the normal for us. I have a feeling Dad made a call after he met Adam. I could get angry about it, but right now, I'm really thankful for that.
“What?” Adam rears back like I just slapped him and stares at me with wide eyes.
“Well, you don’t exactly seem like the same guy I met last night.
The guy from last night and the text messages was sweet and caring.
He wanted to get to know me and wasn’t trying to hide the fact.
This version… he’s done nothing but insult my family and friends.
He’s put me down time and time again, trying his hardest to make me feel guilty for everything I’ve worked for. ”
“I didn’t mean to.” He shakes his head.
“It doesn’t matter what you meant to do, Adam.
I won't put up with someone like that in my life. I have enough to deal with on a daily basis. As you like to remind me, I run a multi-billion-dollar company. I deal with jerks like you several times a day. People who can’t handle a woman being in charge and think my place is at home.
I don’t put up with it at work and I definitely won't put up with that in my personal life.”
“I… I was intimidated. You’re Cici Powell. You could have anyone in the world and yet you were showing me attention.”
“Yeah, I was. But I think it was pointless. I don’t think you could ever fit into my life.
It has nothing to do with your bank account, your career, or your last name.
The only reason you’ll never be part of my life is because of your attitude.
Now, you can stay and enjoy the game, or you can go home.
I don’t really care either way, but I suggest you forget me once you walk out that door. ”
I stand to my full height and move to the first row of seating. I take the spot next to Dad and his arm instantly wraps around my shoulders.
“I'm proud of you, Princess.” He presses a gentle kiss to my forehead.
“For what? Bringing a scumbag with me to the game?” I let out a humorless laugh. It’s quiet enough Adam won't be able to hear me.
“Nah, for standing up for yourself and putting him in his place. Your mama and I raised you right. You don’t care about the dollar signs and what other people can do for you. You only care about how they treat you and I couldn’t be prouder of you for that.”
“I'm just tired of being alone.” I sigh and snuggle into his side.
“You know what’s worse being alone?”
“Hmm?”
“Being with someone who isn’t worthy of your attention. Being with the wrong guy. One who will put you down every chance they get because it will make them feel better. That’s so much worse than being alone, sweetheart.”
“That is true.”
When the game ends, I stand and stretch my torso one way and then the other. I glance over my shoulder and am happy to see Adam’s gone. I'm not sure when he left or where his head was at with everything that happened, but he’s gone… and so is the security guard.
I breathe a sigh of relief, knowing he won't be able to come near me again. I already spoke to the security at the gate of my community and I’ll speak to the security at my office on Monday morning. I’ll make sure Adam can’t come within one-hundred feet of me without me knowing.
The girls are all heading down to wait for their men outside of the locker room.
Liliana’s already downstairs taking interviews with the opposing team.
She says she likes to get those interviews out of the way before she approaches the Pit Bulls players.
She knows our team won't try to dodge her questions and they’ll happily accept phone calls or texts later on in the day if she needs to contact them that way.
“C’mon, sweetie.” Winnie holds out her hand to Tali, but the little girl looks exhausted.
“Mommy, can you carry me?”
“Uh…” Winnie glances around at their bags and frowns. I know she’s not super far into her pregnancy, but she’s even more tired than Tali is. I don’t know how she does all of this.
“How about I carry you, Tali?” I hold my hands out and wait to see how she’ll respond.
“Ok!” She happily jumps at the chance to be carried and I don’t mind having a little one in my arms.
I cradle her head against my shoulder as we make our way through the maze of hallways. By the time we get down to the locker room, Tali is snoring softly.
“Thanks, Cici. I knew she was tired. I was really hoping she’d sleep during the game. She’s always so excited to watch Jamie play. She’s her daddy’s little girl and nothing else matters.”
“I don’t know. I think she loves her mommy just as much.” I grin at her.
“I know. I'm lucky to have her. She’s the sweetest and we bonded instantly.” She smiles at her adopted daughter and brushes a few strands of hair out of her face.
Schmidt is the first one out of the locker room as usual. He always hurries to shower and get changed so he can see his girls faster.
He carefully takes Tali from my arms and hugs her to his chest. I’ve never seen a father so obsessed with their child. They’re adorable together.
“Thanks for holding her, Cici. I know it’s getting harder for Winnie.” He smiles at his wife.
“I'm happy to help. I enjoy the baby snuggles whenever I can get them.”
“Please tell me the jerk is gone,” Cord growls as he exits the locker room and sweeps Macy into his arms.
“Gone forever.” I grin.
“Good. I was about to pay someone to make sure he disappeared forever.” He frowns.
“No need. I did it all by myself. I don’t think he’ll be showing his face around me again. I already spoke to the guards at our development and I’ll talk to the guards at Scott, Powell, and Coleman on Monday. I’ll be fine, Cord.” I wave off his concerns.
“We’re having people over for dinner. Are you coming?” Macy asks.
“Maybe. I have a few things I need to handle, but if I can do it quickly, I’ll make sure to stop by.”
“Please come! I have a feeling this will be the last time we can do it for a while. I think this guy will be coming soon enough!” She rubs her massive stomach, making me chuckle.
After a round of goodbyes, Cord and Schmidt lead their families out to their cars. I groan when I realize I don’t have a car. I should’ve asked Cord to take me home, but then I wouldn’t have a chance to talk to Covey. I'm sure Covey will jump at the chance to take me home though.
“Hey,” Covey says softly as he exits the locker room. He runs a rough hand through his hair and glances up and down the hallway. “Thank you for agreeing to talk to me.”
“No problem… Would you want to drive me home and we can talk when we get there? I kind of came with someone and then kicked them out.” I wince.
“Oh, I heard all about Adam and what a jerk he was. Cord wouldn’t shut up about it.”
I open my mouth to respond, but honestly, what do I say to that? Adam was a jerk and I'm not going to defend him.
“I'm happy to take you home, sweetheart. Let’s go.” Covey places his hand on my lower back and slings his duffle bag over his shoulder. He leads me out to his car and opens the passenger’s side door. Once I'm inside, he tosses his bag in the backseat and rounds to his side.
“How is your house?” I ask as soon as we’re on the road and headed home.
“I don’t even know,” he groans. “It’s been a disaster. They don’t even know when we’ll be able to turn the power on again. I might be roughing it for a while.”
“Why don’t you pack a bag and stay in my guest room?”
“You don’t need to do that, Cici.” He glances at me with his brows furrowed.
“Well, you can’t stay in your house and I have a spare room. Where else are you going to stay?”
“I could ask Wheeler, Leo, McLaren, or Holden. Or I guess a hotel.” He grimaces at the thought.
“No, just stay with me. You’re stuck with the guys often enough and I'm sure you don’t want to spend any more time in hotels than you already do. I'm barely home and when I am, I'm normally in the hot tub or sleeping. I won't bother you at all.”
“You could never bother me, sweetheart. I like spending time with you.” He glances over at me when we pull up to a red light, his eyes searching mine to see if I'm really ok with this.
“So? Will you just stay in my spare bedroom?” I place my hands under my chin, practically begging him.
“If you’re positive you don’t mind…”
“Not at all! Stop at your house and I’ll help you pack before we go to my house.”
I'm not prepared for what I find when I step inside Covey’s house. I’ve seen his home before. It was soon after his renovations. His home was beautiful and I was a little jealous of his kitchen. Now… I can’t believe how much damage was done to it.
“Oh my gosh! Covey!” I scan the first floor and see that almost everything is down to the studs.
“Yeah, it was bad.” He grips the back of his neck and lets out a sigh. “Blake and Wes told me I'm lucky my house didn’t catch on fire. Apparently, Blackstone Renovations is known for doing crappy work and their job sites flooding or catching on fire soon after being renovated. It’s been a mess.”
“Do you know how long it will take to fix?”
“No clue. I'm kind of at the mercy of Kasey Construction. I’m not rushing them. They did me a huge favor by bringing in a crew today to get this all ripped out. I figured I can be understanding and accept whatever timeline they give me.”
“You’re welcome to stay with me for as long as you need to. At least I have hot water and electricity.” I grin.
“Thanks, Cici. I appreciate that more than you know.”