Chapter 16
He doesnt usually play this badly, Dad said, half to himself.
I’ve lost count of how many football games Ive been to. I knew as well as any armchair expert when a player was having an off day. The coach made the right call, taking Ollie off the field.
I picked up my coffee and cupped it in my hands. The private box was warm, but I couldnt seem to fight off the chill. It seemed to have seeped down into my bones.
Was it wrong to feel bad for Ollie? Even a little? After what he did, maybe he got what he deserved.
My inner bitch wanted to smile at his misfortune, my heart hurt. I didnt want to see him fall flat on his face no matter what hed done.
Shit, I was going to have to give up my bitch card if I wasnt careful.
I leaned forward and rested my forearms on my thighs, my forehead almost touching the glass. From here, I could see the crowds as well as the game. Kids, families, football fanatics, they all seemed to be having a great time.
Lucky them.
You might have to explain the rules to me, Skye said. All I can tell is a ball is being thrown around, and men are being tackled to the ground.
Another time, I would have rolled my eyes, but she was making an effort to take an interest in something Dad was passionate about. Wife number four, Lauren, never did that. Strange that she stuck around for so long, really. They couldnt have been more different.
Dad put his arm around Skyes shoulders, and in a low voice started to explain the intricacies of football.
I sighed to myself. Was I destined to end up like him? A series of failed relationships, broken hearts, a trail of mistakes left behind me?
Well, that was something to look forward to. Not.
The Rapids scored a touchdown and the crowd went crazy. We were the visitors here, but the spectators wanted a good, hard game, not a walk in the park.
I scanned the crowds for Rapids supporters. Some would have driven a long way just to be here. I didnt envy them. This was one of those times when having a private jet was awesome. We’d flown from Storm Valley at about lunchtime, then taken a private car to the stadium. We came in through another entrance and didnt have to mingle with the crowds. No waiting in line, no waving to get the hot dog sellers attention. Everything we needed was in the private box.
Well, almost everything.
I sipped my coffee. It was cold. I grimaced and set it aside on a table.
I sensed my father watching me, but didnt look toward him. I knew he was worried about me. I barely said two words to him all day. It wasnt like me at all. I just… I had nothing to say.
Without knowing I was going to do it, I got to my feet. Excuse me, I need to go to the ladies’.
Dad opened his mouth to say something, probably to ask if I was okay, but I hurried away before he could speak.
I slipped out the door and closed it behind me. For a few minutes I leaned against it, eyes half closed. I ignored the couple of people who walked past and gave me funny looks.
Here, most of the people knew who I was. They walked a little faster until they were well away from me. Having a reputation as a spoiled brat sometimes came in useful.
I headed for the bathroom and took my time to wash my hands and splash a little water on my face. I looked at my reflection in the mirror. I should look like I hadnt slept in days, because I hadnt. Thanks to a touch of makeup here and there, I only looked slightly tired and pale.
By the time I was finished in the bathroom, the halftime siren had already gone off. A handful of people stepped out of the private boxes to use the toilet. I caught a few words as I hurried away.
A couple of people mentioned how badly Ollie was playing, but most were talking about how exciting the game was so far.
One thing was becoming more and more clear, I couldnt avoid Ollie forever. Especially if they won tonight. He could conceivably be part of my life until he retired. Maybe beyond that. Sooner or later, we were going to have to have a conversation.
I hesitated for a moment longer before I headed towards the stairs which led down from the private boxes. I could have taken the elevator, but the stairs would take a bit longer. That would give me time to think. Although, was that a good thing? I might reconsider what I was about to do.
Shoulders squared, because I had every right to be there, I marched towards the visiting teams locker room. A few people gave me funny looks as I stepped inside, but I lifted my chin and put on my best I am the team owners daughter face. Most people didnt question me when I was like this.
They stared, some leered, but no one tried to stop me.
It was all a fa?ade. On the inside, I trembled like a leaf.
A couple of the guys stepped out of my way, but I felt their eyes follow me. Let them, I wasnt here for them.
I spotted Hawk and Bam and figured Ollie wouldnt be too far away.
I caught Hawks eye. He jerked his head to the side.
I nodded to acknowledge the gesture. I wound my way through the sweaty guys who were already planning the second half of the game.
Ollie stood near Chase, a water bottle in his hand. His expression looked familiar. It was very similar to the one I saw in the mirror only a few minutes ago. Like someone stole our kittens, or ate the last of the chocolate.
Ollie saw me and his eyes widened. Then he looked toward the floor.
You should talk to her. Chase gestured me closer, then moved away.
I gave a brief smile of thanks, then turned my attention to Ollie.
Without looking up, he said, I know you hate me…
What were you thinking? I sounded colder than a winter wind in Tasmania. I hadn’t intended that, but once the words were out, I couldn’t take them back.
He looked up sharply. Its not what you think, I swear. She sat on my lap and put my hand down her dress. I had no idea she was going to do that. I took my hand out immediately.
Not before Danbury could take a photo, I snapped. The blood sucking asshole had a knack for being in the wrong place at the wrong time, phone in hand. He’d probably waited hours for the right shot. The problem was, he couldn’t have taken it if it didn’t happen.
Ollie ran a hand over his forehead. I guess not, but she took me by surprise. I gave her no reason to think I was into her. I told her I wasnt interested. His brow was creased deeply, eyes troubled.
I shook my head. I didnt even come here to talk about that. Well, I mean at some point, but not straight away. Yeah, okay, I brought it up, but it didn’t seem all that important anymore.
He looked at me for a moment, then sighed. This is about me not telling you about this— He gestured around the locker room. About who I really am. Im sorry. He waved toward a corner where we wouldnt be overheard so easily.
I hesitated, but followed him, ignoring the gazes that shadowed.
He leaned his back against the wall and tilted his chin up, eyes toward the ceiling.
You know how it feels to be… You, he said slowly.
I responded with a dry laugh. I have some idea, yes.
He matched my laugh with a smile. I mean, you know what its like to wonder if people like you or just the idea of you.
That hit right down to the bone. So much so, I had to take a moment to reply.
Only every day since I was old enough to know what money meant, I admitted.
So youve had friends, boyfriends who didnt look past that? he asked.
I hadnt expected him to make me squirm, but he was. Yes, I have. And so have you. Partners, I mean.
When I met you, I thought you were different, he said slowly.
I pretended to be offended. I am different.
He gave me a soft smile. Yes, you are. I was an idiot. I thought if you knew who I was, it would change everything. His expression fell. I was right about that, just… Not in the way I thought.
I reached out and lightly touched his fingers, one of the few parts of him that wasnt covered by padding, or strapping. I shouldnt be angry with you. I was thinking exactly the same thing.
You should definitely tell somebody if youre a professional football player, he teased. I cant guarantee it wouldnt get you tackled on the field more often.
I smacked him on the chest with my open hand. With the padding, he wouldn’t have felt a thing. Ill leave the playing of caveman games to you.
He grinned. I think I should be offended at you calling it that.
Probably, I agreed lightly. But my career consists of taking selfies, so Im in no position to make fun.
Im sure theres more to it than that, he said.
I thought for a moment. Not really. Although sometimes I take photos of food. Or other people.
So does Harvey Danbury, and apparently he has a legitimate career. A dark expression came over Ollies face.
Yeah, that doesnt seem right somehow. I wrinkled my nose.
Not at all, he agreed. When youre queen of the world, maybe you can change that.
I laughed. Ill take a hard pass on that job. Way too much responsibility and shit. And an endless stream of complaints. On the other hand, free chocolate.
He chuckled and touched my cheek lightly with the back of his hand. Ill buy you all the chocolate you want.
I raised an eyebrow at him. Now you know who I am, you know I have enough money to buy myself all the chocolate I want.
He was undeterred. Wheres the fun in buying your own chocolate? At least let me surprise you with it once in a while.
Well be doing this then? I asked softly, my voice barely more than a whisper. You and me. Us?
If you want us to, he said, his voice equally soft. If you can forgive me for lying to you.
You have to forgive me too, I said. But it wasnt so much a lie as just not divulging all the information. I couldnt help being pedantic. I still had that bitch card to think about.
He took my hand and drew me closer, until our chests almost met. I promised that from now on, I will divulge all the information. So much, I’ll probably bore you with the details.
I look forward to being bored. But then again, I cant imagine being bored by anything you say or do. I hesitated for a moment before adding, I might have to take up boxing, or another martial art of some kind.
When he gave me a questioning look, I said, To fight off all the other women who throw themselves at you.
Ollie laughed. If you give them a dirty look, they’ll back off. Youre pretty terrifying, you know.
And dont you forget it, I growled playfully.
As if I could. He looked a lot more relaxed than he had when I walked into the locker room.
And damn, sweaty, with his hair all mussed up, he was sexy as hell. If it wouldnt piss my father off, Id drag Ollie off into an empty room somewhere and jump his bones for hours.
His expression clearly said he was thinking the same thing.
In the same moment, the coach shouted for the guys to get back on the field for the second half.
Saved by the bell, I said.
Ollie flashed me a smile, then leaned down to claim my mouth in a searing kiss that left me breathless.
The locker room exploded in applause and catcalls. Some of the guys even stamped their feet.
See, I said. Cavemen. I shook my head and smiled.
Well, Im your caveman. He kissed me again.
I gently shoved him away. Go and kick some ass.
He gave me a salute. Yes maam. One ass kicking, coming right up.