Chapter 30
The past two nights with Bree have solidified two things in my mind: One, I’m obsessed with her, and two, it gets better every time we’re together.
I wasn’t kidding when I told her I wanted her in the worst way, like the song suggested.
Sex with Bree is out of this world, but it’s not just about the sex for me.
She has me hooked. From her brains to her beauty, all the facets of her personality pull me in, and I hope she never lets me go.
It’s why I’m headed to her office early for our status meeting.
When I reach her office, I lean in the doorway and take her in.
Her hair is piled on top of her head in a messy bun situation that manages to look sleek.
She’s not wearing her glasses today, and the dress she wears is more casual than her usual business attire.
I wonder if that has anything to do with how relaxed it feels in the office without the two dickbags here.
“You’re stunning,” I say, and she drops her phone with a shriek. “Even when you’re staring at your phone like it’s a complicated math problem.”
“What are you doing here?” She looks up at me and I don’t miss the way her eyes sparkle with excitement, even though she won’t tell me she’s happy I came by early.
“I wanted to see you.”
“I told you that you were the one obsessed with me.”
“Princess, I’ve been obsessed with you for a while. It’s about time you got on board.”
“Who said I was on board?”
“Your eyes and smile when you saw me.” Rounding the corner of her desk, I drop a kiss on her temple.
“But really, why are you here?” Her eyes dart to the door to make sure no one saw the kiss or how closely I stand to her.
“I came early to see you before the status meeting. I missed you this morning.” She rushed off to work after taking the day off with me yesterday, so I didn’t have the slow morning with her we usually do when I stay the night.
She rolls her eyes, but her lips tip into a small smile and she laces her fingers through mine when I lean against the desk beside her chair.
“Why were you staring at your phone like it held all the world’s problems?”
“Would you be mad if I asked to hang out with Miller tonight?”
“Not that you have to ask me for permission for anything, but why would I be mad?”
“I don’t know, because you just got back.
Plus, you were jealous when I spent time with him before, so.
..” She shrugs her shoulders to punctuate her uncertainty.
On the outside, Bree comes across as a strong independent woman who takes no bullshit from anyone, least of all someone she chooses to spend time with.
What I’m realizing is the opposite when it comes to her personal relationships.
“Okay, well first of all, I was only jealous of Miller because I thought you might be together. I know that’s not the case now, so nothing to be jealous of. He’s a good dude and he’s your best friend. I get that.”
“I’m glad you feel that way. Guys don’t typically like when their girl hangs out with another guy.”
“Whoever made you feel like you can’t be one-hundred percent yourself and hang out with whoever you want to hang out with can suck my dick.”
She giggles and I’d love nothing more than to kiss her right now to show her how unbothered I am by her relationship with Miller.
“I’m serious. I’m not one of those insecure men with trust issues who can’t handle a night away from their woman or the fact that their woman has friends of the opposite sex. I trust you and I trust him. Hell, I spend more time with him right now than I get to spend with you.”
“Thank you.” She squeezes my hand. “We typically have a movie night when he gets back from an away series, but I told him I was busy the past two nights so I could spend them with you.”
“No wonder he was mean mugging me in the locker room yesterday, Bree. I stole his time with you and didn’t even know it.
” I chuckle remembering the glare Miller shot me when I walked into the locker room after dropping Bree off at her house.
I had no idea what I did, but the guy looked like I pissed in his cereal all night.
“He’s just a drama king. He’ll be fine. He was texting me earlier asking if he could come over tonight after the game, which is progress because normally he just shows up and then yells when the door is unlocked.”
“Speaking of, we need to talk about that. I was distracted the other night, but your door shouldn’t be unlocked in the middle of the night, even if you know I’m coming over.”
“It wasn’t unlocked for that long.”
“How long was it unlocked?”
Her eyes dart to the left when she answers. “Well I don’t know, but that’s not the point.”
“I think it was the point, Princess, but I have an idea.” I pull the brass key out of my pocket and hold it out to her.
“What’s that?” She looks at me curiously.
“A key to my place.”
“You’re giving me a key?”
“I want you to be able to come and go as you please. Easier to be sneaky if you’re not waiting in the hallway for me to come home.” I wink. The worry this was a fling for her tickled the back of my mind every now and then, especially since she was still adamant we keep our relationship a secret.
I wasn’t going to let that stop me though.
Like Fields said, I just had to keep showing up and prove to her I was in this. It’s why I took her to the community center with me yesterday. Sharing my life with her outside of the mandatory community service hours, the stadium, and the bedroom was important to me. She is important to me.
“Are you asking me to give you a key to my house?” Her skepticism makes me chuckle.
“Nope, you don’t have to do that. Not until you’re ready.” I offer the key again and she finally takes it.
“Until I’m ready? Cocky don’t you think?”
“Confidence. There’s a difference.” Risking it, I lean forward and give her a quick kiss.
“Right, well.” She glances out the door, clears her throat, and stands from the chair, straightening her dress. “Should we head to the meeting?”
“After you.” I wave my hand toward the door, letting her pass, and she slaps my stomach on the way by.
“You’re terrible.”
“No one saw, Princess. Calm down.” I follow her to the door and down the hall to the conference room. We’re the first ones here, which isn’t surprising considering Bree’s need to be early and the most professional in the room.
When the others arrive, Bree starts the meeting.
“Thank you for coming. First order of business is the charity event. Bark at the Park is coming together. Taylor has been coordinating everything, and the communications team has reached out to media, other athletes, and celebrities around town to raise awareness, and the events team is partnering with the local pet rescues.”
She’s so hot in work mode. I don’t hear anything else because I can’t stop looking at her.
ME
Why are you so hot right now?
Picking up her phone, she peers up at me through her lashes and types a quick response.
brEE
You’re staring.
ME
I’ve been staring at you since I first saw you. Haven’t stopped. Don’t plan to stop.
brEE
Pay attention!
ME
Hard to focus on anything but you right now.
She blushes and puts her phone down to focus back on the meeting. An hour later, she walks me out and whispers, “Have a good game.”
“Have fun tonight.” Leaning in, I lower my voice and loop my pinky finger through hers. “I’ll come over and give you a good morning.”
“Before work? Scandalous.” She glances behind us to make sure we’re alone.
Walking down the hall to the stairwell that will take me to the stadium, I wink as I say, “That’s me, baby. One big scandal.”