Chapter 1
Sitting at my desk, I continued to sip my coffee as I watched playbacks of the games from last night.
I didn’t have to think about my lines or what I would say because I was a natural.
Long gone was that girl from six years ago that tried to hide in the shadows.
When I graduated, I struggled to find my way in journalism, and ended up interning under my now husband, thee Garrett Johnson.
I was so excited to work for the most famous news anchor in Chicago.
He had so much prestige and aura about himself, I could barely go ten minutes without blushing.
I thought he was God himself until he ripped me to shreds at the end of the day.
Garrett told me I would never work in television with my look, and I damn sure couldn’t work for him if I didn’t get it together.
Breaking out in tears, he softened, but not quite all the way.
Sitting me down, he questioned me on my passion, and then quizzed me on all things sports.
Impressed by my knowledge, he vowed to mold me and that’s exactly what he did.
By the time I was done with my internship, Brianna Brooks was gone, and Blaise Monroe was born.
He felt my name wasn’t memorable, so he changed it to something more edgy.
Garrett got me an anchor position at the station and was completely in charge of my new persona.
He hired stylists, and even speech coaches.
Even after all of that, I came across stiff and cold, so he hired a choreographer to help me with my movements.
All of his hard work paid off, and I took the sports world by storm.
Being the highest paid female sports anchor was an accomplishment I didn’t even know I wanted.
Once I took off, Garrett refused to allow someone else to reap the benefits of his creation and proposed to me.
There were some stipulations, but I didn’t care.
I loved everything about my life, and I wouldn’t change it for anything in the world.
Well, almost anything was my thought when my husband walked into my office.
He was still as handsome as he was the day I met him.
Tall, dark, and handsome. Garrett was about six feet, and his skin looked like a perfect blend of a mocha latté.
Garrett had his hair slightly curly today instead of his slick waves.
His slim build always looked perfect in a suit, and it was no different today.
“You smell differently today. Your girlfriend must have changed her perfume. Your normal scent is Mon Paris YSL.” Garrett let off a slight chuckle before closing the door to my office.
“Keep your voice down, and what did I tell you about talking like that at the office. One day your mic is going to be hot, and all our business is going to be put in the street.”
“I’m not the little intern you met six years ago, Gar. I would never get caught with a hot mic. Maybe if you don’t want me bringing up your girlfriend at work, you should stop sneaking off to see her for lunch. If we are going to sell us being that perfect couple, we need to act like it.”
“You make too much out of nothing. I’m always careful, Blaise. You have nothing to worry about.” Walking over to me, he grabbed me into his arms and placed a kiss on my cheek. Before I could respond, my assistant turned best friend, Tyla walked in.
“Okay, gone on with all that lovey dovey shit. We’re about to have lunch, she will see you at home.” Garrett smiled, but we both knew I probably wouldn’t see him until late tonight. Once he was gone, I grabbed my salad from Ty and immediately dug in.
“How did you know I was starving?”
“Because you would live off coffee if you could. You trying to get back skinny?” I laughed because Ty knew everything about my past. Everything! She always joked about not being able to picture me that small, especially now that I had a plumpness to me.
“Girl, I love the skin I’m in. Me not eating has nothing to do with weight, it’s me being focused and I just forget sometimes.”
“Mmm hmmm. So, tell me. Did you forget that big fine man that took your virginity?” she said it casually between bites, and I frantically jumped up to close my door.
“Girl, shut the fuck up before somebody hears you.” Ty shrugged like it was no big deal.
“Girl, you had a past. You acting like it’s a sin to fuck a fine nigga. You been with two men in your life, you’re practically mother Theresa.”
“I know, but Garrett can’t stand the thought of that man’s name. I don’t have time to hear about contracts.” I realized I had slipped up and said too much, so I deflected by putting another bite of salad into my mouth.
“What contract?” I ignored her and decided talking about Devin was safer.
“What made you bring up my past?”
“Girl, quit playing slow. You know his ass will be here playing tonight. Don’t be mad at me, but I got us floor seats.” I immediately choked on my salad causing her to laugh.
“I’m not going to that game. Besides, he probably doesn’t even know who I am. Not to mention, how the hell will that go over with Garrett if he finds out I went?”
“That is your husband, not your daddy. Plus, how he gone know? When the kiss cam starts, put your head in your lap.” We both fell out laughing and continued to eat. Ty thought it was just me seeing my first, but it was much more than that.
I hadn’t seen or heard from Devin since that night.
If he spoke, I would talk to him. If not, I was going to mind the business that pays me and get out of there without embarrassing myself.
Ty was always getting me into some shit.
Laughing to myself, I tried to mentally prepare for tonight. Jesus help me!