Chapter 36
CHARLOTTE
The offices are buzzed on Monday, preparing for the championships’ home games. I’ve been in meetings with the league and special events, and I’ve made sure every step is aligned with Philadelphia. They’re coming into the championships as favorites, and it suits us fine.
Coach has multiple media appointments, and I can assist him with some of them. Not all. I’m still being asked questions about Brandon and my relationship, and it’s not where I want the attention to center leading up to the finals.
Knock, knock.
“Come in.”
Donna opens the door and checks if I’m busy. She carries a large bunch of flowers. I smile and take them from her hands.
“I’ll never tire of receiving these.” I take a sniff and smile as the sweet aroma fills my senses. “He knows how to brighten my day.”
“What does the note say?”
I open the card.
They smell as sweet as your pussy.
I snap the card closed and hold it to my chest. “I don’t think you want me to read this one aloud.”
She giggles. “Can you imagine the expression on the florist who took the call?”
I splutter a laugh. “Oh God, I hope he doesn’t continue the dirty talk.”
She is still giggling. “And how do you spell that, sir?”
I laugh at Donna. “I don’t know what you’re thinking because BJ’s vocabulary is not extensive. I doubt they need to ask unless his accent is problematic.”
“I don’t notice his accent as much.”
I smile. He’s been here so long he sounds more American than Aussie. “Is everything on track for his parents’ arrival?”
“It is. A driver will be waiting at the airport. Are you sure you want them to stay at your home?”
I nod. “I have the security, and they are here to see their son as much as possible.”
“Okay. Then they are booked in the same hotel as you and the team for the two away games.”
I take in a deep breath as nerves fill me. “Hopefully, we don’t need to plan beyond that.”
“I have as a precaution. They will fly with your family on the private jet?”
“Absolutely.”
Brandon bursts into my office and smiles at Donna. “Howdy, Dons.”
“Howdy, BJ.” She grins at him. “I’m going to need the number of the florist to send an apology.”
Brandon whips his head around. “Did she read the card?”
I giggle at his shocked face. “No. I told her I wasn’t reading it aloud.”
Brandon smirks at Donna. “Not yet, Dons. You should wait, tomorrow’s is a shocker.”
“Brandon…” I gasp. “Save it for the—”
“Bedroom? My pleasure princess. Or should I say yours?” He winks at me.
Dear God, how does this man make me love him so much?
“Okay, that’s my cue to leave,” Donna coos and doesn’t wait for a goodbye.
“You need to knock,” I remind him.
He pulls me into a kiss. “Other people need to knock because I’m the only one who gets to do this.” His hands untuck my blouse from my skirt, slide up, and find my breasts. His eyes pop before he dips his head to my chest. “No bra?”
“Easy morning access.” He undoes the buttons, his lips finding my nipples, and I tip my head back as pleasure rips through my chest. “Just so you know, the bra goes on the moment you leave.”
He smiles as he sucks and tweaks my breasts. “Because they’re mine.”
“I’m yours, Brandon. All yours.”
He stops kissing me and looks deep into my eyes. “I know.”
Hand in hand, Brandon and I walk into Byron and Giana’s home. The family has gathered to welcome baby Adelaide.
“Hey.” Byron greets us at the door. “Come in and see my angel.” He kisses my cheek and shakes Brandon’s hand.
“Congratulations, mate,” Brandon says sincerely.
I’m smiling at how friendly these two are again. We walk into the main living room, where Byron’s huge glass doors are open to the views of LA. Brandon looks around as though he’d forgotten what it was like.
Giana is in a large chair, surrounded by my family. I head over, and my mother steps aside for me to see. I kiss her cheek. “Congratulations, Gigi.”
She smiles up at me. Little Adelaide is swaddled in her arms, her tiny face peeking out. “She is perfect,” Giana purrs. “Thank you for the gifts. We waited until you were here to unwrap them.”
“I get to do the honors.” Byron begins to unwrap the gifts—Brandon and mine is first. He grins at the soft pink bunny, and then he unwraps the Dolce and Gabbana tiny dress.
“Oh, it’s adorable.” He holds it up, and the room echoes, aww.
When he pulls out the Christian Louboutin sneakers, he laughs.
“I can’t imagine her in these yet.” Finally, there is a kangaroo stuffed toy.
It doesn’t look cuddly, but Brandon was adamant Adelaide needed a kangaroo in her room.
Byron unwraps and looks at Brandon and me.
“Thank you both.” He shakes his head and grins at the kangaroo as though there is a hidden joke.
Brandon lightly elbows me. “Told you he’d love it.”
Byron nods slowly. “We both appreciate it.”
While he continues to open Penny and Franklin’s gift, Jobe comes to stand beside Brandon. They are talking quietly together, yet I hear them mention Malibu. Curiosity piques, though I know now is not the time to ask. Then later in the afternoon, I see Franklin talking quietly to Brandon.
What the hell is going on?