Chris waited for her a few feet away. Feeling more nervous than she had since she’d first met him, Oakley took the steps to reach him. Instead of taking her hand like she expected, he stuffed his into his pockets and began walking, his eyes focused down the beach.
“I haven’t lied to you.” He waited to speak until they’d been walking for a while. “I didn’t tell you everything, but what I have told you is all the truth. I have brother named Carter. I don’t get along with my parents. I recently switched jobs. The house did belong to my aunt and uncle, who left it to my brother and I in their will. I know I omitted things, but they aren’t the important things.” His voice softened until his last two words came out almost a whisper.
Oakley tugged on his hand, pulling him to a stop. “Those things are important. They’re part of who you are. Playing professional football-” Her gaze darted to his shoulder. “I’ve seen you rub your shoulder. I was watching the game. The one where you got hurt. I saw all those people crowded around you-”
Chris opened his mouth to say something.
“No!” She pushed against his chest. “I couldn’t forget it. Seeing you on that field. I didn’t even know who you were and it haunted me.”
Chris caught her in his arms. “It’s okay. I’m okay.” He rotated his shoulder around a couple of times. “See? It’s all good now.”
She braced her arms between her body and his, preventing him from pulling her closer. “It isn’t! Now that I know what happened, I can tell it isn’t. It hurts you all the time. Why are you working on the house by yourself? It can’t be good for you.”
Chris’s expression went blank as he pulled back slightly. “You think I can’t do the work on the house?”
Oakley realized how he’d taken her concern. A man like Chris wouldn’t appreciate anyone telling him he wasn’t fit enough to do manual labor.
This conversation wasn’t going at all how she hoped. Closing her eyes, she said a small prayer, asking, no begging, for clarity.
Taking a deep breath, she tried again. “That’s not what I mean.” She lifted her hands from his chest to frame his face. “I’m worried about you.”
Chris watched her carefully, studied her expression before releasing some of the tension in his shoulders.
“You don’t need to worry about me. I’m fine-”
“Chris-” she interrupted, but he stopped her with a kiss. She was certain he’d meant it to be brief, a means of silencing her concerns, but as it always seemed to be with them, passion ignited. His mouth moved expertly over hers. It was as though he’d been born to kiss her. Moaning deep in his throat, Chris pulled her close against his body, his arms molding to her back, his hands losing themselves deep in her hair.
Much too soon, his lips broke away from hers. “Oakley.”
Without thinking, she told him what she was feeling. “I’m scared.”
Chris stilled, his arms still around her, his mouth close to her ear.
She continued, her voice barely above a whisper. “I’m scared that you’ll wake up and realize this isn’t what you want and I’ll be left to pick up the pieces of my life.” She pulled back. Chris lifted his head, his eyes meeting hers. “I’ve done that once already. Doing it again might break me.”
Chris shook his head. “No,” he murmured as his lips found hers. “No. Don’t ever be afraid of me.” He spoke between kissing her. “I’m not going anywhere. Unless you want me to leave, I’m not going anywhere.”
Oakley lost herself in his kiss, his strong arms around her, and the magic of the sand beneath her feet, the waves crashing beside them. Forget moonlit walks on the beach. As long as she had Chris, anything could be magic. She only hoped she could trust in the magic of his promise. She wasn’t kidding. Her heart had been shattered by Wes. It was still healing. Her feelings for Chris helped. This helped.
When he pulled back later, Chris held her face in his hands. “You deserve everything,” he said again. “If you let me, I promise I’ll give it to you.” And then, he kissed her again.
Chapter Twenty-Nine
“And then we walked on the beach for hours.”
Cam sat up. “Wait a second.” She and Oakley were laying on the floor in Oakley’s living room. It had only been two days since the beach, but Cam had been so busy, this was the first time she’d seen Oakley since that night at the restaurant. “You’re okay with all of this now? Chris being Chris Bragg, famous football player.”
Oakley shrugged. “I don’t see what choice I have if I want to be with him.”
Cam’s jaw dropped. “And do you? Want to be with him?”
Oakley glanced at the can of soda in her hands. “I think so, yeah.”
Cam squealed and scrambled to her knees. “Seriously? This is so amazing. I’m so happy for you!”
Laughing, Oakley sat up, too. “Just calm down. It’s not like he proposed or anything. We’re just taking things slow. Seeing what happens.”
Cam made a face. “You’re crazy. The man whisked you away to Santa Monica in his private jet because you mentioned in passing that your dream date was to take a walk on the beach.”
Oakley knew she looked like a love-sick fool, but she didn’t care. “He’s really sweet. And so cute with Kaden.” She’d already told Cam about the way Chris had included Kaden in their day and watched him while she went to the spa. She even told her about Kaden’s continued ability to embarrass everyone around him while sitting on the toilet. It had taken Cam a few minutes to catch her breath after laughing at that visual. “He’s a good guy.”
“And hot. And rich. And perfect for you.” Cam grabbed her hands. “Girl, I told you, didn’t I? I told you he was the one.” She squee-ed again. “I’m so excited! Just remember, I get to be your maid of honor. Again.”
Oakley slapped at her friend’s shoulder, but couldn’t stop her smile. It wasn’t like it hadn’t crossed her mind, what it would be like to marry Chris. Of course, it had! In fact, she’d been dreaming about that very thing for weeks.
“If I ever get married again, regardless of who it is, you can absolutely be my maid of honor…Again.” They both giggled like they were teenagers again.
“Deal. And if I ever get married you can be my matron of honor.”
“You got it.” Oakley sank back down to the floor. Kaden had been asleep for hours and if she was smart, she would be, too. But Chris had a meeting with his brother downtown, something they did regularly. He hadn’t told her all of the details, but she knew he would be gone until late. He also told her not to wait up for him, but like she was going to listen. He texted her about an hour ago that he was getting ready to leave. He should be home soon.
Cam laid back down beside her with a sigh. “I still can’t believe it. I’m just so happy for you.”
“Thanks, Cam. I’m pretty happy right now, too. Oh, hey, I almost forgot. Chris is having a work day over at the house. He’s having some guys from the Thunder come over on Saturday to help paint and do some of the other finishing work. I invited Rafe and Lucy to come and he said I should ask you, too.”
“Ooh, manual labor with a bunch of beefcakes? Count me in. But only for the morning. I have a party downtown that night. And I still can’t believe he’s been doing all that work on his own. No wonder he gave away all that stuff for free. He definitely doesn’t need the money.”
Oakley had talked about all of that with Chris. Apparently, what he’d told her was true. He was working on the house as a project to keep busy until he figured out what was next in his life. “He’s hired out a few things, like the electrical work and he had someone come in after he hung the drywall to do the tape and mud.” He’d told her it would have taken him too long and it was tedious. And the electrical was outside his expertise and he wanted to be certain everything was up to code.
“It’s still crazy.”
Oakley couldn’t really disagree. She didn’t fully understand Chris’s motivations herself. But what did she know about being a billionaire? Exactly n
othing.
Cam didn’t stay much longer after that. Oakley walked her friend out to her car just as Chris’s big black truck pulled into the cul-de-sac. Of course, Cam wasn’t going to leave without saying ‘hi’. They both watched him get out of his truck, appreciating the view he provided.
Cam whistled low enough he couldn’t hear her. “For the record, I’m jealous as all get out.”
Oakley slugged Cam on the arm with a laugh. “Sorry, sister, you’ll have to get your own stud. This one’s mine.”
Chris sauntered over and slipped his arm around Oakley’s shoulder. “Did you just call me a stud?” he asked before planting a quick, but thorough kiss on her lips.
“Yes,” Cam answered for her. “She said you were her’s, too. If that matters.”
Chris’s eyes never left hers. “It does.” He kissed her again.
“Yeah, so I’m Cam. Nice to meet you, Chris. I’ve heard a lot about you. Mostly from Kaden. He really likes your interview videos on YouTube. We watched a couple tonight. Or fifty.” Cam kept talking as Chris devoured Oakley’s lips with his own, until he finally started laughing.
Dropping his arms from around Oakley, he turned to her best friend. “Hi, Cam. I’ve heard a lot about you, too. It’s good to finally meet you.” Instead of shaking her hand, Chris picked her up in a bear hug that lifted her feet off the ground.
Cam wasn’t complaining. In fact, she didn’t let him go once he set her back on her own two feet. “Oh, wow. You smell really good.” She inhaled his chest. “Hmmm. Didn’t Oakley tell me you have a brother?”
Chris grinned. “Yes. Carter. He’s three years younger than me. And has a lot more money.”
Cam’s eyes widened. She pulled back to look him in the eye. “Okay, but does he smell as good as you do?”
Chris laughed outright at that. “I have no idea. He’ll be here on Saturday. You can sniff him yourself and find out.”
Cam turned to Oakley, her eyes glinting mischievously. “Oh, believe me, I will.”
Chris patted the top of her head. “I can’t wait to see the show.”
Grinning, Cam finally stepped out of Chris’s embrace to give Oakley a fierce hug. “I’m so happy for you,” she whispered in her ear before hurrying to her car.
Chris moved to put his arm back around Oakley’s waist and they both watched as Cam backed out of the driveway and drove away.
“Well, that was interesting,” Chris said as soon as she was out of sight.
“Yeah, that’s Cam for you.” She tugged him toward her front door. “You coming in?”
“You better believe it,” he murmured, giving her a look that would melt iron.
Blushing, she stopped on the top step of her porch bringing her eye to eye with him. It seemed he was always the one to initiate anything physical between them. Maybe that should change. Like right now.
With both hands braced on his shoulders, Oakley didn’t hesitate to touch her lips to his. He let her kiss him, accepting and participating without applying any pressure of his own. The only thing he did was settle his hands on her hips.
His mouth was warm and he tasted sweet, like her favorite dessert. And Cam wasn’t exaggerating. Chris smelled amazing. Expensive. Alluring.
Like home.
Home?
Oakley broke away.
Chris grumbled low in his throat. “Finished already?” His eyes were heavy.
He made her laugh. He made her feel safe. Loved. Cherished. So, what did she have to be afraid of?
Losing him, her traitorous heart whispered.
It was like he heard it, as though he could read her mind and her heart. Chris pulled her into his chest so roughly she stumbled. She didn’t fall. He caught her in his strong arms. His intense blue eyes held hers for several long moments.
“I’m not going anywhere,” he said before his lips crashed into hers.
Several days later, it was Saturday. Chris had been working hard all week preparing to have some extra hands at the house, making sure he had enough paint, rollers, and brushes. He bought plants, flowers, and shrubs for the flower beds and along the drive. A truckload of mulch had been dumped in the yard, ready to be spread. Terrance called to say he’d recruited a few more guys, so Chris decided to get some lumber for the back deck. If they had time, he’d get started on it today.
Oakley helped him organize coolers with ice and water bottles. He’d put in an order for a couple of six foot sub-sandwiches and even arranged to have them delivered. The day before, he and Oakley had picked up several fruit and veggie trays to set up at her house for those who needed to take a break from working. He appreciated everyone taking the day to help him, making sure they were fed and hydrated was the least he could do.
Along with everything going on at the house, he’d been contacted by someone representing Harley Stone. She wanted to meet with him, but he’d have to fly to Los Angeles to do it. As much as he hated to leave Oakley and Kaden for any reason, this was important to him and hopefully would be the beginning of an ongoing relationship that would keep Chris busy for a long time to come. He’d arranged with Carter to use the jet to fly out the next morning. Eric Jansen, his agent, was also in LA and had been harassing Chris for months about meeting. After making a few phone calls, Chris arranged to meet with Eric for lunch and Harley for dinner. He planned to fly back to Denver as soon as dinner was over and be home in time to meet Oakley at their blanket in her back yard.
“I think we’re all set.” Oakley slipped her arm around his waist. They were at her house finishing up breakfast while Kaden played in his room and watched cartoons. It was almost nine and everyone would be arriving soon. Her parents would be stopping by to pick up Kaden for the day. Chris hated not having the little dude around, but a construction site wasn’t a safe place for a three-year-old, especially with as much commotion as Chris was expecting once everyone showed up.
Chris kissed the top of her head. “I can’t even tell you how much I appreciate all your help.”
“Have you decided what you’re going to do with the house once it’s finished?” It was something they’d been avoiding talking about. Once the house was finished, Chris wouldn’t be living next door to her anymore. Neither of them were willing to face what that might mean for them. For their relationship.
Chris nodded. He’d already hinted that he’d likely be giving it to a charity, but he hadn’t told her any of the specifics he’d been working on.
“Kind of. I’m still working on some details.” That reminded him. Wrapping both arms around her waist, he brought her around to face him. “I was gonna tell you, I have to go out of town tomorrow. I need to meet with Eric about some things and then I have another meeting. I won’t get back until late.”
Chris watched her reaction carefully. They’d grown closer in the days since Santa Monica, but he knew she was still getting used to the idea that he wasn’t simply a house-flipper. If there was a hint of doubt that crossed her face, she covered it quickly with an understanding smile.
“I’ll miss you,” she said simply.
This woman. She had no idea the hold she had over him. He’d move heaven and earth to keep her happy. If only he could convince her of that. He hoped it was just a matter of time. She’d come to trust him, he was sure of it. He just had to be patient.
“I’ll miss you, too.” He kissed her again, this time on her lips.
“Hey!” a voice called through the screen door. “Is that what it’s gonna be like all day? Because if so, I’m outta here.”
Oakley pulled back to grin at her brother. “Hey, Rafe. Come on in.”
This guy was Oakley’s baby brother? Chris tried to hide his surprise, although he didn’t know why he’d expected someone different. She’d told him her younger brother worked with their dad at his auto repair shop. For some reason, Chris had been picturing Rafe as a male version of Oakley- slender, wiry, and not very tall. Instead, Rafe was just a couple of inches shorter than Chris and just as muscular. He had d
ark hair he wore a little long on the top, olive skin, and brown eyes. Black tattoos swirled from beneath the short sleeves of his snug black t-shirt and he eyed Chris with unconcealed suspicion.
Chris didn’t blame the guy. He also didn’t have anything to hide.
Extending a hand, he introduced himself. “Hi, Rafe, I’m Chris.”
Rafe accepted his hand with a look. “I know.”
Right.
Oakley smacked her brother’s shoulder with a frown. “Behave yourself,” she admonished before turning to Chris, a twinkle in her eye. “Don’t let him fool you. He’s a huge fan.”
Rafe shot her a look of betrayal only a sibling could pull off. “Gee, Oak, just throw me under the bus, why don’t ya?”
Oakley’s lips twisted and her eyes squinted at her brother before she turned toward the short hall leading to the bedrooms. “I’ll be right back. I’m gonna go check on Kaden. I’ll let him know you’re here, Rafe.”
Chris couldn’t help but watch as she walked away. Oakley really was an amazing woman and he couldn’t get enough of her.
Once she was out of sight, Chris turned his attention back to her brother who eyed him knowingly. That was okay. Chris wasn’t ashamed of the feelings he had for Oakley. He respected her and tried to always treat her the way she deserved. So, he had to earn Rafe’s trust, too, no big deal. If Oakley was his sister he supposed he’d feel the same way about some guy trying to work his way into not only her life, but Kaden’s, too.
“Thanks for coming today. I really appreciate it.”
Rafe nodded. “Oak said you were going to donate the house to charity.”
“Yeah. I’m still hammering out the details, but I’m hoping it will go to someone who really needs it.”
“That’s cool. I’m glad to help.”
“Good. Here I was thinking you just came by to check up on me.” Chris folded his arms over his chest.
Rafe leveled him with a look. “Oh, I did, Mr. Football Player. You better believe I did.” Then he smiled. “I think I’ll go see my nephew before he leaves.”
Marrying the Football Billionaire Page 19