Big Baller : A Hero Club Novel

by Katrina Marie

  “Sometimes,” he shrugs. “I reserve most of that for the off season, but still only allow myself a small portion. It’s all about balance.”

  “The only thing I balance is a glass of wine in one hand and a cookie in the other.”

  His mouth opens wide, shocked by my comment. “That doesn’t even sound good.” He looks around the empty room and nods his head toward the door. “You ready to get out of here?”

  “Sure.” Part of me wants to stay here, to keep the date going because I want to see if he has any other soft sides. The other part, however, wants to get the hell out of here. That part is smart. Avoid the possibility of feelings and not get sucked in by his charisma. Even though he acted like a complete ass when we got here, he has more to him. I want to know what that is. If we stay here any longer, I’ll be pulled further in. I don’t have a lifestyle suitable for dating anyone not in my field.

  Bentley walks to the hostess stand and pulls out his wallet. Marie is talking animatedly to him, arms flying in every direction, and then she laughs harder than I’ve ever heard her laugh. What is it with this guy and older ladies? They seem to eat out of the palm of his hand. It’s weird. But if Marie is warming up to him, that has to mean something. It took her a while to even interact with Lana, and she’s my best friend.

  He doesn’t come back to the table, so I grab my clutch and head toward them. “You two are mighty chummy. What’s so funny?”

  “Oh, nothing,” Marie waves me off. She pulls me into a hug, “Come back and see me the next time you’re in town.” Bringing me closer to her, she whispers in my ear, “Be careful with this one. He could be a keeper and he’s a smooth talker.”

  I simply nod and back away from her. Thanks for putting that thought in my head. Any sign of heartbreak, and I’m out. Her comment just sealed the deal on this going any further.

  Bentley reaches for my hand, and I debate taking it. I don’t want to give him the wrong impression, but his hand felt spectacular earlier. I can’t remember the last time I held hands with a man. His are the perfect balance of rough and soft. It almost matches his personality. A hard exterior to hide the soft interior he doesn’t want anyone else to see. Too many conflicting feelings. Those emotions don’t stop my hand from sliding into his, though.

  “A car should be here to pick us up in just a few,” he says as we walk toward the door. Then he turns his head toward the stand again. “Marie, I’ll be back next time I’m in town. The food was delicious.”

  “You’re welcome back anytime,” she calls out. “Good luck on the rest of your season.”

  “Thank you.” He pushes the door open, and a gust of wind hits us. The temperature has dropped since we went inside, and I wrap my free arm around myself to block some of the wind. I’m used to colder temps, but not such a dramatic drop. Hopefully, this doesn’t mean there will be wintry weather and we’ll be stuck here for longer. I’m ready to sleep in my own bed. “I wish I had a jacket to offer you.”

  His voice shakes me from thoughts. “I didn’t expect it to get so cold.”

  He pulls out his phone and checks an app. “The driver should pull around soon.”

  No sooner than the words leave his mouth, a car pulls up to the curb. “Wow. That was fast. How long ago did you set it up?”

  “When I went to talk to Marie and pay the bill.” He shakes his head, astonished. “I wish the service was this fast back in Austin. Sometimes you have to wait almost an hour depending on the time of day…and if there is a game happening.”

  “It’s not common here, either. You must be lucky.”

  He takes his hand out of mine and opens the back door of the car. “After you, Mademoiselle.”

  I roll my eyes and get in, sliding across the seat until I’m almost touching the other door. “I bet you’ve been waiting your whole life to use that.”

  He shrugs, “Not really. It just sounded good.” He mutters something else under his breath, but I didn’t catch it. Louder he adds, “We can head back to the hotel I’m staying in.”

  The offer is tempting, but no. I can’t do this past today. No more dates, and hopefully he doesn’t bug me about it on any more flights we might be on together. “Sorry, I can’t.” He starts to say something, but I cut him off. “I have plans with Lana.” I don’t, not really. But I figure it’s the easiest way to let him down.

  “Okay, I understand that.” He looks at the driver. “Can you drop her off at the hotel by the airport then take me to Knight Hotel?”

  The driver turns around to face us, “It’ll be easier if I drop you off first since your hotel is a lot closer.”

  “Are you okay with that?” Bentley asks.

  Honestly, that works out better. Then there won’t be any chance he’ll talk his way to my hotel room. I have no doubt that he’ll try. “Yeah, that’s fine with me.”

  His face falls, and I can tell I hurt his feelings. “Okay, we’ll do that.” The car moves forward until we come out of the side street onto one of the main roads. “Maybe we can grab breakfast in the morning.”

  Damn. Looks like I won’t be avoiding this conversation after all. Let’s see, how can I do this gently? “I had a great time today, but I don’t think it’s a good idea for us to go on another date.”

  “Why not?”

  “Because our schedules are insane, and we’d never see each other. Besides, I still don’t really know you.”

  “Isn’t dating how you get to know someone?”

  He has a point. “I’m just not ready to seriously date someone.”

  We pull up to his hotel, and I can see the argument bubbling up inside him. “You say that now, but I’m betting you’ll go on another date with me. You’ll realize you miss my company and want something more than just your bed.”

  Those words are a shot straight to my heart. He doesn’t have to call out my insecurities like that, but I won’t back down. “I’m sorry. I just can’t.”

  “Okay,” he says as he opens the car door. “I’ll see you on the flight in the morning.”

  “Bye, Bentley.” He shuts the car door and I watch him enter the hotel as the car drives away. He was right. One day I will want more. Today is not that day, though. At least, I don’t think it is.

  Lana is sitting on the bed, her eyes on the door, and a big goofy grin on her face. “I didn’t get a save me text, or call. I assume the date went well?”

  I groan and toss my bag on the dresser by the door. “Define well.”

  She jumps up and comes toward me until she’s right in front of my face. “I mean, since I didn’t get a call, that means you had an excellent time. When’s your next date?” It’s a wonder she didn’t start poking me to get her point across.

  Sidestepping around her, I flop on my bed. “There isn’t one.”

  “Oh no,” she gasps. “What happened?”

  I shrug and my dress rides up. Is it too early to change into yoga pants, climb into bed, and watch Netflix? “Nothing. The date was actually pretty good. There were a few moments when he was an ass, but overall…it was good.”

  She arches an eyebrow and squints one eye, studying me. “Then why isn’t there going to be another date?” She’s more invested in this than I am, and I need to find her angle. She’s never badgered me about dating as much as she has these past two weeks.

  The television is on, and some guy behind a tall desk is droning on about the game last night. An image of Bentley flashes across the screen. Seriously, this has to come on right now? I turn my attention to the ceiling. My focus is safer there. “Because it’s not feasible. We don’t live in the same place, and we’re both constantly traveling. How in the hell would that even work?” I sigh, “there isn’t time to date with those schedules. Besides, I’m not ready to date.”

  “With an attitude like that, you’ll never be ready,” she snaps. The bed dips beside me, and I know I’m about to get my ass handed to me by my best friend. “Look, you’ve moped over Carter long enough. It’s time to move on.” I
open my mouth, but she covers it with her hand. “No, you don’t get to talk yet.” I lick her hand and she snatches it back, wiping it on the bed. “Anyway, you are way too young to turn into a spinster. Go out and live a little. Why do I have to keep having this conversation with you?”

  She has a point. Lots of them, actually. But I’m not telling her that. “Because I’m hard headed and don’t listen.” It doesn’t lighten the mood like I hoped it would. “I have trust issues, okay. He’s a celebrity figure. If you don’t believe me, look all over the internet. Women throw themselves at him constantly. Hell, two women did it today when we were at the pizzeria the second I left the table.” I take a deep breath before continuing. “I haven’t exactly had the best of luck with people sticking by me. My parents got pissed when I chose this career and I can’t remember that last time I’ve talked to them. Then Carter ended up being a dud. Why should I open myself up to that kind of hurt again?”

  Lana grabs my arm and pulls me up until I’m sitting. “First off, your parents suck. You followed your dreams instead of settling on something that wouldn’t make you happy. Second, you knew what you were getting into with Carter. That almost ruined our friendship, and as shitty as it is to say, I’m glad it ended. It wouldn’t have lasted, and I don’t know that our friendship would have survived if you kept it up with him.”

  “You’re right. That’s a shitty thing to say. But I knew deep down it was a short-term thing. I was mostly pissed that he found his happily ever after not long after we were over.”

  “At least you recognize that now.” She looks past me to the television and grabs my chin until I’m facing it. “On the other hand, that man wants to date you, no matter how many times you’ve turned him down.”

  The picture on the screen is one of him dunking on the home team. It’s no wonder he’s gaining popularity as a rookie. From the few things I’ve seen, he’s really good. “I don’t know if I can handle dating someone that will likely become high profile. Besides, how long would he actually date me until someone younger and prettier comes along?”

  “When those women threw themselves at him during lunch today, did he engage?”

  “No,” I pout. He acted like a gentleman, much to my surprise. “But I still don’t know.” I take my eyes off the screen and turn toward her, “Can we talk about something else? I don’t really want to get lost in my feelings. Besides, you’re the one who told me to keep it casual with him, and now you’re pushing me on him like he’s the answer to all my problems.”

  She shrugs her shoulders and laughs. “What can I say? I like his energy. If there’s anyone not scared to argue their point against you, it’s him.” She looks around the room before focusing on me again. “Since you aren’t seeing him and don’t want to get all up in your feelings…come drink with me tonight.”

  “Lana,” I protest.

  “Hear me out. It’ll be a girl’s night. It’s been forever since we’ve hung out and drank together.”

  “We literally did that a few days ago.” It was probably the most relaxing time I’ve had in a while. We had wine, did facemasks…the whole shebang.

  “I mean one where we leave the hotel.” She stands up and heads to her suitcase. “I won’t even try to dress you. For all I care, you can wear yoga pants and a sweatshirt. I just know I need out of this hotel room. I’m not meant to be cooped up.”

  “You’ve had all day to leave. Why didn’t you go anywhere?”

  “I wanted to be here in case you needed me. What kind of friend would I be if I bailed on you to go on a shopping trip?”

  “I honestly don’t know how you fit all your shopping spree items into your suitcase. I’m beginning to think it’s magical.” She really is an amazing friend. Hell, my parents pretty much cut me off when I told them I wanted to travel the world. But this woman, who isn’t even my blood, stayed here just in case the date was a disaster. “And I’ll go out with you tonight. Don’t expect me to go all crazy, though. Our flight still leaves at a decent time.”

  “Yay,” she squeals. “I’ll go get ready. We can grab dinner then head to a bar.”

  “Sounds good. I’m going to go change into something more comfortable.” I point to the dress in question. “It won’t take me long.”

  “We’re going to have so much fun.” She rushes to the bathroom to begin her “going out” ritual. She’s the only one that can drag me out, even if I don’t feel like it. I’m just happy I’ll always have her in my corner. My life would be boring without her crazy antics. As for my dating life…that can wait for another day. Tonight, is all about me and my bestie.

  Eleven

  Bentley

  “What do you mean she declined a second date?” Jordan asks over the phone. He and his wife left for the airport about an hour ago. Announcements can be heard in the background, and it only reminds me of Jolene.

  “Exactly what I said.” I run my fingers through my hair and sigh. “I thought everything was going great. I asked for a second date, and she threw out every excuse in the world to turn it down.”

  “I know you don’t want to hear this, but she might be a lost cause.” He mumbles something, I’m assuming to his wife, before he speaks again. “As much as I hate saying this, you’re probably better off dating girls the way you have been. Even if it’s something I don’t agree with.”

  “But I can’t get her out of my head.” Frustration doesn’t even begin to cover what I’m feeling, and you can see the path I’ve paced in the hotel's carpet. “I don’t even know why. It’s not like I even know her. She caught my attention on the flight and has stayed in my thoughts since then. What is wrong with me? This isn’t normal.”

  “Dude, there isn’t anything wrong with you.” He pauses for a beat, then laughs. “Except for the fact you’re a pushy asshole.”

  “That’s not helping.” I need to get this girl out of my system.

  “Why don’t you see who’s still there and see what they’re doing tonight?”

  “You know damn well most of the team doesn’t like me.” They talk to me at practices and games. That’s it.

  “Because you’re a cocky rookie. You need to earn their respect instead of running up and down the court acting like you’re better than them.”

  “I am better than most of them.” I sit on the sofa. Yep, there’s a sofa in the hotel room. That was a new thing for me. If it wasn’t for me showing up last night, we would have lost that game.

  “That doesn’t matter. We are a team. You seemed to have forgotten what that’s like considering you just graduated from college.” He sighs, and I can imagine him shaking his head. He does that a lot where I’m concerned. “You need to hang out with them outside of games and really get to know them. Maybe by showing them you aren’t a jackass; they’ll like you better.”

  “Okay,” I drawl. “And what am I supposed to do after I see who’s still here.”

  “Go out and get a drink with them. Hang out with them. You’ll be working on your relationship with them and getting your mind off the girl. Two birds, one stone.”

  He has a point. It’d be nice to actually fit in with the team for once. To be a part of the group without feeling like I don’t belong. It’s not that I need their approval. Not exactly. It’ll be nice to not have to hear the shitty remarks they have about me being on the team. They’ve had years to build their friendships. “Okay, I think I can do that.”

  “Good.” His wife says something but I can’t hear her over the airport noise. “I have to go. But get out and have fun tonight. If that means finding a woman to hang out with, so be it. Just don’t do anything more. We need your head in the game and not on a one-night stand.”

  “It hasn’t screwed up my game yet.”

  “You know what I mean. I’ll catch you back in Austin.” He hangs up before I can say anything else.

  “Asshole,” I mutter. How am I supposed to get a hold of anyone to hang out with? Knock on their doors like a little kid asking if they want to com
e out and play? Maybe Jordan’s plan isn’t such a great idea. Staying in my room, moping, sounds like a much better idea.

  Damn, is this what I've turned into? I barely even know this woman, and I'm freaking out over her denying one date with me. This is stupid. I think I'm going to take my teammates' advice and live it up tonight. It's a shame those two women from the pizzeria didn't slip me their phone numbers. But I was trying to be respectful of my date and walked away from them before they had a chance to do anything.

  I scroll through my phone to see whose phone number I have. It's not many, and I'm debating whether this is a good idea or not. This woman has made me start second guessing myself, and that's something I've never done. At least, not since dad walked out on us when I was eight years old. I was always worried I wasn't good enough, or asked myself what I did to make him leave. But I never came up with an answer. And that is why I just don't become attached to people. The only people who have never let me down are my mom, my sister, my coaches, and my teammates.

  Well, until now at least. I don't think half of my teammates even like me, and that is something I will change starting now.

  A knock comes from my door, scaring the hell out of me, and I drop my phone on the floor. "Shit, I hope I didn't just shatter the screen."

  I pick up the phone before standing up and heading toward the door. Thank God there's not even so much as a scratch, but I have no idea who would show up at my door right now. It can't be any ball chasers because the hotel is under strict guidelines not to give out that information. Not that they would anyway, but our owners like to make sure they know not to. I open the door and come face to chest with one of my teammates. "Ross, what are you doing here?" The question comes out more aggressive than I intend, and I slap myself on the forehead. "Sorry, come on in."

  Ross ducks his head and comes through the door before shutting it behind him. You never realize how much taller your teammates are until you're no longer on the court. "Jordan mentioned you might need someone to chill with tonight, and I figured I'd ask if you wanted to come down to the hotel bar and drink a few with me."