"Yeah, usually my pitchy voice gets them to go away, and that guy…he just wasn't having it." Lana comes up to my side and bumps my shoulder. "I honestly don't know what he would have been capable of. So, thank you for me to."
"I seriously hate guys like that. His mama definitely didn't teach him any manners." That comes from the guy standing beside Bentley.
"Hi, I'm Jolene," I hold my hand out to shake his hand.
He steps around Bentley and wraps me in a hug. "I'm, Ross. It's kind of crappy that these are the circumstances we're meeting under." He takes a step back and shakes his head. "Sorry, I just said I don't like dudes who overstep their bounds and I just went in for a hug. That would also be my mom's fault. She's a hugger."
I laugh, "It's fine. You don't give off creepy abductor vibes."
Lana waves at him, "Are you going to be on our flight tomorrow?"
"Of course, I have to see my favorite flight attendant." He gives her a wink and her cheeks reddened.
We all stand there awkward and silent for a minute, and Lana nods her head to the bar, "So do you want to go grab a drink?" Bentley's teammate nods, and he and Lana leave Bentley and I to our own devices.
I gestured to the seat behind me, "At this point, it would be kind of rude if I didn't invite you to sit."
"Thanks." He rounds the table and takes the seat Lana was previously sitting in. "I would have been over here sooner, but by the time the bartender came back around, you had already started raising your voice."
"That is an experience I never want to have again. I knew I should have just stayed in the hotel room tonight."
"But if you did that, I wouldn’t have had the opportunity to rescue the damsel in distress."
"So, do you have some kind of hero complex I don't know about? First you stepped in with my awkward conversation without me asking, and now this?”
The bartender comes over and sets fresh glasses on the table. "Those are on the house."
"Thanks," Bentley says. He turns his focus on me, "neither one of these situations was something I planned on. I'm just happy I came down to the bar with my teammate tonight. Otherwise, that could've gone a completely different direction."
"Believe me, I'm grateful." I take a sip of my drink and look around the room, doing anything I can to keep my gaze off the man who continually comes to my rescue and surprises me.
"I guess that means you'll be going on a second date with me."
I spit out the drink I just took, and it goes all over him. "Where in the hell would you get that idea?"
"Well, I know you have an interest in me. Otherwise, you wouldn't be fighting your feelings so hard. Second, I did just rescue and I think that's deserving of a date."
Yet, he continuously surprises me. As much as my encounter a few moments ago rattled me, I'm not going to let that interfere with the rest of my night. He's right. I do have some kind of feelings for him, and before that douche nozzle interrupted my girl's night, I was going to tell Lana that I'm done fighting her, and am willing to take a chance on him. But is now the time to tell him that? I mean, he did bring it up so his mind is obviously in that space. You can do this Jolene, be more like Lana, take life by the horns and see where it leads you. "I don't know, I feel like a second date might not be enough to show you how grateful I am."
His face lights up, and I don't think I've seen him this happy. At least, not since that first time he flew, and we landed at the airport.
"This isn't a joke, is it?" He points at me, "because if it is, you are a cruel woman."
I laugh. "No, it's not a joke. I'm willing to let you attempt to sweep me off of my feet."
“There’ll be no attempt,” he reaches across the table and places his hand on top of mine. “Before long you won’t be able to get enough of me. Mark my words.”
Just like that he’s thrown down the gauntlet and I know my heart will be his whether I like it or not.
Thirteen
Bentley
Ross and I are in the elevator on the way up to our rooms. I’d like to say we closed the hotel bar down, but Lana and Jolene were still pretty shaken up by that asshole. We called them an Uber and sent them back to their hotel. I swear, if I see that guy around the hotel, I’m going to pummel him. He’s lucky I even gave him the opportunity to leave the bar. I’m not a violent man, but he didn’t have any good intentions, and I’m grateful I was in there tonight. Who knows what would have happened otherwise?
“Dude, no wonder you’re head over heels for that chick. She’s hot.” Ross backs out of the open doors. “You should have seen your face when her voice got loud. You went into defender mode.”
“It’s not just because she’s hot,” I roll my eyes at him and follow him out of the elevator. “She’s incredibly stubborn. And I’m sure you would have, too. It sure as hell didn't take you long to come up beside me.”
“It was in case you needed backup, man. And my mom would also kick my ass if I didn’t stand up to defend a lady’s honor.”
“All I’m hearing is you’re scared of your mom.” I walk backward toward my room.
“You would be, too.” He turns to the opposite end of the hallway but stops. “Next time Mom has a cookout or get together; you’re welcome to come. Then you can tell me you aren’t scared of her.”
“I’m sure she’s as sweet as pie.”
“Yeah, okay.” He turns back toward his room and walks away. “I’ll see you at the airport in the morning,” he calls over his shoulder.
I stop walking backward, turning until I’m facing the doors on either side of the hallway. As soon as I get to my room, I slide the keycard into the slot and walk in. Before I make it to my suitcase to change into some sleep pants, my phone dings.
Jolene: We made it. Thank you again.
Bentley: No problem. What time do you usually get to the airport? Maybe we can grab breakfast.
Jolene: I’m there a hell of a lot earlier than you are.
Bentley: That sounds like you’re neglecting our second date.
Jolene: Calm down. I’m still going on that date with you, just not in the morning.
Bentley: K. Good night. Dream about me. ;)
Jolene: Goodnight dork.
Tossing my phone on the bed, I rummage through my suitcase for my joggers. Even though tonight had a great ending, I’m feeling buzzed from my confrontation with that jerk and need to take a shower to calm myself down. It’s almost the same adrenaline that gets me going while I’m on the court, but not quite.
The tile on the bathroom floor is cold against my feet, and I wish places had heated floors. This Texas guy isn’t used to everything being so chilly. I turn the handle on the shower until the water warms and steam fills up the bathroom. The only way this shower would feel better is if Jolene had stayed the night with me. I knew she wouldn’t agree to that, it’s just not in her wiring. Asking her after what happened tonight would definitely lose me points. But a guy can dream.
I step under the hot water and close the shower door behind me. Rather than picturing Jolene’s distress tonight, I focus on how she looked this afternoon. How carefree she seemed to be at the Italian restaurant. How her hand felt in mine. And how I wish I could feel it against my skin right now. Soft and hesitant as it slides down my chest before grabbing hold of my cock. Her fingers rubbing small circles over the tip and sliding down until I’m hard as a rock. Fuck, I can’t get this girl out of my head. My hand pumps faster and faster. A groan escapes my lips as I come, and I lean forward, resting against the side of the wall.
That shouldn’t have happened so fast. I’m already sprung after one date with this woman, and there’s no telling what will happen during our next date. All I know is it’s been way too long since I’ve gotten laid, and by the time she lets me inside her, I’m not sure how long I’ll be able to last.
Even though Jolene said she didn’t want to do breakfast, I still get to the airport earlier than necessary. Ross groaned into the phone this morning when I calle
d asking if he wanted to ride together. I believe his exact words were “get bent.” So, I’m on my own. Thank God, Jordan showed me what needed to be done on the last two flights, otherwise I’d be screwed.
Getting through security was a breeze. And now I’m sitting outside of my gate, wondering if I’ll see the woman who has captured my attention. Do flight attendants even use the same methods we do to get into the airport? Or do they have a super secret entrance only they are allowed to enter? Either way, my eyes are peeled.
Considering the early hour, there are quite a few people boarding planes and getting off them. Families are rushing to make their flights, making sure everyone is accounted for. Men in suits flying back in for their jobs. At least, that’s what I’m assuming. We never went anywhere if we couldn’t drive. Mom isn’t a huge fan of planes and we never really had the money for extravagant trips. I think I’ll take her and my sister on a nice vacation after the season is over. Who knows? Maybe Jolene will still be around.
Woah there, buddy. You’ve gone on one date with this chick. It’s too early to be planning for the future. That’s making some huge assumptions that I’m not even ready to face. Remember, you don’t do relationships, Bentley. She’ll end up leaving just like Dad.
“Yo, man. Have you been sitting here the whole time?” Ross’s voice scares the hell out of me.
“What time is it?”
“Our flight should start boarding soon. You good?”
Holy shit, I didn’t realize I was in my head for so long. I guess I’m getting better at tuning out the noise in this place. Or, maybe you’re too busy planning a future you have no business planning. A small part of my subconscious whispers. I’m not, though. This is just for fun. Jolene said she didn’t have time for relationships so we’ll just hang out when we can, and that will be it.
“Yeah, I’m good. Just hoping to see Jolene before we board.”
“You got it bad for this broad.” He sees my glare and laughs. “It’s all good, though. You do what you gotta do. I’ll try not to tease you for it…much.”
“Asshole,” I mutter.
“What’s the word on her friend? After hanging out with her at the bar last night, she seems like a pretty cool chick.”
“Oh, I see how it is. You mock me then ask me about her friend.” I gaze around the gate, hoping to catch sight of the women in question. “I have no idea. She helped me cross paths with Jolene. Even gave me her flight schedule so I could book flights when she’s working. She seems pretty gung-ho on her friend finding someone to spend time with.”
“That’s all good for you,” he leans back into the seat, crossing his ankle over his leg. “But what about her? I’d be lying if I said she didn’t catch my attention on previous flights. But I think she’s a natural flirt, and shouldn’t take trying to hook up with her seriously.”
“I don’t know. You’ll have to ask her yourself.”
A voice comes over the intercom, “Now seating first class.”
“Looks like I’m heading in. Want me to send a message if I see your girl?”
“She isn’t really my girl,” I fire back. What the hell has gotten into me? “Sorry, I’m good. I’ll see her when I board.”
Since coach boards last, I wait until almost nobody else is in line. I don’t want to be rushed when I see her. Finally, the people in front of me move forward and my palms are clammy. Before I get too close to the door, I whip my backpack around and pull out a small trinket.
The passengers in front of me are slowly making their way onto the plane, and I feel like a moron with a junior high crush holding this thing in my hands. I’m hoping she thinks it’s adorable instead of completely insane.
Finally, I see her brown hair through the line of people. I’m getting closer to her with each step, and I debate throwing the gift on the floor. Acting as if it never existed. Instead, I keep my eyes glued to her and the moment she sees me…her eyes light up and a smile overtakes her face. Relief washes through me. She seems to be as caught up in the chemistry we have as I am.
“Hey,” she breathes once I’m in front of her. “When I didn’t see you board earlier, I was wondering if you switched flights.”
“And miss a chance to see a beautiful face? That’s not happening.” I wonder if I should tell her how Lana helped me, but I figure if Lana wanted her to know, she’d tell her.
“You got the second date with me, no need to be cheesy.”
Well, that withers the bravado I had about giving her a gift. If she thought that was cheesy, there’s no way in hell she will accept this without laughing her ass off. “Please, you just wish you had lines like me.”
She rolls her eyes. I fumble with my backpack and suitcase, almost dropping the trinket on the floor. Her eyes catch on it, and she reaches for my hand. “What’s that?”
“Well, it was a gift for you, but I’m not so sure now. I don’t want to be too cheesy.”
“Oh, shut up and hand it over.” This is why Jolene caught my eye in the first place. She may seem quiet and demure, but she’s also demanding. If my mom were here to see this, she’d call her my perfect match. As if that actually exists.
I hand it over and watch as she tries to figure out what it is. I don’t make her wait long for an explanation. “It’s a paper flower. I know you’re not home much, so real flowers were out of the question. This is just something to remind you of our next date. I want to be on your mind every time you see it.”
“I’m not sure if I should be offended or not,” she laughs. “It’s a thoughtful gift, but the fact that you think you’re forgettable is funny.” She slaps her hand over her mouth at the slip. It’s good to know that I cross her mind more than she wants to admit.
“We should catch that date after we land in Austin.”
A flash of regret crosses her face. “I can’t. I have a back-to-back flight.”
Damn it. “We’re going to have to figure out this schedule issue. I’m going to need more than a couple of hours after each flight. Especially if you’re going to fall head over heels.”
“There you go assuming again,” her lips quirk into a smirk. “I promise you’ll get your date, and we’ll make it happen. We’ll just have to get creative.” She winks and I can’t help the wicked thoughts that flitter through my head.
“I can get creative,” I wink back.
“You better get seated; we’ll be departing soon.”
I lean over and give her a quick peck on the cheek. It’s less than I want to do, but I have a suspicion she’d smack me if I went in for an actual kiss. “See you in the aisle.”
Another eye-roll before I search for an available seat. Almost all the ones where I normally sit are taken, and I’m kicking myself for not boarding sooner. It was worth it, though. I grab a seat close to the back of the plane and put my suitcase in the overhead storage. I’m going to spend the whole flight thinking of creative ways we can date from afar.
Fourteen
Jolene
My phone pings with a message. It’s too early in the morning to be dealing with people. And…it’s my day off. My feet don’t have to leave the ground for three days. I can’t even remember the last time I’ve had such a long break. Usually it’s off one day and back in the air the next. I’m not one to look a gift horse in the mouth, though.
I roll over and pull the pillow over my head, as if that will block out everything. No such luck. My phone sends the reminder ping right before it rings. Panic at the Disco, blares through the room. I really need to remember to put that thing on silent before I go to bed. There’s only one person who calls me, and it’s too early for her to even be up yet. Unless it’s an emergency. Or work, and that’s the only reason I don’t want to answer it. Just in case they are calling me to cover for one of the other attendants. Shit, I better get whatever this is over with.
I reach to the nightstand, my hand knocking over the glass of water I set there last night, until my fingers grasp the phone. I answer it before it goes
to voicemail, not bothering to check to see who it is. “Hello, Lana?”
“Guess again.” Bentley’s voice comes through the speaker and I can envision the smirk he’s wearing right this second.
“Ugh, why are you calling so early?” As much as I want to lie down while finding out the reason for his call, I can’t. The water I knocked over is dripping onto the floor, and each drop that hits the floor is a soft, but annoying, plop.
“I just finished my workout and thought I’d call you so we can figure out our date.” He doesn’t even sound out of breath. Who the hell works out and then carries on a conversation like they aren’t gasping for air? “I take it you aren’t a morning person?”
I swing my legs over the bed and sit up. “Not even a little bit.” My feet land in the small puddle of water. Groaning, I do a weird limp walk to the bathroom to get a towel, trying not to get water all over the floor.
“Are you okay? Maybe I should call back later.”
“No,” I sigh. “You’re fine. I spilled a cup of water when I reached for my phone. And I stepped in it.”
“Shit,” he mutters. “I’m so sorry. I didn’t intend to make your morning start off badly.”
“It’s all good. Nothing a towel can’t clean up.” Wait, he’s calling for information about our second date. How is that even going to happen when we are states apart? Last time I checked when we need to be in the same vicinity to go on one. “You were saying something about the second date? You realize we aren’t in the same area, right? Unless you somehow found out where I live and you’re stalking me. Which, by the way, is kind of creepy.”
He laughs, and I can’t help the way my body tingles when I hear the sound. It’s deep and full of life. When’s the last time I laughed like that? With complete abandon? Oh yeah, on our first date. He seems to bring out another side of me. “No, I’m not stalking you. Though, if I knew the area you were in, this would be a lot easier.”
Big Baller : A Hero Club Novel Page 9