My phone rings, and a surge of anticipation shoots through me.
"Hey," I answer, automatically assuming it's him. "Where are you?"
"Hailey? It's Gayle Rader. I hope I'm not interrupting anything."
Damn, I really need to start looking at my caller ID.
"No, of course not. What can I do for you, Gayle?" I ask, trying to keep it together.
"Listen, I know it's last minute, but I was able to set up your second date for tonight. I hope you can make it."
"Umm, doesn't Jilly have a game?" I stall, saying the first excuse that comes to mind.
"It's for after the game, a special midnight supper I think you'll enjoy. The Kings are going on the road after tonight, but since Jilly's not traveling with the team, he doesn't have to worry about catching a flight. He's all yours." The excitement in Gayle's voice is contagious.
But if she's harboring a hunch that I'm R.D. Bukater, why does she want Jilly to get more deeply involved with me? It doesn't make sense.
"Be ready by eleven. I'll have a driver pick you up, and Jilly'll meet you there," Gayle rushes on.
"You should know that I'm not in the East Village anymore," I relate, biting my lip. "My place got robbed…and I'm kinda staying with Jilly for the time being."
"Really?" Gayle inquires.
"It's only until—"
"It's okay. I get it, Hailey. It's what any friend would do. I'm just glad you weren't hurt. You must've been pretty shaken up over it," Gayle responds sympathetically.
"Yeah…but don't worry. I'm fine. Thankfully, Jilly was with me at the time. I don't know what I would've done without him," I respond, running my hands through my hair.
"I'm all about women being independent and fending for themselves, but there's nothing wrong with having a big, strong man in your life, am I right? Listen, I grew up in the Bronx, so I know what it's like. I think I was thirteen the first time I was mugged. You can't be too careful," Gayle relates, making me warm to her a little more.
"Yeah, that's for sure," I respond, lowering my guard. "Sometimes, I think I was crazy to come here like I did, like I've bitten off more than I can chew."
It feels good talking to someone who's been there, done that. My mom would never have this conversation with me. She doesn't want me living in New York, period.
"You'll find your footing, Hailey. It just takes time to adjust. It helps to have someone around who knows the city like Jilly does. It's sink or swim, but he'll make sure you stay afloat. And don't forget—I'm always here if you need me."
Wow. I wasn't expecting that. "That's very nice of you, Gayle."
But I get distracted when the people around me begin to point at something in the distance. It's not until I see Jilly's head above the crowd coming toward me that I figure out why.
"I gotta go, Gayle. I'll talk to you soon," I say, ending the call abruptly because my heart drops when I see that Jilly's not alone.
Scott Harper's with him.
This is the first time I'm coming face to face with a member of the Kings—who's not Jilly—and my palms immediately get all sweaty. I've written about these guys like I know them, but it's mostly tidbits I've gleamed from online newsfeeds and fan sites. I watch a lot of their games and observe the way they interact with the media and how their different personalities come out, and I have to say that no one's more transparent than Scott Harper. He plays hard—and parties harder. He must need three phones to store all of the numbers he's collected during his time in New York. He's definitely not my type, but the way he's pinning me down with his eyes makes me feel like I'm standing naked in the middle of Central Park for all the world to see.
I want to look at Jilly, but Scott has me hypnotized. It's like he has X-ray vision and he can see everything I'm hiding, laying bare all of my closely guarded secrets. I should feel resistant to his charms, but there's something about him that's luring me in. No wonder women find him irresistible. My heart belongs to Jilly, but it's like I can't help seeking Scott's approval, because for some strange reason, I want him to like me.
"Hailey Halpert." The way he says my name makes it sound like we've known each other for years. Scott reaches for my hand, pressing it to his lips. "You're more striking in person—if that's even possible."
Jilly coughs, clearing his throat, and I hate how my face starts to redden.
Normally, I'd get all tongue-tied around a guy as hot as Scott, but I don't want to go all fangirl in front of one of Jilly's teammates. How would one of my leading ladies handle him? I'll just pretend that I'm Sasha or Grey…
"You're pretty easy on the eyes yourself, Harper," I reply, willing myself to hold his appraising gaze. "But I'm afraid I have a thing for guys who are…how can I put it? A little more well-endowed."
Scott's eyes widen, and my heart skips a beat when I see the corner of Jilly's mouth twitch at my response.
"Are you sure you wanna go there, darlin'?" Scott asks, getting playful with me.
"She's only speaks the truth, my man." Jilly slaps him heartily on the back.
"Does she now?" Scott questions, looking me up and down.
"I'm not perfect," I reply quickly. "No one is."
Jilly gazes at me curiously, and Scott can't hide his grin.
"You've got him fooled, sweetheart." Scott gathers up my blanket and tosses it over his shoulder. "But we'd better get moving. There are too many people swarming around, and I don't feel like sharing my company with anyone but you today, Miss Halpert."
"What? Am I invisible?" Jilly mutters, trudging along behind us.
"That's something you could never be, Gillette," Scott laughs, taking my arm and tucking it under his. When I start to pull away, he stops. "Just humor me a minute, Goldilocks. I don't bite. It's just that I care a great deal about that big, lumbering oaf back there. Yeah, he's not the most talkative guy on the planet, but I think, by now, I know him well enough to know that he's not one to put himself out there unless he means it, and from what I've gleaned, he's only gotten his heart handed back to him on a platter—once by you and once by Sasha Roberts. So you're not gonna go trampling on it all over again, are you?"
I pause before answering, "No, of course not."
But it seems like my split-second hesitation is all that it takes for Scott to see right through me. His eyes narrow ever so slightly.
At least Jilly doesn't appear to notice. "All right, 'Mom.' That's enough," Jilly protests before walking forward where the path broadens, sliding my other arm through his. "Get lost, Harper. I've got it from here."
When Scott releases my arm, I stare up into Jilly's face, anxious to change the subject. "Jilly, Gayle called. She said our second date is all set up for tonight after the game."
"Another publicity stunt? That doesn't sound like you, Jilly," Scott remarks snidely. "I thought you couldn't wait for that damn contest to be over with?"
"I sorta went rogue on the last one," Jilly responds with a shrug. "So I kinda owe Gayle a favor."
"I don't know. I think you should cool it with letting the Queen of Diamonds orchestrate everything. It's just gonna screw everything up." Scott gazes at us apprehensively. "You need time to get to know each other again, and don't you think things would go a whole lot better outside the spotlight?"
"Says the man who's never gone on a second date," Jilly retorts.
"Hey, dude. You really want me to bring up your dry spell? Because I think it extends farther than the Sahara Desert," Scott jabs back.
"Cool it, guys," I insist, coming to a stop. "You're right, Scott. We don't need to go broadcasting our personal lives. This is it. This is the last time."
"Hailey's one of the most private people I know. She only went on the first date to get back in touch with me. So next time, get your facts straight before you go opening your mouth, dickhead," Jilly grumbles, placing a protective hand on my shoulder.
"All right, dickhead." Scott flicks Jilly's chest before striding toward a car that's idling at the curb. "But don't sa
y I didn't warn you." His eyes shift over to me. "Both of you."
"He's just jealous," Jilly mutters, lowering his lips until they're right above my ear, sending a delicious chill through me. "He only wishes he had what we have."
"Jilly, are you coming or what? We have a game to play today—or at least I do—so get your blubbering ass in gear." Scott opens the car door, waiting for him to get in.
Then Jilly does something I don't expect. He slings his good arm around my waist, lifting me straight off the ground. I gasp when I feel my feet hovering in midair and immediately clutch at his shirt. He gives me a sultry smile, the kind I've never seen him give me before, like there's a naughty side lurking deep inside him that I'm only now getting to see, and it thrills me beyond belief. It's like he's finally comfortable with showing me just how much he wants me. He doesn't care who's watching. He intends to put on a show.
He dips me back as far as I can go so that all I see is him. I'm not aware of Scott, who's standing there, tapping his foot. The noise from the street falls silent. Even the rays of sun are hidden overhead. All I hear is Jilly's labored breathing in my ear. All I feel is the curling of his massive bicep as he holds me effortlessly above the ground. All I see is the darkening desire in his lust-filled eyes as his lips get closer to mine. But when he kisses me, it's soft, gentle, showing me that he still feels the need to be careful with me, unsure of his own strength, like he doesn't want to take the chance of hurting me. To him, I'm still something delicate and fragile he needs to protect.
But I'm not going to break. I kiss him back more forcefully, letting him know that I can handle whatever he can give me, that there's no need to hold back. He moans, his hot tongue finding its way into my mouth. I hear a few car horns beep as they drive by, but I block them out. I close my eyes and surrender to what he's doing to me.
He readjusts his footing, holding my body against his as he stands up straight, pressing me as close as he can to his massive chest. I feel the drumming of his pulse as my fingers skate across his neck, and I reach up to hold on to him even tighter when Scott coughs loudly.
"I think it's about time to break it up, kids," Scott urges, bringing us back to reality, sharply clapping his hands. "I think the whole city knows you wanna get it on."
I reluctantly draw my swollen lips away from Jilly's. He gives me that sexy grin again before nuzzling the tip of my nose. Taking his time, he slowly and seductively lowers me to my feet, making sure I can feel him straining against me. I whimper, biting my bottom lip to keep from crying out, resting my hands on his hips, trying to catch my breath.
"I can't wait for our date tonight," he whispers so that only I can hear him, aware that people are standing around us, taking our picture.
"I don't think I'm gonna make it till midnight," I pout, pressing my forehead to his chest, not wanting to share this moment with anyone but him.
"The anticipation will only make it that much better." Jilly kisses the top of my head, sighing as I withdraw myself from his embrace.
"I intend to hold you to that." I grasp his hand, stretching my arm as far as it will go, not wanting him to leave.
I watch sadly as he ducks into the car, cramming his body into the back seat next to Scott. Last night, I could've been with him, but I turned him down, and I can't shake this helpless feeling that our time together is running out.
"Hailey." Scott nods his head at me, closing the door.
Shit. Scott still thinks I'm using Jilly for some reason, but I don't make out with guys in the middle of the street. Only Jilly could ever get me to do something like that—only him.
I watch their car drive away until it blends into traffic. Not knowing what to do with my hands as passersby continue to take my picture, I reach down for Jilly's blanket before realizing that Scott must have taken it with him.
I guess I won't be getting any more writing done today.
Besides, how could I ever describe a kiss like the one Jilly just gave me?
Chapter Fourteen
Jilly
"Jilly, you gotta go. Like, right now. I'm not even kidding." Gayle runs up to me as I exit the clubhouse, her heels loudly click-clacking down the hall.
"Why? What's going on? You said midnight." I check my watch while reaching down to button the sleeves of my shirt. "It's not even eleven yet."
"I know. Change of plans. I need to get you there as soon as possible." She lunges at me, latching on to my arm while glancing frantically around. "That's why I'm going with you."
"You're what?" I groan, wishing for the millionth time that she weren't so involved in my love life.
"I'm just gonna take a few pictures for the site." Gayle takes me out a side exit, where there's a car already waiting. "I just wanna get you to Hailey so you don't waste a moment of your time together."
"Gayle, now you're starting to freak me out. What the hell has you so spooked?" I get into the car, and she hops in after me.
"Go!" she yells to the driver.
"I know you have a flair for the dramatic, but really?" I groan, trying not to sound as nervous as she's making me feel. "It's like someone's chasing us or something."
"Don't be silly," she replies with a slight hitch in her voice.
"Gayle, what's going on?" I demand.
"I have some emails I need to catch up on," she says, getting out her phone. "So just sit back and relax until we get there, okay?"
I clench my jaw and stare at her profile, but she continues to ignore me. Something's not right here. So why is she keeping me in the dark?
***
The lion statues are there to greet me when we get out of the car, and I can't help but smile up at them.
"Good choice?" Gayle asks, finally breaking her silence when she joins me on the steps.
"Excellent choice," I beam back at her. All is forgiven—at least for now.
The New York Public Library.
Gayle couldn't have selected a more ideal location if she'd tried. I've spent hours here, hiding in plain sight, wearing a knit skullcap and a pair of thick-framed glasses. The research rooms are where I spend a lot of my downtime looking through old census records and sifting through public documents. In the city, this is command central for my genealogy efforts. It's where I collect the data I painstakingly piece together in hotel room after hotel room when the team's on the road. To me, it's like a treasure trove of information. I'm getting a contact high just standing outside the library doors.
"Clock's ticking. Let's get you in there." Gayle starts sprinting up the steps.
"What's the hurry?" I ask, fully expecting her to shoot me down again.
"I just don't want you to be bothered by anyone. I want you to enjoy your night," she says, looking over her shoulder.
"Gayle, the library's closed. Somehow, you did your thing and got the trustees to agree to this after hours date. So, who could possibly interrupt us?" I question her, but of course, she doesn't answer me.
I try to keep up with her as she flashes a badge to a yawning security guard who's waiting for us at the main entrance. But when he sees that it's me, he perks up immediately.
"Well, hey there, Jilly. Ready for another date?" he asks, showing the same overeager interest I experienced at Sake, but at least I don't have a restaurant full of twentysomethings pretending they're not watching me this time.
"Yep," I respond bluntly, still not comfortable with everyone knowing my business, even though the dude seems chill.
"She's waiting for you in the—" He almost spills the beans before Gayle cuts him off, handing him one of her business cards.
"Don't tell anybody where they'll be, okay?" Gayle asks, marching past him.
"Why? Are you expecting more people? I was told to only let in the ones on the list, and the catering company's already here." He looks confused, but Gayle just drags me along with her.
"I'm not sure," Gayle answers lamely. "But if someone does happen to show up, call the cell number on my card and I'll handle it."
> That's odd. Gayle always knows every last detail about everything. That's why she's Gayle. Something's off.
"Yes, ma'am," he responds as Gayle hustles me onward.
After nearly five full minutes of brisk walking and swerving clumsily around corners, we reach our destination.
And I gasp.
Because Hailey's standing in the Rose Room under a ceiling-length painting of a pastel-colored sky. She looks absolutely gorgeous in a soft-pink dress, a shade that perfectly matches the rendering of the sun-kissed clouds above her head.
For a moment, all I can do is stare at her.
She doesn't get dressed up all that much, but damn…I wish she'd do it more often. I gulp, realizing that she's here, looking this amazing, for me. And that's when it hits home that she's back in my life, and this time, she's not afraid to stay.
"Hey there," she says, nervously crossing one ankle in front of the other.
When she doesn't address Gayle, I realize that we're alone. The door's closed and Gayle's gone. I'm in a world of pure-Hailey bliss.
"Hey," I reply, getting shy all of a sudden, realizing that she's way too beautiful for a lout like me. I want to say something to her, let her know how special she is, but unfortunately, words have never been my strong suit, and they fail me now.
Hailey tilts her head and moves toward me. My pulse kicks up a notch when I notice that she's in her bare feet. She's never been one for heels. She's probably already kicked them off somewhere. I try to tell myself that this is not a Cinderella moment and she's not going to vanish at midnight just because she's not wearing any shoes. If Gayle weren't acting so weird, I'd readily dismiss my fears, but I still can't shake the premonition that I'm about to lose her, that this is too good to be true.
"What's wrong?" Hailey reaches up on her tiptoes, drawing my face closer to hers. "Don't you like it here?"
"I love it here," I say in a rush.
She picks up on the intensity of my emotions, smiling up at me, and my heart beats faster than I ever thought possible.
"I love what I'm looking at," I continue, finding the courage to run my fingers down the sides of her dress, loving how soft and warm she feels against my hands.
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