by Lyssa Layne
“Thanks for coming tonight,” I tell him as I slip my arms around his neck.
He nods. “Anything for you, Camila, you know that.”
I smile and rest my head on his chest. “You’re a great friend, Gregg.”
“You’ve been a very special woman to me for a long time. No matter what changes between us, you know I’d do anything for you.” His voice is soft and sincere and I hug him closer. Why can’t all relationships be this easy?
We dance in silence and I reflect on the course our relationship has taken since our first meeting. The song ends, but Gregg holds me close. I take a deep breath, inhaling his musky cologne. When I look into his eyes, we both smile as he leans down but then he stops when someone taps him on the shoulder. I lean to the left to see who is requesting his attention when BAM! A giant fist makes contact with Gregg’s jaw, sending him back a few steps.
“Evan! What the hell are you doing?” I demand, stepping between the two of them. Gregg rubs his mouth while Evan balls his fist, poised for Gregg’s retaliation. Evan doesn’t get a chance to answer as security approaches and it takes three guys to push Evan toward the door. My body shakes as I watch him leave and I turn back to Gregg, who is still too dazed to look up. Mia stands by his side.
“Gregg, I’m so sorry! Are you okay?” Guilt takes over as I reach out for him, unsure where to touch.
He nods. “I’ll be fine, Cam. Go.”
I narrow my eyes, confused. “Go?”
He points toward the lobby. “Go after him, Camila! If you want him, fight back.”
I glance back at the door then to Gregg. “Are you sure?”
Mia already has a bag of ice pressed to his cheek as he nods. Feeling flustered because I’m not sure whether to go after Evan or stay with Gregg, Mia lifts her eyebrows. “What are you waiting for?” she asks.
I kiss her cheek then do the same to Gregg who grimaces. Apologizing quickly, I run off after Evan, hoping I can do something to reel him back in.
CHAPTER 24
Camila
Five security guards surround Evan in the lobby outside the gala. I glance around but don’t see Kip anywhere in sight. I push my way through the guards, all of them at least double my size, one at least triple, about the size of Evan.
“I’m sorry, gentlemen. My client got a little upset in there, but no worries, he’s headed to his room so there won’t be any more trouble tonight.” I put on my confident attitude, taking Evan by the hand and walking us toward the elevator. Sometimes the best line of defense is distraction. The guards all speak at once, but I quickly push the button on the elevator, closing the doors in their face. With no one watching us, Evan drops my hand and moves to the corner, pouting like a little baby.
The doors open on the twenty-fifth floor and Evan steps out, not saying a word. I follow behind him and when he opens his room door, he doesn’t hold it for me to come in. Shocked, I almost get locked out, but catch the door before it latches shut. Evan throws his jacket on the chair, shedding his tie, and unbuttoning his shirt, not even acknowledging my presence. I clear my throat and he finally turns around to look in my direction.
“Answer my question. What the hell was that?” My hands are firmly on my waist and my eyebrows are arched high, waiting for his answer.
He shrugs and glances down at his hand, shaking it from the ache of contact. “What’s it matter? You’ll get laid tonight whether I did that or not.”
I sigh and shake my head. “Why are you so insecure?”
A vein throbs in his forehead and he yanks open his shirt, popping the last few buttons off. In just three steps, he’s standing in front of me, my back against the door as he looms over me.
“I’m not insecure. You just sleep around, not my problem.”
I scoff. “Bullshit! So I slept with Blake, big deal. It was years ago, Evan, years! There’s no reason for you to be so upset that you’d sacrifice us unless one of two things. One—your ego’s too big to handle it. Or, two—you’re afraid. Afraid that I’ll compare the two of you, afraid that I’m going to break your heart, afraid that this might be more than the one-night stands you’re used to. Afraid that I might actually love you the way you love me.”
Evan’s eyes flicker from anger to an emotion I’m not familiar with. Is he letting his guard down? Is he embarrassed that I called him out? I hold my breath, waiting for his response until his mouth crushes mine. It’s the sweet kiss I’ve been wanting, been waiting for until I taste the alcohol on his breath. With almost no room to move, I put my hands on his chest and shove as hard as I can. It takes a few seconds to register until he finally ends the kiss.
“What the hell, Evan? Have you been drinking?” My chest heaves as I jab my finger into his chest accusingly. “I thought you said you didn’t want to ruin us and you gave up drinking.”
He takes a step away from me, running his hand over his bald scalp. “Ruin us?” He snickers and shakes his head. “I’m not the one who lied about sleeping with my brother. It has nothing to do with my ego or my insecurity, Camila. We aren’t together because you lied. You’re a liar and I won’t be with anyone that is. How can I ever believe a word that comes out of your mouth?”
Tears brim my eyes, but I don’t move toward him. He’s right. I lied and there’s no way for me to change it. Slowly, I walk to him, cupping his cheek in one hand and I softly kiss him. “If you’d give me a second chance, I’ll do whatever it takes to prove to you that I’ll never lie to you again.”
Evan closes his eyes, leaning his forehead against mine. “It’s too late, Cami. The damage is done.”
Evan
The overpowering scent of pineapples hits my nose, making me want to wretch. Blinking my eyes open to find out where the smell is coming from, I’m still surrounded by darkness. In a panic, I rub my eyes, finding my tie from last night is covering them. I get a sinking feeling in the pit of my stomach as I slowly pull the makeshift blindfold off.
Lying stark naked in bed beside me is a platinum blonde. I take in her body as I try to recall what happened last night but her double D tits and over inflated lips aren’t ringing any bells. Too bad because I would’ve liked to have seen those lips in action. Quietly, I slip out of bed and get in the shower. Maybe I can wash away the incident and she’ll be gone when I get out.
The water on the hottest setting, I close my eyes, trying to recall the previous evening. I scoff when the first image that comes to mind is Camila looking more gorgeous than ever in that orange evening gown. Dancing with her had been the highlight of the evening, holding her that close. I wanted nothing more than to forgive her and pick up where we left off but then he appeared. Gregg’s not quite as bad as Blake but still, shock hit me as I realized how disposable I really am to Camila. If things didn’t work out between us, she is out nothing because she has Gregg and Blake to run back to.
Spitting water out of my mouth, I shake my head, pissed that I turned to the bottle last night. I know better, I’ve seen the effects alcohol has taken on my entire family, but I was just trying to come to terms with letting Camila go forever. Then when I saw Gregg about to kiss her, fury took over my body. If I can’t have her, I don’t want anyone else to either. Thinking of the punch, my hand begins to throb and I look down at my swollen knuckles. Shit, I wouldn’t be surprised if the cops weren’t waiting outside my door.
I turn off the water and step into the steamy bathroom. Drying off with a towel, I wipe away the condensation on the mirror. Fuck! Bright red scratches cover my chest, probably from the busty blonde in my bed right now. What the hell did I do last night? One things for sure, I definitely won’t be falling off the wagon any time soon.
With a towel slung low around my waist, I decide to face the music and walk back into the bedroom. I stare at this stranger, wondering what satisfaction she gave me last night. Sure, she might’ve gotten me off, too bad I can’t remember, but it meant nothing. The only woman I’ve had sex with that I’ve connected with, wanted to make love to, wan
ted to hold her more than have sex with has been Camila. But that ship has sailed so does that mean I’m destined for meaningless sex the rest of my life?
Deciding it’s probably best I have clothes on before she wakes up, I pull on some jeans and an undershirt. Taking a deep breath, I tug on the sheet, trying to casually wake her up, but she doesn’t budge, only lets out a loud snore. Fuck my life…
Screw it, I don’t have anywhere to be until my flight at noon. I order room service and when it arrives thirty minutes later, I flip on the T.V. When I see a news clip of me and security, I turn the television off and Blondie finally wakes up.
“Mmm, breakfast in bed. You’re a doll,” she says, climbing off the mattress and walking across the room.
I chew the bacon in my mouth, watching her curves and wondering how I was attracted to her. She’s beautiful, don’t get me wrong, but she’s nothing like Camila and that’s the only person I want. Ignoring Blondie, I go back to my food while she makes a plate herself, sitting across from me still in the buff. When I finish my breakfast, I stand up and look at her.
“You need to leave.”
She leers at me, her eyebrows high. “What? You’re not in the mood for some fun this morning?”
“I don’t remember shit from last night, sweetheart, and based on the marks you left behind, I’d venture to say I’m good.”
Her smile gets wider and she stands up, taking a step toward me. Her long fingernails walk up my chest and I shudder uncomfortably underneath her touch. “I never knew such a big man could be so heartbroken.”
My stomach drops and I stare down at her. “What’s that mean?”
She lifts her shoulders up and down. “Camila’s missing out on a great lover.” Blondie turns and picks up the leather dress that’s discarded on the floor. She takes her time pulling it on and zipping up the matching hooker boots.
“What do you know about Camila?” I demand, both worried about what I said and defensive about Cami at the same time.
She stands and makes her way to the door, looking over her shoulder before she opens it. “Not much other than she broke your heart and you called out her name all night. I should really thank her,” Blondie says and disappears out the door.
I drop to the bed, leaning forward on my knees and shaking my head. Get it together, Evan. Before I lose everything, I need to pull it together and get my head on straight. Too bad I’ve already lost what’s most important.
CHAPTER 25
Camila
“He’s a fuckin’ liability, Camila! You handed me trouble with no warning,” Kip screams at me, his face red and his eyes bloodshot from having run interference all night.
He throws the newspaper in my lap as I lay on the couch in his office. Lifting my head, I see two pictures of Evan. One in the lobby after he broke Gregg’s jaw and the other of him with a blonde who has her top down as they fall into the elevator. I swear the acid is eating away at my stomach and I reach for the bottle of Tums Kip leaves in the drawer by the couch.
“I’m sorry, Kip. I had no idea any of this would happen.” I rub my forehead, chewing the chalky tablet, hoping I get relief fast.
“Is Turner going to press charges?” Kip growls the question, both of us knowing if he does then it’ll be a full-time job to clean up Evan’s mess.
“No, he’s doing me a favor and I owe him big time.” I fall back on the couch, closing my eyes.
After Evan shut me out, I came back to the gala to find Mia had taken Gregg to the hospital. By the time I arrived, he was doped up on painkillers, droning on to Mia about how much Evan needed me and how good I am for him. He promised he wouldn’t press charges against Evan as long as I promised to try to win him back. As I agreed, I wondered why I was chasing after an asshole who called me a liar and not this gentleman whose face was swelling as we spoke.
“Camila, I thought you handed him over to me because you wanted to date him. Is that the truth or were you just trying to shove a rookie off on me?”
I sigh and shake my head. “No, Kip, I swear it’s not like that. More than anything I wanted, want to be with Evan but because I didn’t tell him the truth about one thing in my past, he’s done with me.”
Kip shrugs, taking a seat beside me and patting my leg. “Tough luck, Cam. I wish I could help you out more, but it sounds like his mind is made up.”
A fat tear rolls out of my eye and I quickly wipe it away. “I know, but it’s okay, I’ll move on.” I force a smile, trying to back the words coming out of my mouth.
“There, that’s my girl,” Kip says, trying to encourage me. “Now, not to make the day worse, but you gave me your hell child so I’m passing one on to you.”
Good, a challenge, something to take my mind off Evan. Perking up, I ask, “Oh, and who’s that?”
Kip sneers before he answers. “Jace Richards.”
I jump off the couch and flail my arms. “Jace Richards? He’s banned from baseball so what does he even want?” Jace Richards was a pitcher for the Washington Diplomats who preferred betting on his own team than actually playing for them. All charges against him were dropped in exchange for community service and a ban from the league.
“You know the Boss Man loves that guy and he did bring in a lot of money for the firm. Jace is having a hard time adjusting to life outside of the MLB so he just needs a little guidance and help setting up his community service.” Kip doesn’t even try to hide the smirk on his face.
I shake my head. “So, basically, this is a pity case because the boss wants it?”
Kip nods. “Yep.”
“Come on, Kip. You know I can’t work with Jace. Colie and Grant will kill me.” Jace is also Colie’s ex-boyfriend and Grant’s major rival, neither will be happy to learn about my new client.
Kip shrugs as he stands up. “I’m sure you’ll figure it out. In the meantime, I’m going to try to clean up the mess your boyfriend made last night.”
It’s days like these that I wonder why I never ran back to Blake in the beginning.
Evan
Blow after blow, it feels good to be back on the field and crushing my body against something. It helps to get out the frustration that’s been building up all summer long. I still haven’t talked to Camila since the incident a few weeks ago, but I know I should thank her since Gregg Turner decided not to press charges even though I broke his jaw. The incident also put my brother and I back on talking terms so that’s good… I guess.
I pull my helmet off and jog to the water cooler, pouring a cup and immediately downing it. Going for a refill, I hear someone yell my name. When I turn around, I recognize the owner’s daughter, Molly Feiser. She’s only five feet flat with blonde hair and dark highlights. The shortie used to be on the Women’s Olympic Gymnastics team so her body is tight and curvy in all the right places. I’ve only met her in passing a few times so I’m shocked she even knows my name.
“Hey, Evan,” she says, extending her hand. “I was wondering if you had a few minutes.”
I shake her hand then glance over my shoulder and see my line is still on break. I shrug and follow her as she walks a few feet away from the other guys and looks around. I follow her gaze, wondering who or what we’re looking for. She seems satisfied in her findings as she turns her attention to me.
“Look, I know we don’t really know each other, but hear me out.” She takes a deep breath. “You need to give Camila another chance.”
I scoff and shake my head, turning to walk away. Now Camila has her friends working for her? This is ridiculous. Molly grabs my hand, yanking on it. “Evan, please, listen!” Her voice is urgent, indicating that she has something important to say.
“Fine. Two minutes.” I cross my arms and wait.
She looks around one more time then speaks in a hushed tone. “I know you’re worried about Camila and Blake, but trust me, they are long over. I know this because Blake and I have been dating off and on for the past three years.”
My jaw drops at her admission. �
��But, I’ve never seen you around. Hell, I lived with him for a year and never even heard your name. I’m not buying it.”
“Think about who my father is, Evan. Do you think it’d be a good idea for the two of us to be dating? That’s why Camila and Blake handle all the publicity so no one knows about us. Blake was pushing to get traded here, but my father was more interested in you. He thought you were the better gamble in the long run and he’s probably right. Blake doesn’t plan on playing forever.”
Her explanation makes sense, but there’s something I have to know and I hope I’m not breaking the news to her. “So you know Cami and Blake dated? Slept together and everything?”
She nods. “Yeah and I was pissed when I first found out, probably like you, but that’s not the kind of relationship they have now. They’re friends, best friends. Well, until Blake got drunk and spilled the beans to you. Camila hasn’t talked to him since.”
“She hasn’t?” My stomach flips. Maybe I’m not a pawn in her game, maybe she does want me and not Blake.
Molly shakes her head. “So, will you please give her a second chance?”
Slowly, I let the words sink in and nod. “Yeah, but tell me one more thing.”
She nods, her ponytail bobbing behind her.
With a grin, I ask, “What the hell do you see in my brother?”
CHAPTER 26
Evan
First things first, I gotta talk to my brother. It’s been a week since Molly filled me in on their little secret. I’ve sat on it, not sure how to handle Camila or Blake, but tonight it’s a faceoff between the Lancers and the Seawolves so I’ll be seeing both of them. The taxi pulls up Blake’s long drive and I take a few seconds to stare at the house I once called home before I pay the cabbie and get out.