Hang Em' Up: A Bad Boy Sports Pregnancy Romance

by Ashley Stewart

  Although I hadn’t asked for reassurance about her relationship with Seth, I appreciated her effort. “Oh, that’s no big deal. I can’t tell you who you can and cannot speak to outside of work. We’re not a couple or anything.”

  “We’re just confusing,” she remarked, tucking her notebook underneath her arm. “Whatever it is that we are, I enjoyed the more private moment we had the other night. It was nice to not get interrupted by the janitor. I think I was just as traumatized as he was,” she chuckled.

  “That was a first for me as well,” I said, thinking out loud.

  “Getting caught?”

  “Yep. Even worse, I had to see him on Tuesday night and pretend nothing had happened. You know, one of those awkward moments where you are both thinking about the same embarrassing event but don’t dare mention it? Naturally, that was the day you stood me up, which made it even more awkward. Who knows what he thinks now,” I chortled.

  “Yes, well, these things do happen sometimes,” she seemed uneasy with my addition. “Was there anything else that you needed from me?”

  “No, you are free to return to your desk. Thank you,” I answered, trying to keep her from feeling uncomfortable.

  Chapter 4

  It was Friday, and I couldn’t wait for the weekend. Jessica and I had discussed shopping plans for some time on Saturday should nothing else come up. I had been studying rigorously for the certification classes, training with Ashton (except for the last week when I stood him up), and working for the Ashton J. Corporation. I was seated at my desk doodling stars and hearts on a hot pink sticky note pad when Janet dumped a group of stapled papers in front of me.

  “Looks like you’re invited to attend Mr. Jackson’s promotional event this weekend. It’s being filmed as a part of his infomercial line. You can thank your lucky stars that he chose you again. He must really see something in you to keep choosing you over everyone else in this office to attend these events. Before you came along, we would get invites once in a blue moon.” Her words seemed suspicious. I didn’t take the bait.

  “Really? Maybe it’s because I’m so close to graduation with a Yoga instruction certificate.”

  “Honey, you’re not the only one here with a certificate in Yoga instruction,” Janet spat as she walked off. I read through the papers and saw that the event was on Saturday--this Saturday. As in, tomorrow. My shopping plans were uprooted instantly. I couldn’t turn down such an offer! Then again, guilt crept its way into my mind. Had I truly earned it? I went to his office and knocked on the door.

  “Come in!” he answered from the other side. “Oh, Alexis! What’s up?” he grinned.

  I held the papers in my hand. “Am I truly earning these opportunities? Or is it just because I’m sleeping with the boss?”

  He looked alarmed. “I would offer these opportunities to you whether I found you attractive or not.”

  “Are you sure? Janet made it clear just now that there are other employees here with Yoga certifications and that they’ve not been given the same opportunities as often as you’ve given them to me.” I kept my voice low so no one outside could hear.

  He stuttered over his words slightly. “Sometimes she frustrates me,” he sighed. “Do not listen to her about things like that. There are gossips in this office, and it gets so frustrating!”

  After seeing his irritability, I backed off from the topic. “Okay, no need to get upset. I just wanted to make sure for my own conscience. That’s all. I will gladly go,” I told him.

  “Wonderful. I can have a limo to pick you up about eight o’clock in the morning. It will be in Asheville.”

  The civic center arena was crowded. I marveled at the amount of people that had showed up for his event. It seemed that people flocked to any event where cameras would be rolling. Fliers and giant posters advertising Ashton’s DVDs were plastered everywhere. Tables were set up in the lobby that sold all of his DVDs, CDs, and books. He was scheduled to give a long lecture starting at ten o’clock. It was a long, drawn out class that would educate people on his approach and technique in Yoga form and style while also promoting his products and performances. His good looks helped draw in the multitudes of women who seemed to hang on his every word. I was given an all-access pass that allowed me backstage. For hours, I watched Ashton deliver lecture after lecture from the podium. People applauded repetitively with the occasional “I love you, Ashton J!” from a group of women seated somewhere in the abyss of 10,000 people. What blew my mind even more was that the entire group of 10,000 people all paid $200.00 for their ticket to the event. It was no wonder that he was a billionaire. For this event alone, he was looking at a $2,000,000.00 paycheck!

  Toward the end of the day, the energy was still high but the atmosphere was calm as Ashton taught the crowd how to find inner peace through breathing. The cameras panned over the crowd closest nearest the stage, capturing people inhaling and exhaling their stresses and inviting calm into their lives.

  “Thank you, Asheville for welcoming me once again with open arms! I also want to thank you for being a part of my infomercial recording. You have been a spectacular audience, and I’m delighted to have spent the day with all of you.” He waved to applauding crowd as he exited the stage. I observed the scenery closely from behind the curtain. Ashton was given a fresh towel and cold bottled water as he glowed coming backstage. Wiping the glistening sweat off of his brow, he noticed me standing in the corner.

  “Hey, you, would you like to join me in my dressing room?” he nudged my arm with his, smiling brilliantly. He looked as if he were on a high.

  “What would people think?” I asked frankly, grinning at his continuous energy.

  “People will think that my assistant is merely assisting me,” he smiled, biting his tongue between his teeth.

  “Okay, okay,” I smiled. I couldn’t turn down someone with a smile as bright as his. He was on cloud nine.

  Welcoming me into his dressing room, I was stunned to see how he was catered to. There was a six foot table covered in different foods: cheeses, finger sandwiches, cereal bars, fruits, and veggies. On a smaller table, about two feet in length, were bottled waters, bottled teas and fruit juices.

  “Wow. Is this how the rich and famous live?” I asked, as if I hadn’t experienced enough of his wealthy lifestyle. I knew he had tons of money but had only truly seen it while riding in his fancy limousines.

  “Eh, it’s how they treat most of us, yes. It’s probably partly why much of Hollywood has issues. The people are spoiled beyond belief and forget their humble beginnings.” He continued to dry his face and neck with the towel, chugging water in between words. “Have whatever you would like from the tables. I can’t eat all of that food. I hate to see it go to waste. They throw every bit of it away when I leave.”

  “You’ve got to be kidding me! When there are tons of people out there starving and struggling just to get bread on their table!” I exclaimed.

  “You can take as much of it home with you as you’d like. I would feel better about that actually.”

  “That’s kind of you,” I told him. “Thank you.” He walked over to me and kissed my cheek.

  “You’re sexy,” he whispered into my ear.

  “So are you,” I replied. He planted his lips directly on mine. The touch of his warm body near mine felt like fireworks had been ignited throughout my veins. I wanted more of him. “Oh, we can’t,” I pulled away abruptly, looking down at my feet.

  “Why not?” he asked.

  “Ashton, we can’t lock that door with me in here. People will certainly know I’m more than just your assistant. I can’t do that to myself.”

  “I respect that,” he backed off.

  “But I don’t see anything wrong with that kiss,” I added. I pulled him back to me and clutched his backside while delivering a strong kiss to his lips. The feel of his tongue against mine was invigorating. It was powerful. The chemistry swelled up between us and our breathing became harder. We plopped on the nearby co
uch without ceasing our tight embrace. His hand squeezed my breast and he let out of light moan. “Ashton, did you…?”

  “It’s been a long day. You turned me on. What can I say?” he answered breathlessly, trailing his lips down the side of my cheek. “I’m going to clean up real quick. You can pack up the food if you want. We will be out of here in no time and no one will suspect one iota of our passions.” He smiled, standing and straightening himself. Our relationship was odd. It was professional and dull on the outside world but hot and passionate behind closed doors.

  My phone buzzed. Seth texted me. He was the nerd that was becoming a good friend.

  What was I doing?

  Chapter 5

  We were in the limo on the way home from Asheville. I generously offered Alexis all of the food that was left in my dressing room and she gladly accepted. Her slender, shapely figure was so stunning to me that it kept me turned on most of the time. I enjoyed admiring her even while riding in the limo with her. She sat so gracefully and with such confidence.

  “Perhaps I give you more than the other ladies in the office, but this gift is more of a personal gift,” I said as we rode down the highway. I pulled out a genuine leather Coach purse. It was embellished with a teal design that perfectly complimented the gold and dark brown. “This is for all of your hard work. Please, don’t tell anyone at the office.”

  Her mouth fell open. “How much did you spend on this?”

  “You shouldn’t ask how much a gift cost. It was easily in my checkbook range.”

  She took the purse and carefully and cautiously caressed it as if it were made of the finest leather and fur. (In all likelihood, it probably was.) “Ashton, if you buy me too many of these gifts, people will start to wonder where I’m getting them. Well, the people at the office. They will know that I can’t afford these on my own.”

  “Well, I haven’t bought you many expensive things and since I haven’t, they may think this purse is from a relative or friend. Do you like it?”

  “Do I like it? I love it!” she exclaimed. “I’m not sure that I should accept it, though. I mean, we aren’t exactly in a serious relationship. Right now, I honestly do feel like I’m your fling. Especially since we have to keep things under wraps. It just doesn’t feel right,” she explained softly. She seemed bothered by the same recurring concerns.

  “Oh, please, accept the gift. Don’t feel as if you’re taking advantage of me. You’re not. If anything, I’ve been taking advantage of you. Please, take it if you like it. I can tell that you like it.” She relented and smiled widely, immediately removing items from her old purse into the new Coach purse. I enjoyed watching it. Her phone lit up between us. I didn’t mean to look, but I noticed the name Seth appeared on the screen. Our eyes met.

  “I know what you’re thinking,” she said.

  “About what?” I asked, trying to keep my suspicions hidden.

  “You’re wondering why Seth is texting me. Look, if having this type of relationship is going to bother the both of us, perhaps we should go back to keeping things friendly and professional,” she suggested. Her words struck me like a thousand knives. I didn’t like the feeling.

  “I’m fine, Alexis. I didn’t mean to make you feel like that.”

  “Uh huh,” she muttered, opening the text message. I didn’t want to invade her privacy, but the strong urge to sneak a glimpse of their messages was almost overwhelming. Keeping my face straight ahead, I ridiculously tried to move my eyeballs as far southwest as they would go. She answered with vigorous speed. I couldn’t see what the words were because my fifty-year-old eyes failed me. “He was only asking how the event went today and wished me the best of luck. That’s all.” She smiled, closing her phone screen with one gentle click.

  “Ah, that’s polite of him,” I tried to keep it short and sweet. In the back of my mind, I wondered why she was confiding so much to him about her personal life if she didn’t feel anything toward the man. “How old is he?” I had to know.

  “He is close to my age. Why?” She continued to empty the contents of her old purse and place them in the new one.

  “Just curious, really. Trying to carry on conversation.”

  “Oh, okay,” she grinned. “I really love this purse! Thank you so much again. You really didn’t have to.”

  “It’s my pleasure.” I noticed a stray hair that was sitting awkwardly on her left cheek and tried to move it for her. She felt the brush of my hand and instinctively grabbed my wrist, expecting it to be something else. We shared a quiet moment, studying each other’s eyes. I don’t know about her but confusion filled my head. What was I doing? “You had a stray hair. I didn’t mean to startle you.”

  She laughed. “I didn’t know what it was! You’re so sweet. And handsome, might I add. Your face was literally plastered all over that arena today. I don’t know how you become used to that.”

  “You just learn to tune it out when it becomes overwhelming. Otherwise, it goes to your head.”

  “I believe that,” she said. “There. Now I’ve completely transferred purses. If someone comments on it Monday, I will say that it came from my mother.”

  “There you go. That sounds like a good plan to me.” I squeezed her hand and secretly hoped that Seth wouldn’t win her over. It was a strange thought to me.

  Chapter 6

  Ashton had been on my mind all night. I knew why I had felt the singe of jealousy with Julie Golden. I had emotionally connected with him while being physically intimate with him. After the Julie incident, I guarded myself. Although I had knocked down most of those walls, I still had a few guards up. After seeing how he was quickly becoming jealous over Seth, I wondered if he was developing romantic feelings. He made me feel like this was a fling since relationships were typically not hidden. Confusion plagued my mind. I didn’t know how to fix it other than to continue with my day-to-day life. Graduation was around the corner, and I didn’t need to spend all of my energy trying to figure out what we were.

  It was a Sunday afternoon, and, for September, it was warm and sunny.

  “Would you want to go hang out with me at the coffee shop?” Jessica asked while I was folding a basket of warm, freshly cleaned clothes.

  “When are you going?” I asked.

  “Now. I’m bored and stir crazy. I good cup of Joe would be nice right about now. Plus, I really like the smell of coffee shops,” she chuckled.

  I laughed at her confession. “I’m all in. Let’s go smell a coffee shop,” I joked along with her. We laughed together as we found our shoes and walked out the door.

  The birds were singing loudly as we walked down the street. The coffee shop was close enough that it didn’t warrant for a car ride unless the weather was absolutely unforgiving. The sunlight was warm on our skin and the breeze gently lifted our hair off our necks. The bright red door of the coffee shop stood out as we turned the corner. It gave the illusion of an old English store nestled between other shops and cottages on a vintage street. Two little bells rang as we opened the door. Upon entry, we were greeted with the aromatic scent of roasting coffee beans and cream. Jessica and I looked at each other and giggled.

  “Soak in the scent,” I teased her. She gave me a nudge with her arm, laughing too hard to speak properly. We ordered our coffee and cookies and found a cozy corner to relax in. Next to us was a table of five young men. One of them looked familiar. He looked at me as well. “Hey Jess, that guy looks familiar.”

  She tried to study him without making it obvious. “Give me your phone,” she demanded.

  “What?”

  “Give me your phone!” she whispered loudly. I gave it to her just to prevent her from making a scene. She scrolled through it frantically. I watched her intently.

  “What are you doing?” I had a bizarre look on my face.

  “I’m going to show you who he is if it’s who I think it is,” she answered without looking up from the phone. “Got it. Uh huh. I thought so,” she said out loud to herself. She hand
ed the phone back to me and pointed to the screen. “Bingo,” she grinned. She had pulled up my findlove.com account and had clicked on Seth’s profile picture.

  “Oh my word! It’s Seth!” I spilled the words unguarded. He looked over at me after hearing his name. I was immediately embarrassed.

  “Alexis?” he asked, unsure. I looked at Jessica, feeling awkward.

  “You are Seth, aren’t you?” I asked timidly, trying to cover up my embarrassment.

  “Yeah, yeah. I can’t believe this!” he exclaimed, rising from his seat. His dark framed glasses were nerdy, but his full head of brown hair gave him some hope for the feature. He was very thin but didn’t have an unattractive face. Only his personality and demeanor and interests betrayed the nerdy side. Other than his glasses, he didn’t really dress like a nerd.

  “Oh, I know! What a small world!” I reached out my hand to shake his while he tried to hug me. It was awkward from the get-go.

  “I’ve just been hanging out with my friends. We come to this shop a lot. What about you?” he said kindly. His voice was soft and caring but masculine. He wasn’t the alpha macho type of man like Ashton but was gentler and seemingly less consumed with his physical appearance. He was an easygoing, laidback kind of guy.

  “Same here. Jessica and I decided to walk down here for a good Sunday afternoon coffee. Our apartment is just down the street.” He nodded a greeting to Jessica, and she nodded back.

  I was drawn to his kindness. “That’s really cool. I would be in trouble if I lived that close to this place. Well, I don’t want to keep you. I will text you later?”

  I chuckled. “Sure thing,” I smiled. He rejoined his friends who were fully immersed in an intent card game.

  “Well then,” Jessica remarked quietly. Her reaction expressed her acknowledgment of something more than friendly interest.

  “Well what?”

  “Oh nothing,” she muttered, but her higher-pitched voice gave away her true thoughts.