by Kat Mizera
“I was waiting to hear from my agent before I said anything, that’s all.”
“Then why did you go cold on me?” He was struggling not to lose his temper.
“I guess I still want to know why.”
“Why what?”
“When we first met you mentioned how bad you are at relationships, so I’m protecting myself by not letting you get too close too fast. You’ve done such a one-eighty I feel like it’s going to blow up in our faces.”
“I’ve done a one-eighty because we’re married. I saw first-hand what you’re up against and I want to help.”
“Is that all?” she asked in a tiny whisper.
“If you’re asking if I have feelings for you, well, duh… I’d have already started the annulment process if I didn’t. I mean, I don’t know what kind of feelings, but the kind that make me want to explore more. We met, like, two weeks ago, but we can’t get to know each other if I’m the only one trying.”
“You’re right.” She sighed. “I don’t know what’s wrong with me.”
“Look, if you want to call it quits, I understand. But if not, you’ve got to stop second-guessing everything. Just relax and let things happen. Figure out your movie deal and we’ll sort out the rest together. Is that fair?”
“Fair,” she said quietly.
“We’ve got a road trip in two weeks that goes through Ft. Lauderdale and Tampa, and then up to North Carolina. All three of those are relatively close to Atlanta—tell the movie people you need a few days off to spend with family. My mom is near Tampa so she’ll be at both Florida games and it’ll give you a chance to meet her.”
“I’m sure Sonya will work with me on a few days off since I’m jumping in at the last minute.”
“Now we have a plan for the immediate future. I’ll text you the dates and we’ll go from there.”
“Sounds perfect. And thank you.”
“Good night, babe. And you’re welcome.”
13
Ashleigh took his suggestion and opted to spend her time to focusing on getting ready to spend almost three months in Atlanta. Angel was blowing up her phone with texts and messages, and she decided it was time for them to talk. She called her back on Saturday afternoon, after conferring with her attorney.
“About time!” Angel huffed into the phone.
“I don’t owe you anything,” Ashleigh said patiently. “The court put her in my care after you kept her out of school, and if I tell them how you refused to bring her home, you’ll never see her again.”
“I fell asleep!” Angel hissed.
“Responsible adults usually make sure an eight-year-old is settled before falling asleep.”
“Look, you don’t understand the pressure me and Tito are under. He’s got—”
“He’s in a gang, Angel. Is that the life you want for your little sister? You want her going through initiation at twelve? Screwing his whole crew to prove she’s a worthwhile old lady or whatever they’re called? Did you do that? Is that what changed you?”
“It’s better than that damn shelter or living on the street!”
“Maybe at nineteen, but not at eight. I can take care of her. I can give her a better life than you can. She’s your baby sister—don’t you want that for her?”
“We’re blood!” Angel cried. “How can you think she’s better off with you just ’cause you got money? I’m her sister, all she has left of her family. It’s not my fault our parents died. I’m doing the best I can. Why can’t you understand that?”
“I do understand.” Ashleigh spoke as gently as she could. “But you’re nineteen and broke, living with a guy who’s bound for prison or the cemetery. You can make that choice for yourself, but she deserves more. You can still see her, Angel. It’s not like I’m moving her to Japan.”
“Tito won’t like it. He says family stays together.”
“Tito doesn’t care about her—he thinks I’ve got money. That’s what this is about, isn’t it? Don’t lie to me, Angel. I was homeless a few times myself growing up. I know what it’s like on the streets.”
“You could pay us rent,” she spoke hesitantly. “Like a check every month while you keep her.”
Ashleigh laughed. “If you think that’s how this works, you’re delusional. You want money? I’ve got a check for ten grand with your name on it right now. You meet me down at the attorney’s office, sign the adoption papers, and the check is yours.”
“You think I’m stupid? You got millions!”
“Actually, I don’t have millions,” Ashleigh said smoothly. “I do well, but I have a supporting role on a TV show. I’m not Angelina Jolie, starring in hit movies and buying villas in France. And I’m certainly not going to rent your little sister. We can do this the easy way, Angel, where you get a substantial check and nice presents at Christmas and your birthday, or we can do it the hard way where I spend all that money on fancy lawyers.”
“Bitch, don’t threaten me.”
Ashleigh sighed dramatically. “Okay, fancy lawyers it is.” Her hands were shaking as she disconnected. Damn. This wasn’t good. Worse than that, she was scared now. She didn’t want to fight over Bella, and she didn’t want things to get ugly, but Tito was definitely interested in money, which meant things were already ugly.
Determined not to let Angel win, she picked up the phone and called Wilfred to give him the go-ahead to hire a private detective to follow Angel and Tito. As much as she hated to do it, she would do whatever was necessary for Bella. Once they hung up, she would call Brock, too; he’d made it clear he wanted to make this work, so she had to keep him in the loop, no matter how much it scared her to trust him.
Between packing up herself and Bella, making arrangements for them and Jolinda to be in Atlanta for at least two months, and closing up her condo, it was a long two weeks until the trip to Florida when Ashleigh would see Brock. She hated to admit she missed him and looked forward to talking to him every night. They’d gotten settled in Atlanta over the weekend and tomorrow morning would be flying to Ft. Lauderdale to meet him.
“Everything is set,” he said that night on the phone. “My mom is excited, and I promise, she’s great. No matter what our situation is, she wants to meet you and Bella. She almost cried when I told her Bella’s story, so you don’t have anything to worry about on that end.”
“I’m glad.”
“Are you ready?”
“Yes.” She paused. “I can’t wait to see you.”
“Me too.”
They were both quiet for a moment, as if admitting they wanted to see each other was embarrassing somehow.
“We have to go ring shopping,” he said finally. “I’d like to buy you something nice.”
“I thought we were going to wait.”
“It seems silly, don’t you think? We’re married, and I’ve already heard through the grapevine that a couple of the wives commented on your lack of engagement ring. Like it or not, the wives network will have plenty to say if we don’t take care of that.”
“Okay. I can pay for half or whatever.”
“Don’t be ridiculous. I’ll buy you a ring. I want to.”
“I just remembered we need to buy new wedding rings, too… I guess whatever we bought at the chapel was super cheap because my finger turned green.”
“Mine too.” He burst out laughing. “I had to take it off and tell everyone it was too tight.”
She laughed. “Our flight arrives at ten thirty. What time do you get in?”
“A little after two. I already told Coach Barnett you and Bella were meeting my mom for the first time, so I’ve got the afternoon free but I have to meet the team for dinner and a meeting at six. We’re at the same hotel, but I booked two suites so we can have Bella and my mom with us. I spoke to Coach Barnett about that, too, and he gave me permission.”
“You needed permission?”
“We have a block of rooms when we’re on the road and we’re supposed to be in them, alone. But wives and girlfri
ends do come to visit, we just don’t flaunt it because technically we’re not supposed to. The guys all do it, but I asked permission because everything we do now is front and center and I don’t want any trouble right before the playoffs.”
“Ashleigh?”
Before she could respond to Brock, Bella came into the room, her big blue eyes fastened on Ashleigh’s.
“I can’t sleep.”
“Hey, sweetie.” Ashleigh switched her focus, balancing the phone on her shoulder as she reached out her arms. “What’s wrong?”
“I’ve never had a grandmother before.”
“Oh, it’ll be okay, honey. You’ll see.”
Bella crawled into her lap.
“Let me talk to her,” Brock said into the phone.
“You sure?” Ashleigh hesitated.
“Yeah. Put her on.”
Ashleigh handed the phone to Bella, who put it to her ear and didn’t say anything after a whispered, “Hello.” She sat listening intently, until she smiled, and then a giggle escaped. With a grin at Ashleigh, she whispered, “See you tomorrow,” into the phone before handing it back to Ashleigh and hurrying back to her room.
“What did you say to her?” Ashleigh asked with a grin.
“That’s between me and her.” He chuckled.
“What?” She pretended to be affronted. “You can’t keep secrets from me already!”
“You’re not gonna be the jealous type, are you?” he asked, laughing.
“I don’t think so.” She was smiling even though he couldn’t see it.
“You should go get some rest—it’s going to be a busy couple of days.”
“There’s a bubble bath with my name on it,” she admitted. “And a glass of wine.”
“I don’t want a bubble bath, but there’s a beer waiting for me when we hang up.”
“Then you should get to it so it doesn’t get warm.”
“I’ll see you at the hotel tomorrow afternoon,” he said softly. “Fly safe.”
“Thanks. You too.” She disconnected with a smile.
Ashleigh wasn’t sure what to expect when she met Brock’s mother, but there was no doubt Bella was excited about the prospect of having a grandmother. She took one look at Dawn Lassiter and threw herself into her arms, talking a mile a minute. Ashleigh’s eyes widened and she attempted to settle her down, but Brock pulled her back, one arm lightly around her waist as he held her against him.
“Leave her,” he whispered. “Mom doesn’t mind and it’s kinda sweet.”
Ashleigh bit her lower lip. “You know how exuberant Bella can be when she meets new people…”
“My mom has been trying to get me to make her a grandmother for years,” he chuckled. “They’re going to get along great.”
Ashleigh kept her distance as Bella maintained a steady stream of chatter, but was grateful Brock stayed close, because she was more than a little out of sorts. Watching Dawn interacting with Bella as if she’d known her for years instead of minutes brought about all the same feelings of vulnerability she’d had when they’d had breakfast at her condo. This was family, something Ashleigh didn’t have a lot of positive experience with, and she was already starting to like it. She wished she could enjoy it, but feelings of abandonment and inadequacy were bubbling to the surface.
After a little while, Brock took her hand and pulled her into the master bedroom of the suite, shutting the door behind them. Then he leaned back against it, folding his arms across his chest as he narrowed his gaze at her. “Why are you still freaking out?”
She lifted her chin. “Because she’s already attached. I don’t know what you said to her on the phone last night, but she talked about you nonstop on the flight today. She took one look at your mom and called her ‘Grandma.’ Despite what you say, there’s no guarantee anything is going to work out. I can get over it, but that little girl out there may not. We’re playing with her emotions and—”
“Her emotions?” he asked with a soft growl. “Or yours?”
“Mine?” She drew her brows together. “What are you talking about?”
He walked toward her slowly, his eyes darkening as he approached. “I see the way you look at me—you want me every bit as much as I want you, but you refuse to allow it to happen. So, is this about Bella or you?”
“You want me, too,” she shot back, taking a step out of his reach.
“I’m not denying it,” he said, stopping right in front of her as she backed against the bed. “You’re the one fighting the attraction between us, not me.”
“It’s not about me,” she hissed, pushing at his chest as he leaned forward. “Even if you break my heart, I can handle it, but Bella can’t. She can’t lose anyone else, and watching her today with your mom just proves—”
“That this was meant to be,” he muttered, yanking her against him and lowering his lips to hers.
“Brock…” Her voice disappeared into his mouth as he gently but firmly pressed against her and ran his tongue along the seam of her lips, exploring slowly. His fingers moved to the back of her head, holding her tighter when she tried to move away.
“Don’t fight it,” he whispered. “Let me kiss you. Please don’t ask me to stop.”
Her eyes fluttered closed and she let herself enjoy every swipe of his tongue, the way his lips caressed hers, taking nothing and offering sweetness she never would have expected from him. A soft moan escaped her chest, a yearning she couldn’t define, and she slid her hands up his chest, rising on her toes to get higher and closer.
He lifted her until her legs wrapped around his waist and the kiss deepened into something even more delicious. Lips and tongues, swirling and mating, capturing each other over and over as they forgot all about their argument, the people just on the other side of the door, and her reluctance to give him a chance. Her arms closed around his neck and he continued to stroke her tongue with his, in and out, round and round, gently but with relentless pressure, until she gasped, pushing at his chest and yanking her head back.
“Oh my God!” she gasped. “Your mom and Bella are right there!”
He chuckled. “It’s not like we’re naked. It’s okay for married people to kiss.”
“Not like this.” She struggled to get down, smoothing down her blouse and taking a few steps back. “Geez, what the hell was that?”
“A really hot kiss?” He cocked his head. “One you’re going to beg for more of?”
She snorted. “I don’t beg.”
“We’ll see about that.” He reached out and cupped her cheek with his palm. “Everything’s going to work out, Ash, and I’m not going to hurt you or Bella. Trust me.”
She scowled. “Said the wolf to Little Red Riding Hood.”
“Are you Little Red Riding Hood?” He was grinning now. “I want to see what’s under your cape.”
She rolled her eyes. “I’m going to remind you of this conversation every time Bella calls and wants to see you, and you’re too busy with—”
“That’s not going to happen,” he huffed, scowling back at her. “I’ll make time for her. And you. I know I’ve said I don’t know much about relationships, but I’m trying, dammit.”
“I’m trying, too.”
Their eyes locked, and he reached out to brush a lock of silky hair away from her face. “You’re so fucking gorgeous, but every time I get close to you, I see your face shut down, pushing me away. The only time you let me in was the night we got married… Does that mean I need to get you drunk again?”
She shook her head. “No, I—” She stopped as someone knocked on the door.
“Are you two going shopping?” Dawn poked her head in. “Bella and I are talking about going to the pool. Would that be okay, Ashleigh?”
“Oh, yes, of course.” Ashleigh nodded. “Thank you.”
“You two need a little time together.” Dawn winked and backed out again.
“Come on.” Brock reached for her hand. “Let’s go find a ring before my meeting. We’ll talk mor
e later.”
14
Ashleigh and Dawn took Bella to the Rainforest Café for dinner and Bella had a blast interacting with the birds out front as they waited to be seated. She seemed enamored with them, watching the trainers intently as they did tricks with the large parrots.
“She’s a sweet child,” Dawn said once they were seated, watching Bella roam around to inspect each of the animated animals all over the restaurant. “I can see why you’re so attached to her.”
Ashleigh nodded, watching Bella laugh. “First day I met her, she was this bundle of sunshine in a room full of gloom. I knew instantly I wanted her in my life. I’ve always been that way—I don’t have a lot of friends, but the ones I have are immediate and important.”
“Is that how you felt about my son?” Dawn raised eyes that were the same color as Brock’s and met her gaze with no censure.
“I…not exactly.” Ashleigh gave a nervous laugh. “I would watch the games on TV and Brock was very…”
“Sexy.” Dawn’s eyes twinkled.
Ashleigh’s face got red. “Yes, but I’d never met him or anything. Then we met and he’s—”
“Closed off? Insecure? Stubborn?”
Ashleigh chuckled. “I was going to say even sexier in person, but those other things apply, too.”
Dawn smiled. “I don’t know you well, Ashleigh, but there must be something about you that’s different or we wouldn’t be here.”
“It was all a big drunken mistake that he’s been very gallant about.”
“It’s the excuse he needs to stop pretending he’s not lovable. He needed something to snap him out of whatever romantic funk he’s been in since Caroline cheated on him.”
“I don’t know much about any of that.”
“Why did you marry my son, Ashleigh?”
Ashleigh blinked at her, confused. “We were drunk, I don’t even remember…”
“Bologna.” Dawn rolled her eyes. “You’re beautiful, rich, and famous. It seems to me you could find any number of men to marry you so you could take care of this custody situation. Hell, I’d be willing to bet you could even pay off the right people to make it happen. Instead, you allowed yourself to marry Brock.”