The Boom

by Glenna Maynard

  Part of me secretly wishes she would get pregnant so I’d have a reason to tie her to me further, but I’d never do that to her. She’d never forgive me if I got her pregnant to keep her from leaving me. It would only make her do exactly that—leave.

  Kissing her shoulder, I still inside her, needing to hold onto this moment a little longer.

  **

  We’re meeting Courtney and Big Tex in an hour at some fancy restaurant. Courtney finished her degree and is now going to be teaching sixth grade at the local school here. I’m jealous that she’s moving here for Big Tex.

  After the drama of last year, I wasn’t sure if those two would get their shit together but they did. Courtney was only dating Adams for revenge and it turns out that Adams was dating her to make his ex-girlfriend jealous. Neither one knew they were scamming the other, but they laughed it off when it all came out. It was then that Tex had enough and three months later those two were married. Courtney tried to fight it, but with the help of Amaya getting her drunk, Tex took advantage of it. Sure, she put up a fight the next day once she realized what had happened, but she got over it.

  And those two have been going strong ever since. Once Tex got his trust fund from his parents, he completely cut them out. Especially when they threw a fit when Courtney made Tex sign a pre-nuptial agreement. Tex had no issues signing it, hell, he even knew the only reason Courtney wanted him to sign it was to piss off his parents.

  “Tate, babe, we should get going,” Amaya calls for me from the kitchen.

  “Coming.” I go out and her back is too me as she bends over to put her shoes on. My dick hardens instantly at the sight of seeing her bent over like that. Checking the time, I decide on a quickie.

  My hand slides along the curve of her hip. “Don’t move,” I grit in her ear and she shivers.

  “Tate,” she says my name in a giggle, as I bite the shell of her ear and kiss her neck.

  “You do crazy things to me, Twinkle Toes.”

  I lift the skirt of her dress and smack her bottom.

  “I need you fast. You aren’t going to deny me, are you?”

  “No,” she pants, as I circle the pulse of her clit over her panties; they are already wet. Fuck me.

  “Good,” I tell her as I move to slide her panties to the side. I run my finger through her slick heat, and I nearly bust out of my pants with need.

  I unzip my pants quickly and spread her cheeks, lining the head of my dick up with her sweet pussy that was made for loving me.

  She quivers as she braces herself against the wall. I slide into her, in an unapologetic thrust. I need her. I need her now. I can’t get enough of her. She will never be able to give me enough of her.

  “I don’t want you to go. Don’t leave me, baby. Please, don’t ever leave me.” The words leave my lips, and I instantly want to take them back, afraid she will never come back to me.

  She stills and I do too, waiting for her to tell me to go to hell. Only she says, “I wish I could tell you what you want to hear, Tate, but that would be a lie. I need to do this for me.”

  “I know baby, I know,” I tell her. “We can finish this later.” I pull out of her, hoping I didn’t fuck us up for good.

  She spins around to face me and throws her arms around my neck. I pull her up to my chest. Her legs wrapping around me. Tears prick in the corners of her eyes. “I love you, Tate. I wish I could stay.”

  I should beg her. I should get down on my knees but I don’t. I know that if the tables were turned, I don’t think I could walk away from my team to follow her.

  I’m selfish.

  I want to have it all, and I’m afraid it will all slip away.

  Chapter 28

  Amaya

  I can’t believe it’s been months since I was last visiting Tate.

  I love travelling from city to city doing what I love, but I miss Tate. Our schedules never seem to line up. I see him more on the TV than I do in person. I wasn’t expecting his career to take off so quickly, but he had a real break. The starting quarterback was involved in a fight over the summer and the guy’s brother retaliated and shot him in his right shoulder. Now, Tate is starting and in the spotlight. He’s always doing interviews. He even had a photoshoot for Sports Illustrated.

  He was invited to the Playboy Mansion for crying out loud. I try not to get jealous, but there are so many women. I know Tate loves me, but I can’t help but wonder if our love will be enough. I haven’t told him the offer I received. I haven’t decided yet. I’m afraid that if I accept it will be the end of us.

  I was offered a spot on the international tour and it’s huge for me. I would be dancing in France, Russia, Italy… I can see the world but Tate won’t get to see it with me. I’ll be gone for two years. Two.

  I tried talking to Courtney about it but all she said was to follow my heart. That’s not easy when my heart is split between two places—with the company and wherever Tate is.

  My mom thinks it’s a terrible idea, but only because it would be hard for her to come to my shows.

  I feel horrible. Tate even mentioned getting traded in a few years to the Raiders to be closer to me since my company is based in San Francisco. I don’t know why though. I’m always traveling as much as he is. Sometimes more.

  It wasn’t supposed to happen this way—life. I know I can’t have it all and it’s tearing me apart, I can’t give up my dream, and I can’t walk away from the man I love more than life. How do I choose? How do I tell him that I want to go, but I want to be with him too?

  My phone rings and as much as I miss him I’m afraid to answer. I don’t want to tell him about the offer for the international tour.

  Instead, I send him to voicemail. Guilt hits me instantly, and I tuck my phone in my purse. I know this is terrible and that I should just tell him straight up, but I’m a chicken shit.

  “Hey girl, you ready to go?” My roommate, Celeste asks.

  “Yeah, I’ll meet you downstairs.”

  Celeste is my roomie when we are traveling. She is a riot and has a sick sense of humor. We get along great. We have the night off so we are going to the opening for a new club. Celeste was given VIP tickets through her ex-girlfriend.

  Some place called Skirt Bar. It’s a totally odd name, but whatever, they are offering free drinks. And after the offer I was just made, I really need a drink or three.

  I apply another coat of lip gloss and slip my black heels on. Apparently, this club is very posh and elite. I am happy to be cutting loose and escaping my worries for one more night.

  **

  The club on the outside looked standard, normal club vibe and all. But the second I walked into the place, I wanted to bolt. “Celeste, what kind of place did you just drag me into?” I hiss at her.

  “My kind of place,” she says, smiling mischievously.

  The main room has a romantic ambiance. Silver chandeliers and black tapestry serve as the main décor. Dark red roses fill vases serving as the centerpieces on the tables. Slow, sexy music plays and all around me is nothing but nicely dressed women. Not one man is in sight. Great, lovely. I’m in a gay club. Not all bad, I won’t get hit on, and I won’t have an angry Tate to deal with, but this is awkward for me.

  I shrug it off and enjoy the free drinks and let Celeste do her thing. I only hope she doesn’t ditch me. This isn’t my scene. I make my way through the club, taking it all in. Behind some of the black curtains are huge beds, covered with big, thick pillows. A few are occupied. These women definitely aren’t shy. I make my way back to the tables; my curiosity has had its fill. There is definitely a lot of sexual tension here and I find myself missing Tate more than ever and wishing I were with him.

  An hour into our night, I’ve noticed my phone go off a few times, the screen says it’s Tate. I know I should talk to him, but I don’t know how I can do that over the phone, this talk needs to happen face to face.

  “Hey pretty girl, what’s with the sad eyes?” I look up and an attractive woman is s
tanding next to the table, eyes on me. I look to see where Celeste went, and she’s having fun on the dance floor.

  I just smile politely and turn back to my phone, seeing a picture of Tate and I together from last Christmas.

  “Wanna dance with me, girl?” The woman asks. She flashes her pearly whites at me. If I were into the whole chick thing, I’d totally dance with her. She’s dressed in tight fitting jeans and a silky, low-cut tank and dark heels. She’s put together nicely.

  I smile politely, and shake my head. “No thank you, I’m good right here.” I take another drink of my cocktail and hope she gives up easily.

  Her eyes narrow. “Babe, you’re hot, I’m hot, we’d look amazing together out there.”

  “I’m sorry, I’m not interested, I have a boyfriend.”

  “Then what are you doing in a here? You do know this is a club for bi-curious women, don’t you?”

  “Here with a friend, that’s all.”

  She leans in close to me, getting into my space. “Don’t play hard to get with me.”

  I lean away from her. “I’m sorry, but I’m not into women.” I show her my phone, a picture of Tate and I kissing is on the screen. “I really do have a boyfriend.”

  She looks like she’s about to say something again when Celeste finally comes back to the table. “Hey, sorry I was gone so long, but that hottie had moves, and I wanted to show off,” she says with a small laugh. “Oh, who’s this?” she asks, finally looking at the woman that approached me.

  I give her help me eyes and hers widen in shock, then she bursts out laughing.

  She looks to the woman and apologizes. “Sorry hot stuff, but my girl here is as straight as they come. Trust me.”

  The woman stares at me again for a few seconds then shrugs and walks away.

  I let out a sigh of relief. “That was so awkward. Please never bring me here again.”

  She grabs her purse from under the table and stands up. “I’m ready to get back to our place anyways, I got my dancing done and a few drinks, so I’m good to go. I got a number too!” She winks and I laugh.

  “I can’t believe you brought me to a sex club,” I tease her.

  “Hey, don’t knock it until you try it.”

  “I get all I need with Tate.” I smile, but then frown when I look to my phone to see another missed call.

  We need to talk...soon.

  We take a cab back to our room and there is a message and delivery for me at the front desk. A pang of guilt sweeps over me. A gift box and candy. Tate. They must be from him.

  I thank the concierge and take the box up to the room. After I strip out of my dress and into something comfy, I grab the card and candy.

  I settle on my bed while Celeste takes a shower. I’m about to nibble on a piece of chocolate as I open the card.

  I miss you.

  I go to grab my phone to call Tate when I notice it isn’t his usual I love you afterwards. The card is signed.

  I love watching you move, I hope to see you soon.

  Yours truly,

  Your biggest fan.

  I cross the room to the table and open the box. There’s a single black rose inside.

  I get chills all over and don’t know what to do.

  Chapter 29

  Tate

  Amaya has been off lately. She seems sad. I promised I’d fly out to her the next chance I get. It’s just so damn hard right now. Our schedules constantly conflict. I make sure she has tickets to every game, but she’s not made it to my last two. I feel as if she’s avoiding me. Like there’s something she isn’t telling me. Its fucking with my head and screwing up my game. I have so much riding on me right now. We have a real shot of making it to the Super Bowl. This is huge for me. It’s what I’ve worked my whole life for.

  Come Christmas I’m done waiting for the stars to align, I’m going to ask her to marry me. I know Amaya loves her career but there are other places she can dance. Hell, I’ll build her own studio if that’s what she wants. I just want her next to me, in bed with me, and under me every night. I need her. My apartment is so empty with her gone. Having her here a few weeks over the summer was amazing. It felt so damn right. It was perfect.

  We ate together. We showered together. We did everything together.

  Cindy said I should just tell her how I feel. Mom thinks I need to give her time to live her dream without pressuring her or rushing her. It’s tearing me apart. I just want her here, with me.

  I turn my car over to valet and go inside Café Lumeronte to meet with my agent, Valentina. She’s a shark and never fails to keep me in the good graces of the press.

  “Reservation for King,” I tell the hostess.

  She smiles at me, flashing her teeth. “Right this way, Mr. King. Your party has already arrived.”

  “Thank you.” I follow her through the dining area to a private table in the upstairs dining room.

  I take in my surroundings, noting the Paris themed décor. Amaya would love it. I’ll have to bring her when she flies in. I can’t wait to hold her in my arms. We’re supposed to spend Christmas with my parents this year. We weren’t able to do Thanksgiving, I had an appearance on a sitcom and Amaya was travelling as well. We were going to meet in the middle but inclement weather prevented it from happening.

  “Here you are, Mr. King.” The hostess leads me to my seat.

  “Tate.” Valentina smiles at me, her dark eyes glittering with delight. “The numbers are in, your guest appearance had amazing views. Their highest viewed episode ever. They want you back after the holidays to film one more spot.”

  “Seriously?” I kiss her cheek and take the seat next to hers.

  “Amazing isn’t it. I told you, women adore you. They tattoo your name over their hearts,” she teases.

  I shake my head. “Well, they will be disappointed soon enough.”

  Her eyes narrow on me as I scan the menu. “Why is that?”

  “I’m going to ask Amaya to marry me.” I grin.

  The server approaches and I order the shrimp pasta.

  Once he leaves she responds. “Are you sure now is the appropriate time? I mean, I am happy for you, but I’d hate to see you lose the momentum we are building. You’re a brand, Tate and women want you single.”

  “I don’t care. My real concern is football. All this other stuff is great, but I don’t need all the press and appearances. All I need is a contract to play and my girl wherever I am. Plus. I’ve been with Amaya since before I got drafted, you and everyone else have known I’ve been off the market since day one.”

  “Well, then I suppose congratulations.” She smiles.

  “Thanks, V.”

  “When are you going forward with this?’

  “Christmas, my family is hosting this year. I want it to be perfect for her.”

  “You’ve been planning this for some time, haven’t you?”

  “I’ve always known I’d marry her. She’s my boom.”

  Her brow raises with a smirk. “Your boom?”

  I take a drink of my water as my plate is brought out. “My one. It was love at first sight. She’s so amazing, V. I can’t wait to formally introduce you.”

  “Can’t wait. I’m sure she is a real delight.”

  I smile at her comment. “I always thought my parents were nuts when they told me about The Boom, but then it happened to me, happened to my best friend. I would have asked Amaya before I got drafted into the NFL, but with her dance career, and me wanting to establish mine, I wanted to wait. And now I’m kicking myself, because I shouldn’t have.”

  “So sweet, she’s a lucky girl, Tate.”

  **

  “Hey, babe. Fuck, I’ve missed the sound of your voice. Did you see the episode of Stray Dogs?”

  “You were amazing. If this football gig doesn’t work out, you could always go Hollywood,” she teases.

  Her laughter carries over the line wrapping around me.

  “I wish you could have been there during the taping. I
was so nervous doing it with a live audience.”

  “I can’t imagine you getting nervous about anything. So hey, I have to fly out soon.”

  Again? So soon. “Didn’t you just get back?”

  “Yes, but this is a private appearance…”

  “Oh. What kind of private performance?”

  “I got you a front row seat. I’m going to text you the address. Hold on.”

  “Okay.” I put her on speaker and wait for her text. My eyes light up seeing my address.

  A knock sounds at my door. I rush through my apartment and swing the door open without checking to see who it is. I can feel her.

  I drop my phone as she tackle hugs me.

  “I can’t believe you’re here.”

  God, she feels so good in my arms.

  “I missed you so much, and I had a little time off, so I called Courtney to have her find out when you’d be around, and ta da, I’m here.”

  “I missed you too. This is the best surprise ever. Are you staying until after Christmas?” I ask her, sounding hopeful.

  “No, I only have a week, but I do have the whole week of Christmas off too, so it won’t be too long between visits again. At least not for a while.” She looks worried, almost sad.

  “It’s going to be okay Amaya, I know you don’t like the distance between us, I hate it myself, but it will work out. I promise.”

  “Yeah, I know.” Her voice sounds so small right now.

  I put my fingers under her chin, and lean down for a kiss. “I love you,” I say when my lips touch hers.

  “I love you too, always.”

  Chapter 30

  Amaya

  Every time Tate looks at me I feel guilty. I hate keeping secrets. We’ve always been upfront with each other. We don’t keep secrets. Well, we didn’t until now.

  I know I need to tell him. But he looks so damn happy tonight. I managed to get a week off to spend with him. He has a couple of practices this week but his schedule is clear. It’s a miracle. Sexting and Skype only does so much and it doesn’t replace the real thing.