#Player

by Cambria Hebert

  Missy giggled, and Ivy gave me a look that said Missy better not get any ideas about picking up where she’d left off with Braeden.

  I secretly agreed. It took Missy a while to get over the fact that Braeden really hadn’t wanted any more than fun with her. But lately she’d been happier and more open to the idea of other guys.

  “You better be on your best behavior tonight,” I called out to him.

  Braeden pushed open the door the rest of the way so he and Romeo could step into the room beside Missy.

  “I’m wounded you think I need a lesson in manners.” He placed a hand over his heart.

  I snorted.

  “What the hell are you wearing?” Braeden shouted, startling everyone. It was like he was just noticing I wasn’t wearing my usual sweats and hoodie. “Rome, you better get your girl. She thinks she’s going out in that.”

  I gasped and glanced down at myself. “What’s wrong with it?”

  Romeo stepped around the bed and the people crowding the room and swept his eyes over me. The blue in his irises deepened to navy. “You know everyone’s going to be staring at you tonight,” he murmured.

  I tilted my head to the side. “In a good way? Or a bad way?”

  He smiled.

  “In a that girl is half naked kind of way!” Braeden interjected.

  Romeo rolled his eyes.

  “Naked!” I burst out. “I’m completely covered!”

  “You can see through the lace,” he argued and hit Romeo on the shoulder.

  Romeo glanced at him. “You’re on your own, B.”

  He gave Romeo a look like he was from Mars. “You’re gonna let her wear that?”

  “I think she looks beautiful,” he said, his eyes never leaving me.

  My cheeks heated and a warm feeling spread through my chest. “Good way?”

  “Best way,” Romeo corrected.

  “You two are seriously making us all sick!” Ivy groaned. “Let’s go before we’re late.”

  Braeden was still looking at me, and I laughed. “The top is lined, Braeden. With fabric. I assure you there is nothing on display.”

  “Well, I was trying not to look,” he muttered. “I mean, damn. Next time buy a dress with black lining or some shit. You about gave your BBFL a heart attack when I thought I was seeing your—”

  Romeo grabbed him by the front of his jacket. “What?” he growled.

  “Her lady bits,” Braeden whispered, completely appalled, but it was so loud everyone heard it.

  Every one of us burst out laughing.

  Even Romeo. “Dude, you are not right.”

  Braeden ran his hands over the front of his black suit jacket to smooth out the fabric. He looked really good in a pair of jet-black dress pants, black dress shoes, a matching jacket, and a silk dark-green tie.

  “You look good, Braeden,” I told him. “Your tie matches Ivy’s gown.”

  He slid a glance at her and grimaced. “I hope no one thinks we’re together.”

  I swear if looks could kill, Braeden wouldn’t be breathing.

  “Please.” She sniffed. “Everyone knows I would never.”

  “Let’s go,” Missy groaned and opened the door and walked out into the hall. Braeden and Ivy followed.

  Romeo offered me his arm. “Heels, huh?” he asked, amused.

  I made a face. “Seriously. I might fall and kill myself.”

  “I’d never let that happen.” He winked.

  He looked like he just stepped off the pages of GQ, standing there with his wide shoulders, tapered waist, and long, strong legs. He was wearing a navy-colored suit in a material that begged to be touched. His dress shirt was the color of steel and his tie was a shade of brilliant blue that totally matched his eyes.

  His blond hair was combed back, but it still managed to fall over his forehead, giving him a rakish appearance. He wasn’t wearing the sling on his arm, but I knew he had the splint on beneath his coat. He barely wore the sling these days, unless I badgered him into putting it on.

  “If this event was for anyone other than the animals, I would totally skip just to be alone with you,” I murmured, desire clear in my voice.

  He leaned down and kissed my ear. “Oh, baby. We still have later.”

  I shivered with the delicious promise.

  It was a short drive to the location of the event. We settled on a large, opulent hotel with a grand ballroom and a large capacity for guests. We were hosting a sit down dinner for which people paid a hundred dollars a plate.

  I was shocked when Valerie suggested that price, but she insisted it was worth it and people would pay it. Since the event sold out, she proved herself right.

  I didn’t have to pay for my plate, and neither did Ivy, Missy, Braeden, or Romeo. Valerie said it had been taken care of.

  That translated to she paid for us. I didn’t argue. I didn’t have the energy. I simply just didn’t care.

  Besides, the majority of the money went to the shelter.

  People were arriving as we were, and the wide double doors to the ballroom were thrown open, giving a clear view to the room inside.

  The carpet was a dark onyx, which you would think would be impossible to keep clean because every little speck of anything would show up like a star in the night sky.

  But no. This carpet was so clean it was almost off-putting to step on. Nothing, not even a spec of lint or dust, dared to tarnish its opulent design. In the center of the room, a dance floor had been arranged because after the dinner, the speakers, and hopefully the large donations, there would be music and entertainment.

  Around the perimeter of the room, large round tables were placed in a sweeping pattern so as not to disrupt any kind of flow in the space and to ensure everyone had a view of the large platform near the dance floor.

  All the tables were draped in pale gold, with a shimmering netting material over to make everything glisten under the lights.

  The center of the tables were adorned with photographs in large glittering frames. Valerie had wanted to place flower arrangements there, but I wanted something more personal. She gave in, and now each table held a small grouping of animals that had come through the shelter and found loving homes. There were also photos of the animals that stayed there with us now, ones that needed good homes.

  All around the room were large easels with more photos, drawn-up plans for a remodel and modernization of the shelter, and pictures of the people who donated their time to the animals.

  There was also more in-depth literature printed out in small brochures that gave in detail what the shelter was in need for, yearly costs to run the place, and what the average daily needs were for a place like ours to thrive.

  There was a sign-up sheet for volunteer hours, literature on animal care and grooming, and of course, there were various tables set up all around that were there solely for the purpose of taking donations.

  Our goal for tonight was to raise a minimum of twenty thousand dollars. I wasn’t sure we could do it, but we’d already made a good chunk off the tickets. Somehow, Valerie had gotten the hotel to donate the room so we didn’t have to pay a hefty rental fee.

  We did have to pay a fee for the dinner, but apparently, Valerie got it at a heavily discounted rate.

  I had to admit, when the woman set her mind to something, it was as good as done.

  Even when it was something like digging up secrets on my father.

  Once we showed Ivy, Missy, and Braeden the table we were all sharing, Romeo and I went to the entrance where Valerie greeted people as they came in. Michelle (the shelter owner) was there as well, and she was beaming with excitement at the prospects for tonight.

  I was nervous to greet people, but I did it anyway. I smiled and laughed and shook a million hands. Romeo never left my side. When someone (like the press) tried to talk to him about the Knights or his training, he deftly turned the subject back to the reason we were all here.

  There was a lot of media present, including the reporter tha
t interviewed Romeo for the Maryland Tribune and a couple local television stations doing pieces for a human-interest story.

  There was a brief cocktail hour while guests were arriving, and I barely had time to breathe, but it flew by so fast I was surprised when Valerie touched my arm and whispered it was time to start the presentation.

  Butterflies swirled inside my belly because I was going to be doing a little bit of speaking. Mostly just telling everyone my part in the shelter, some of our goals, and introducing Michelle who would also be speaking.

  We were about to close the ballroom doors when some of the press in the hall started snapping pictures and a whirl of excitement filtered through the room.

  “Mr. Gamble!” one of the reporters called out. “What brings you here tonight?”

  Romeo whipped around and stared out into the hallway as Ron Gamble, owner of the Maryland Knights, stepped into sight.

  He was wearing a tuxedo with a wide white silk tie. His hair was graying at the sides and temples, and he had a solid build. He probably wasn’t even six feet tall, but the man had an undeniable presence.

  I would almost call it arrogance if it weren’t for the kindness I saw in his eyes.

  He paused and turned to the reporter who yelled out his question. “I’m supporting a good cause.”

  When he turned back around, his dark eyes went right to Romeo. He smiled widely and held out his arms. “Roman Anderson, your reputation precedes you.”

  Romeo grinned. “As does yours.”

  He laughed and held out a hand, his left one, for Romeo to shake. “I’ve been wanting to welcome you to the team since you signed but haven’t been able to break away.” He glanced at me, and I smiled warmly. “But then I heard about this worthy cause and figured I’d use it as an opportunity.”

  “We’re glad to have you, Mr. Gamble.”

  He waved away Romeo’s words. “Call me Ron.”

  To my surprise, he turned to me. “You must be Rimmel.”

  I felt my eyes widen. He knew my name?

  Ron chuckled. “Oh yes, I know who you are. I hope you’ll join us at all the games you can. I’d ask you to sit in my private box, but that would only deny the public your face. The camera sure loves you.”

  I blushed probably ten shades of red. “Of course I’ll be there.”

  “Good. Good.” He nodded. “I’ll look forward to speaking with you later on this evening,” he said to Romeo. “I’ll just go find my seat.”

  “I’d be happy to escort you,” Valerie said, stepping forward.

  “Well, I’m certainly not going to say no to that offer.”

  “Mr. Gamble,” I rushed out, stopping him before he could go.

  “Ron to you too, sweetheart,” he said.

  I nodded. “Ron. I… I just wanted to tell you what a smart man I think you are.”

  He threw back his head and laughed. “I’m sure some wouldn’t agree with you.”

  I smiled. “You know what they say about opinions…” I let my voice trail away.

  He chuckled. “I do.”

  Valerie was looking at me like I had five heads, sitting here talking to the most powerful man in the state like this.

  I lifted my chin and stepped forward. “Romeo is the best player you’re ever going to have. Even injured.” Then I hurried to add, “But he won’t be injured for long.”

  Behind me, Romeo laughed beneath his breath.

  Ron watched me with clear amusement in his eyes. I wanted to kick myself. I wasn’t trying to be amusing. I was trying to be sincere.

  And someone had to thank the man for what he’d done for Romeo. Valerie wouldn’t, because I knew she probably thought it was beyond polite to bring this kind of thing up.

  And Romeo would never because he was humble. Well, in some ways.

  (In other ways, he had a giant head.)

  That left me.

  “I know you’re taking a chance on him, and I want to thank you for that. He works hard, harder than anyone I know. He’s going to be your team’s good luck charm. I just know it.”

  Romeo stepped forward and placed his palm on the small of my back. I wondered if that was his way of telling me to shut it.

  “I like you,” Ron said. “Honest. Sincere. Most people are afraid to talk to me like I’m a regular human.”

  Romeo’s hand moved from the small of my back to curve around my hip. Ron watched us and then shook his head. “Football royalty,” he mused. “That’s exactly what you two are on the path to becoming.”

  “I hope you enjoy the evening,” I said. I really wasn’t sure what you said when someone predicted you’d be royalty.

  “I will.” Valerie started to lead him away, but he looked back over his shoulder.

  “And it’s not really a chance I’m taking on this one.” He hitched his thumb at Romeo. “It’s a sure thing. I would know. I only ever bet on sure things.” He winked. “They don’t call me Gamble for nothing.”

  When he walked away, I looked up at Romeo. “I think that went well.”

  He chuckled, his voice rich and low. Tiny goose bumps ran down my arms. “Maybe I should fire Dad and hire you to manage my deals.”

  I snorted. “Are you kidding? That could have gone horribly wrong. Thank goodness he has a sense of humor.”

  As Michelle and Valerie gathered up front, I murmured, “I need to get up there.”

  I started forward and got maybe two steps. Then my ankle turned on those god-awful (and painful!) heels.

  My last thought before I tripped and fell into a heap on the perfect carpet was if this fall didn’t kill me (which unfortunately it wouldn’t), then embarrassment surely would.

  Chapter Thirty

  Romeo

  The girl couldn’t walk in heels.

  She could barely stand in them.

  Right before she totally busted her ass, I rushed forward and caught her.

  Her breath whooshed out of her lungs and her eyes were closed tightly like she was anticipating the jolt against the floor.

  “I got you,” I said.

  Her eyes opened as I swung her up in my arms.

  “Your arm!” she gasped and tried to leap down.

  I chuckled, aware of every eye in the place on us. “You better hold still before you hurt it worse.”

  She gasped and went rigid.

  Okay, that was mean, but damn was she cute. And I wasn’t putting her down.

  “I think I better escort you to the stage. Can’t have you injuring yourself or anyone else with those potential weapons of mass destruction on your feet.”

  Rimmel grimaced, and I carried her with ease around the tables, across the dance floor, and up to the stage where Mom and Michelle were waiting.

  “I’m so embarrassed,” she muttered.

  Up on the platform, I turned so everyone could see me carrying her and I grinned out at the crowd. I heard some muffled laughter in the back, which only egged me on.

  “Kick off your shoes,” I told her.

  “What? No. Put me down.”

  “Kick them off or I’ll make you talk while I hold you.”

  “You’re going to pay for this later,” she muttered and kicked off her heels. They landed nearby with an audible thud.

  I stood Rim on her own two feet and then stepped up to the waiting microphone. “She just can’t walk in heels.”

  Everyone laughed and a few people applauded.

  I happened to see Mom seated Ron Gamble at our table between my father and me. He was smiling and nodding at something Dad was saying while watching me.

  Figuring I embarrassed Rim enough, I left her to it and took my seat at the table. Braeden gave me a this is the shit look when I sat down, and I knew he was talking about Ron Gamble.

  I was surprised too, but I would roll with it.

  Rimmel spoke briefly, but it was the most passionate speech I’d ever heard someone give about animals. After she went, Michelle went into more detail, and then a short video of the shelter played
on a large screen.

  When that was over, dinner was served, and then a live band Mom somehow scored started playing, rounding out the night.

  The lines at the donation tables never vanished.

  Rimmel beamed and mingled with people like she was a pro. She was the frickin’ light of the entire night. Everyone gravitated toward her. She was infectious. She infected people with her warmth and light. She was absolutely the kind of person that made others remember how good she made them feel, long after they walked away.

  I didn’t talk too much football with Ron because this wasn’t a football event. I wasn’t going to degrade all the work Rimmel and my mother put into this fundraiser by turning it into a show about me. Besides, it was sort of nice to have a break. All the press, interviews, and phone calls lately were a lot. I was glad to have a break.

  Plus, my instincts were telling me Ron wasn’t here to check me out for football. He just wanted to know what kind of teammate he’d brought into the fold. Quarterbacks were important pieces in the game. They could make or break a season. And there was a lot more to a good quarterback than just the way he threw.

  Ron knew that. I knew it.

  And I hoped the way I acted tonight gave him even more confidence in me.

  When a slow song played through the room, I took the chance to pull Rim out onto the floor. I’d been sharing her with everyone all night, and I wanted some one-on-one time.

  “People’s eyes follow you around the room,” I told her, pulling her close.

  “You’re being a drama queen,” she said rationally.

  “I don’t like it.” I ignored her words completely. I was not a drama queen.

  “My eyes are always on you.”

  “As they should be.” She laughed. Seconds later, her cheek rested against my chest. “Donations are pouring in. It’s going to be so good for the animals.”

  “I’ve been to a lot of events my mother has chaired, so I can say with full authority that this is the best one.”

  “Really?”

  “Mmm.” I was distracted by the feel of her against me and the memory of what happened the last time we were on a dance floor together.

  But my happy memory was interrupted when Rim’s body tensed beneath my hold. “Rim?”