“No. We’re not. You’re good sitting where you are.” I gesture toward Colt. “Colt tells me you’re a model and real estate mogul. It looks like my pro-ball career is over, so I was hoping you could give me some tips?”
Skye chokes on her wine, Colt hits her on the back, and Diandra’s mouth is wide open.
“What?” she asks in almost a shriek.
Poor Lochlan looks confused.
“Skye, are you okay?” asks Colt as she continues to cough.
Skye can only nod as she tries to bring herself under control.
“Once I donate a kidney, that’s it. No more football for me.”
Dee stands. “No, no, no! This isn’t what I wanted.”
I stand. “Well, it’s not about you. It’s about what’s best for Dawson.”
Tear spring to her eyes, and she shakes her head, then she looks down at Lochlan. “It was so nice meeting you.” Then she turns slightly to face a still coughing Skye. “And you too.”
Dee picks up her clutch and stalks toward the elevators without a backward glance.
“If you don’t go after her, I’m going to knock you into next week,” states Colt.
Skye nods furiously next to him.
“Gray, I don’t know you, but I do know that’s one hell of a woman, and if you don’t chase after her, I will,” says Lochlan.
Blowing out my cheeks, I do an about-turn and run after her. Dee is furiously pressing the button for the elevator. As I get to her, the doors open, and she walks inside with me right behind her. The doors close, Dee wraps her arms around herself and turns around. Her eyes go wide.
“Leave me alone, Gray.”
I shake my head and close the gap between us. Dee walks backward until her body hits the back of the elevator, but I keep coming. I put a hand on either side of her head, and she looks up at me like a rabbit caught in a trap.
“Back up, Gray!”
I shake my head. “Talk to me.”
“You’re too close. Step back.”
“Not until you talk to me.”
A tear slides down her cheek, and I brush it away with my thumb, keeping my hand pressed to her face. “Please, don’t cry.”
Dee stands straighter, her head pressed up against the elevator wall. “Step. Back.”
I take in a deep breath, and her perfume fills my nostrils. My other hand moves to cup the other side of her face, and I move in, my lips a whisper from hers. Dee’s eyes go to my mouth, and then I crush her lips to mine. She whimpers, but she doesn’t push me back.
As I deepen the kiss, her hands clutch at my shirt. One of my hands moves down her body to her waist, and I press her closer to me. Dee’s mouth opens, an invitation for me to explore what was once mine.
The doors to the elevator open, and people come in, but neither of us stop. It feels like an eternity since I’ve felt this way. Like a man dying for a drink, I want more. This kiss isn’t enough. I want all of her.
Someone clears their throat, and Dee pulls back, resting her head on my chest.
“Maybe you two should get a room?” suggests a female voice full of mirth.
I put my hand in Dee’s, and as soon as the doors open again, pull her with me. Thankfully, we’re in the hotel lobby. My only thought is to get Dee alone, so I drag her toward a cab and push her through the open door.
“Beresford Apartments,” I growl at the cabbie.
“You’re Grayson Moore.”
Jesus, every cab I’ve gotten into in this city and not one of them has known me, but this guy does. I don’t want to make small talk. I want to reconnect with Dee.
“Yes, he is,” announces Dee.
“Good job on the Super Bowl. You know I’ve always been a fan of the New England Warriors. You guys were a shoo-in this year. How do you think you’ll go next year?”
Locking eyes with Dee, I say, “They’ll win. But this was my last year with them.”
“True? I haven’t read that in the papers.”
“Yeah, I haven’t announced it yet. My son is sick, and he needs one of my kidneys, so no more football for me.”
“Geez, sorry to hear that about your boy. You’ll be missed. You really think the Warriors can do it without you?”
“They’ll manage, they still have the best quarterback in the league. Colt won’t let them down.”
Dee shakes her head. “I won’t let you.”
“It’s not about you, Dee. It’s about doing what’s right, and helping little man is what’s right.”
A tear slides down her face, then another. “I’m so sorry, Gray.”
Grasping her face, I shake my head. “Don’t be. Sometimes life throws you a curveball, and you can either tuck and run or face it head-on.” I brush her tears away. “I’m not running anymore.”
“Ahh, Mr. Moore, Gray?” I turn to face the cabbie and give him an inquiring look. “We’re here.”
Dee opens the door, and I reluctantly let her go. The cabbie is talking, but I don’t hear a word he’s saying. I toss him fifty dollars and follow Dee out into the open air. She’s shaking her head and muttering to herself as she hurries toward the entry to the Beresford.
I catch up with her at the elevators. “Dee, talk to me.”
The doors open, and she walks into the empty space. I hesitate for a moment, then follow her inside. This time I don’t crowd her but keep my distance.
Dee turns to stare at me. “This can’t go any further.”
“Why?”
“This thing between us isn’t real. You’re remembering a girl who’s long since disappeared.”
I shake my head. “No, she’s still there, she’s just grown up, and she’s the mother of my son.”
Dee shakes her head. The elevator comes to a stop, the doors open, and Tyson Reed is standing there. Anger boils through me. I take two steps toward him, and he staggers back.
“Grayson, let’s talk about this.”
“You took her away. You kept her and my son here! Did you think you could replace me, Mr. Reed? Did you think becoming godfather to my son would make him think you’re his father?”
“Grayson!” yells Diandra as she positions herself in front of him. “It was my idea!”
I look past her to Tyson Reed, who takes another few steps away from us. “Dee, leave me and Mr. Reed alone.”
Dee shakes her head.
“I give you my word I won’t hurt him, but he and I are going to have a sit-down.”
“Gray—”
“Now, Dee.” I look into her eyes, and in a softer tone, I say, “Go shower. I’ll be in, in a minute.”
Dee tilts her head, and I think she’s going to argue with me, but to my surprise, she nods and disappears down the hallway that leads to her bedroom.
He watches her leave and lets out a sigh. “She’s never stopped loving you.” He turns his back on me, then stops and waves a hand for me to follow him. “It’s about time you called me Tyson and heard the entire story.”
I follow him to the end of the hallway, where he turns left and continues on, going past many doors. I knew this place was large, but I had no idea how extensive it is. Finally, Tyson opens a door on his right and walks in. Inside is a library and off to one side is a bar. He walks in behind it and pours two drinks, then comes back to me, offering me one of the glasses.
“I can’t.”
He frowns, shrugs, and sits on one of the leather couches.
“I need you to know I didn’t bring her here to hurt you.” He crosses his legs and sips his drink. “Diandra was lost. She told me you didn’t want a child, and she couldn’t get herself to tell you or to terminate. I was in a position to help her, so I did.”
“You love her.” It’s not a question but a statement.
Tyson nods. “That came later.” He sighs. “I don’t know when it happened.” He looks down at the rug at our feet. “Not long after she moved here. I watched her throughout the pregnancy, I was there for Dawson’s birth, and I’ve looked out for her these pas
t three years.” He pauses for a moment. “But through it all, she’d ask me about you. How were you doing? Did I know how your mother was? Should she tell you?”
“And what did you say to that?”
His eyes find mine. “It became obvious she was never going to love me, so I told her she should tell you. But the older Dawson got, the harder it became for her, and eventually, she decided it would be easier not to tell you. I guess the universe has a perverse sense of humor. It’s like it made Dawson sick on purpose, so she could find her way back to you.”
“That’s a shitty way to look at it.”
“Yeah, but do you know how rare it is for a child under four to get Goodpasture Syndrome?”
I shake my head.
He grimaces. “The odds are miniscule, something like one in one million people get it every year, and the risk of a child getting is so much more than that.” Tyson wags a finger at me. “The universe has plans for you two.” He takes a sip of his drink. “Or should I say you three?”
“The operation to remove one of my kidneys will mean the end of my football career.”
Tyson’s eyes widen, and he laughs. “Wow, the fucking universe just keeps on giving, doesn’t it?”
“It’s elective surgery.”
“Meaning I could keep the rest of the money owed to you in your contract.” I nod and purse my lips together. “Would you do that? Give it all up?”
“Yes,” I answer without hesitation.
Tyson smiles. “Good.”
He takes a sip of his drink, and I realize I’m only going to have the money in my accounts that I have right now. It’s a lot of money, but it’s not enough to see Dawson and Dee through the medical expenses we’re going to face for the rest of his life.
“Of course, I won’t do that. I couldn’t do it to Dee or Dawson, and I’m going to get some good press out of this. And I’m going to use it as a bargaining chip.”
“How so?”
His lips turn down. “I’m very fond of Dawson, and I am his godfather.” He leans forward and puts down his drink. “I’d very much like to be a part of his life as he grows up if you’ll let me.” Tyson stands, facing me. “Please don’t take him from me. You can have whatever is owed to you regardless, but I’d like you to consider letting me see your son.”
Tyson Reed isn’t a bad person. He may have conspired to keep Dee and Dawson from me, but he genuinely cares for both of them.
“They’ll be moving out of here.”
Tyson nods. “Is that a yes?”
I hold out my hand to him, and he puts his hand in mine.
“It’s a yes.” We shake hands, and he tries to pull out of my grasp. “But no more secrets, Tyson, you’re family now. We don’t keep secrets.”
“Agreed.”
I let him go, then walk out of the room and go in search of Dee.
DIANDRA
Leaving those two alone is a bad idea. I know they need to work through their issues, but a part of me would like to be there to referee. Walking away from them toward my bedroom was one of the hardest things I’ve ever done. I love Tyson like a brother, and I have no idea how I feel about Gray. Or maybe the truth is, I don’t want to think about my feelings for Gray.
Walking out of my shoes, I leave them on the floor and keep walking toward my bathroom. It’s at the front of the Bereford with a spectacular view of the park and the surrounding city. There’s no need to turn a light on. I’ve lived here for three years and know it like the back of my hand. Reaching behind me, I pull down my dress’s zipper, then remove my underwear, letting it all fall to the white-tiled floor. Next, I turn on the shower and step under its spray. The icy water causes me to grit my teeth together, but it doesn’t last long. Soon the hot water is washing over me. Mechanically, I soap myself up and remove any makeup with a washcloth.
Stepping out of the shower, I strain to hear any noises coming from outside my room. The only thing I can hear is my own breathing. Toweling off, I dress for sleep and crawl onto my bed’s soft mattress. At first, I lay there staring at the ceiling, but this does nothing to soothe my nerves, so I sit up, fluffing pillows to put behind me. I find myself staring at my open bedroom door, wishing Gray would walk through it. Eventually, I get out of bed and pad into Dawson’s room.
He has a night light next to his little bed, and I turn it on. The soft light illuminates the space, sending patterns onto the ceiling and walls. Sometimes when he can’t sleep, I turn on the music box that’s next to it. It feels strange to be reaching for it and putting it on without him here, but tonight, I think I need the comfort. As the twinkling music fills the air, I’m reminded how small and fragile my son is and what a mess I’ve made of things with Gray.
Warm hands land on my shoulders, and I’m turned into Gray’s embrace. He holds me, and I breathe in his long-forgotten scent. My hands encircle him, and we sway to the music. No words are needed as we cling to each other in our son’s room.
The music stops, and I pull back from him. Gray’s fingers move a few strands of hair off my face, and then he puts his hand in mine and walks me back to my bedroom. Once inside, he closes the door, and I follow him toward the bed. Gray pulls back the covers, and I crawl into the middle of the bed, facing away from him. I can hear him removing his clothing, then the bed dips as his body curls in around mine. His arm goes over my hip and around my stomach, pulling me even closer to him.
Neither of us speak. We lay together in the dark, and for the first time, in a long time, I fall asleep without worrying what tomorrow will bring.
GRAYSON
Seeing Diandra standing in Dawson’s room last night, looking so lost, made me realize she’s been alone with this burden. Not that our son is a burden. I understand Diandra would do anything for him, just like she thought she was doing right by me all those years ago. Maybe Tyson is right, maybe the universe has a strange sense of humor, and we both needed to change and grow to be better people for the adversities that our son now faces.
The sun has barely broken through the morning sky. I’m awake, staring at Diandra as she sleeps, nestled against me. Her hair is fanned out over the pillows, making her appear almost child-like. She moans and arches in sleep, pushing herself up against me. My cock instantly becomes hard, and my hand moves down her body. At first, I trace the curve of her hip repeatedly, but I want more. Dragging her nightie up, my hand traces along the top of her trimmed pussy, exploring her body. Diandra moans, and in her sleep, her hand finds mine, pushing it down between her folds. She grinds against my hand, and my finger seeks her small nub.
“Gray,” she gasps.
Although I’m happy she calls out my name in her sleep, I feel shameful at my lack of self-control. Unable to stop myself, I continue to tease her until she’s wet, and my fingers slide inside, stroking her until her pussy spasms around them. Slowly, I withdraw my hand and slide it up to her hip, where she catches and holds it to her breast. My cock is aching for her. Not wanting to control my desires, my hand fondles her breast, massaging it until her nipple pebbles. My lips lock onto her earlobe, and I kiss and suck it, working my way down her neck. Dee rolls over, her eyes still closed, giving me unfetted access to her body. Her legs apart, and I want so badly to bury myself in her, but for that, I need her to be awake.
Dee’s eyes crack open, and my hand is cupped around her breast. She reaches up and pulls my head to hers, kissing me wantonly. Reaching down, I pull the nightie up and over her head. Her legs part further, and I move between them. But instead of burying my ever-hard cock inside her, I kiss my way down her body. I take in the stretch marks that have changed her from a girl into a woman. I marvel at this new body, a body that I once knew so well and now get to discover all over again.
Dee moans as I suck on her nipple, only to leave it and move further down. She whimpers when I suck on her clit and insert a finger into her, stroking and eliciting a long, low purr. Dee’s hands latch into my hair, and her legs go over my shoulders as she grinds herself onto
my face. The taste of her is like honey, and I lap at her until she cries out, and I feel her spasm around my fingers again.
I wipe my face on her sheets, then I gradually trail kisses up her body until I reach her mouth. This I claim. My tongue dives into her, and my lips punish hers. With our hands intertwined, I ease myself inside of her, my muscles straining so I don’t crush her underneath my weight. Dee breaks the kiss, her head moving to the side as I withdraw and ram back into her. With her eyes closed, Dee has her mouth slightly open as I do it again, except this time her hips match my movement. Her eyes open, and she turns her head to stare intently at me as I pump into her.
“Please,” she begs, then pulls on one of her hands.
Immediately, I release it, and she moves it down between us, working herself as I move in and out of her.
It takes only a moment, and her body quivers with the orgasm that rocks through her. The extra pressure on my cock electrifies me, and I grunt as I spill my seed inside of her. The orgasm hits me hard, and for a moment, I think it’s never going to end as I lose myself, once again, in this woman.
I’m breathing hard, gazing down at her. Dee’s one free hand tracks up my stomach to clasp around my neck, where she pulls me down for a kiss. This kiss is soft and sweet. I let her guide it, not pressuring her for more than she wants to give. When she eventually breaks the kiss, I roll off and out of her, laying next to her in the early hours of the morning light.
Dee pulls the sheet up between us, covering her body. I move to my side, tracing patterns on her upper arm, not saying anything, simply enjoying the feel of her in our post- consummation in this new chapter of our lives.
Dee’s hand moves to lift my chin, so I’m staring into her eyes. “Are you okay?”
I smile at the concern in her voice as though she made the first move when all along it was me.
“No, I’m not.” A frown creases her radiant face, and I reach up to smooth it out. “Everything is perfect. The way it’s meant to be.”
The frown disappears, replaced with a smile, and she holds my hand to the side of her face. Leaning down, I kiss her and then roll onto my back. Dee comes with me, her head on my chest and one of her legs over mine.
Tackling Life: A Sports Romance (Tackling Romance Series Book 2) Page 11
