by Cari Quinn
The ladies left the room as Miller came in. With raised brows and a head nod to the bandage on Billy’s arm, he asked, “You juicing?”
“Allergy shots. The kid has a cat.” He was damn sick of being accused and tested for steroids. Most athletes had their favorite charities and Billy was no different. His foundation educated student athletes on the hazards of performance enhancing drugs. A lesson he wished his friend had learned before dropping dead of a heart attack at the age of twenty.
“Aww, the things we fathers will do for our little girls.”
“True that. I let her braid my hair,” admitted Billy.
Miller burst out laughing. Rubbing the bald head that Hannah seemed so fond of, Miller said, “Don’t have to worry about that.”
Surrounded by the support of his teammates, Billy’s nerves dissipated. At Angel’s apartment he’d been out of his element, but from here on out he would have the home field advantage.
Chapter Eight
The sheer terror of what lay ahead had distracted Angel from her fear of flying. The fact that the owner of the NY Cougars had sent his private jet only added to her distress. How many other people knew about Billy’s illegitimate daughter? How many would think Angel was nothing but a gold digger. The thought they’d become tabloid fodder crossed her mind more than once. But this hardly could be news, right? In fact, it was more par for the course with athletes. As long as they left her daughter out of it, she didn’t care.
Gabby’s innocent excitement had bubbled over into constant chatter for the entire length of the flight. Now she slept in a coma like state in the back of the limo as it pulled out of Newark Airport and headed towards Billy’s apartment along the Hudson River. Angel’s nerves wound tighter and tighter as they passed each mile marker. Was she doing the right thing? Her stomach roiled with hunger. She popped a few of Gabby’s Goldfish crackers into her mouth to stave off the pangs. The food offered by the beautiful flight attendant may have been a gourmet leap from regular airline fare, but it had held no appeal at the time.
Speaking of beautiful, Angel’s gaze landed on Lanie, Carlos’ efficient assistant, who sat across from her in the limo. When Billy had said Carlos would send someone to lend a hand, she hadn’t counted on a spy as well. That was a little harsh. The woman had gone out of her way to help with the move and patiently answered Gabby’s endless questioning. Actually Angel thought her daughter the better spy.
Lanie looked up from her notes and smiled. Angel tried to reciprocate, but for the millionth time she wondered if Billy and Lanie had ever dated. With long blonde hair and sleek legs, the former model fit his typical hookup. In other words she was everything Angel wasn’t.
“I didn’t sleep with him,” Lanie stated.
“I didn’t—.”
“Yes, you did. Don’t worry I’m used to people assuming I slept with Carlos’ client list.”
Knowing exactly how that felt, Angel warmed to Lanie instantly. “Do you like working for Carlos?” It wouldn’t hurt to learn more about the man who might try to come between her and Billy.
“He’s tough as nails, but he truly cares about his clients.”
“Which is why you’ve been sizing me up this whole time.”
“Touché.”
“And what will your report say?” Angel looked out the window as the limo raced down the highway.
“That you two were a Bon Jovi song in the making,” said Lanie.
“Darn, I thought of us as Romeo and Juliet.”
“Girl, you’re in Jersey now.”
“For better or worse.” Angel looked back to Lanie and smiled for the first time that day, even if it was more of a nervous smile than a genuine one. She liked Lanie, especially since now she knew the woman hadn’t slept with Billy.
Lanie lifted a brow. “Strange choice of words.”
For better or worse. Was it a Freudian slip? Would it be something she reported back to Carlos? Or worse, to Billy? “I didn’t mean—”
“Relax, I’m kidding. You’re wound tighter than my face after Botox.”
The limo pulled up to a soaring apartment building. The sun glinted off the façade’s blue and green glass. Angel woke up a grumpy Gabby, but as they got out of the limo, Gabby spotted Billy walking towards them and brightened with wide eyes and a smile. “Daddy!” Squirming out of Angel’s grip, she ran to him.
Billy swooped her up. “Don’t you look pretty.”
Nervous over, well, everything, Angel blurted, “It’s new, she picked it out herself. I used the money you gave me.” That it took over an hour for Gabby to decide on the yellow dress, Angel left out. She feared she had a fashionista on her hands.
“Angel, you don’t have to explain how you spent the money.”
“Doesn’t Mommy look pretty too?”
“Gabby.” Angel smoothed out the nonexistent wrinkles. The black Rayon/nylon spandex combination lived up to its promises as the perfect travel dress. The cut hugged her curves, showing a not-so-respectful amount of cleavage. And while not in mommy dress mode neither was she runway ready. Unlike Lanie, who wore a chic tan skirt, an emerald green blouse, and Jimmy Choo slingbacks.
But by the way Billy’s gaze traveled from Angel’s red polished toenails, which peeked out from practical heeled sandals, and all the way up to her favorite purple lipstick, she might as well have been naked. His intense gaze finally reached her eyes and he said, “Very pretty.”
She tried not to read too much into the words, but the story his eyes told filled her with a longing to match his own.
“Whoa. Do you want me to babysit while you two get ‘reacquainted’?” asked Lanie.
So Angel wasn’t the only one who felt the heat radiating between them. It only took a spark to set off their volatile attraction. Lust easily sated, but love a puzzle with missing pieces. “That won’t be necessary,” said Angel in a flat tone.
Billy returned his attention back to Gabby. “I live all the way up there.” Pointing way up, he asked, “What do you think?”
Gabby tilted her head back until she was almost arching her spine in Billy’s arms in order to take in the towering building. “It looks like the Emerald City Castle.”
It kind of did, admitted Angel. She smiled, loving her daughter’s active imagination and then looked to Billy and said, “That’s from the Wizard of Oz.”
“I’m not completely clueless,” said Billy in a tight whisper. The driver deposited the pet carrier at his feet and Lucifer meowed loudly.
Billy carried Gabby and the cat’s cage while two porters from the building appeared to help with the luggage. Lanie waved goodbye as the limo pulled away. “Good luck.”
Luck? If Angel had any hope of keeping her heart safe, she needed a miracle. Coming through the revolving door, Angel tried to appear unaffected by the elegant lobby. A chandelier the size of a car hung from the ceiling. White marble floor tiles sparkled underneath its glow. With a slight upwards tilt of her chin, she did her best Audrey Hepburn impression and glided to the elevator. Gabby talked non-stop all the way up, and Billy merely nodded, smiling like a new daddy, which she supposed he sort of was.
Finally at the top, Billy opened the door to the apartment and placed Gabby down. She rushed in to explore. Hesitant, Angel waited until the workers placed the luggage inside and left smiling with a large tip in their hands. Taking a deep breath, she ventured into Billy’s lair. Only it wasn’t the playboy bachelor pad she assumed he would have; it wasn’t even frat boy inspired. Oh sure there was the leather sofa, but everything else exuded a clean sophistication. So much so she wondered if this unit had been a model to sell other units in the building and Billy purchased as is. Compared to her apartment back home, this was a palace.
Gabby ran to the horseshoe shaped couch, jumped up, and ran across the cushions while giggling.
“Gabriela!”
“It’s okay,” said Billy, a big smile on his face.
“It’s not okay. She knows better.” Angel dug her nails in
to the palms of her hands. They weren’t in his apartment two minutes and Billy was already trying to undermine her authority.
“I want her to feel at home. Both of you.”
“And you think I let her jump on the furniture?”
“Uh, no…I,” Billy stammered.
“Just because my couch wasn’t good enough for the Salvation Army doesn’t mean I allowed Gabby to jump on it.”
Before Billy could respond, Gabby diffused her mother’s anger by saying, “That’s what beds are for. Right, Mommy?”
Angel mentally counted to ten. On occasion she had let Gabby jump on her bed. “Right,” said Angel, her voice calm once again.
“Can I see my room?”
“You sure can.” Billy picked up the crate and Lucy hissed his displeasure. Seemingly unfazed Billy escorted Gabby to her new room.
Squeals of delight sprung from her daughter’s mouth while Angel’s jaw dropped in shock. A light shade of pink graced the walls. The furniture included a white dresser with purple polka dots and a kid sized table and chairs with a tea service already set up. The high double bed, which alone would’ve been a step up from the twin Gabby woke up in this morning, could only be described as a bed fit for a fairy princess. The oversized lavender comforter created the effect of cotton candy and any kid, hell any adult, would want to dive right in. As if that wasn’t enough, a canopy of white gossamer with tiny white lights woven through the fabric pooled to the floor. How much did this cost? And moments ago Angel had agreed that beds were made for jumping. Not this bed. Oh no.
Gabby vaulted herself onto the bed, almost lost in a cloud of purple. “This is the bestest room ever. Isn’t it, Mommy?”
Torn between the wide-eyed happiness of her daughter and anger at Billy for the over-the-top extravagance, she bit her lip before she said something petty. Gabby might never want to leave this purple paradise. Was that Billy’s plan? Deep inside she fumed, but for now she put on her happy face. “Yes, it’s the bestest,” she agreed.
Gabby stopped and looked around. “Is Mommy sleeping in your room?” she asked her father.
A moment of panic relit Angel’s nerves before remembering there was supposed to be a third bedroom. Gabby had it in her head that they were going to be a family. Angel should press about finding her own apartment as soon as possible. By the way father and daughter bonded, it wouldn’t take long for them to be comfortable without Angel around. To train Billy in the basics of caring for a five-year-old might take a bit longer. Still, she had to think of Gabby’s emotional health as well. With living in a new state, new living arrangements, new school, and hell, a new daddy, Angel would have to play it by ear.
“No, her room is right across the hall. Why don’t you play in here while I show Mommy her new room.”
“Can I let Lucy out now?”
“Sure,” agreed Billy.
“God help us all. Gabby keep him in your room for now until he’s not so mad anymore.”
“Is he dangerous?”
Angel thought him sweet for protecting his daughter, but she couldn’t help teasing him about his overreaction. “Geez, he’s a housecat not a tiger.”
They crossed the hall and Billy opened the door, but he let Angel walk in first. From the vanity table to the ruby red comforter on the double bed, everything spoke of old Hollywood glamour. Now she really felt like she was in an Audrey Hepburn movie. How had he pulled this off? She was worried about Gabby never wanting to leave and now she was having the same thoughts herself.
“Don’t get too comfortable.”
Angel blinked at the hurtful words. Had he read her thoughts? “You don’t have to remind me. I’ll start looking for a place tomorrow.”
“That’s not what I meant.” Billy backed her up against the footboard. “I want you in my bed.”
But for how long? Angel’s voice caught in her throat. Then he stroked her cheek, and in a panic she rushed out, “Billy, we agreed, no messing around.” There was nowhere to run but the bed and that was a bad idea. Very bad. Very naughty. Oh, hell.
“I’m not messing around.” His fingers brushed along her neck. “I’m totally serious.”
Her pulse leapt under his touch. One part of her wanted to flee and another part wanted to melt into his embrace. Their gazes locked. His vivid blue eyes mirrored her want. It had taken him only minutes to wear down her defenses. Billy was going to kiss her and she was going to let him. Let him? Hell, if he didn’t get to it, she’d kiss him.
Her gaze dropped to his lips and on cue, he dipped his head. Just one more breath away and she’d feel again.
“What are you doing?” asked Gabby.
Chapter Nine
Blocked by a five-year-old. Billy hung his head in defeat. He’d been so close to showing Angel what she’d missed these last six years. So close to finding out if the reality lived up to the memory of those heavenly lips on his.
It would have to wait. The way he wanted to kiss Angel should not be witnessed by anyone under the age of eighteen. Hell, an adult would learn a thing or two. Still he wasn’t going to lie to Gabriela. Lifting his head, he stared directly into Angel’s cat-like green eyes. “I was about to kiss Mommy.”
Angel’s eyes widened, and he heard Gabriela giggle. Pleased by both reactions, he backed away turning his attention to his daughter. “What’s the matter, sweetie?”
“Lucy pooped on the floor.” Her hand flew to her mouth in an attempt to hold back a giggle.
Was she laughing because she said the word poop? He smiled, not even caring about the mess on the carpet. His daughter already had him wrapped around her pinkie finger. Hopefully she’d never figure that out.
“Where’s the litter box?” Angel asked.
Billy looked to the ceiling. He thought he’d covered everything. Rooms decorated, check. Groceries purchased, check. Safety locks on the balcony door, check.
“You did buy a litter box, didn’t you?” prodded Angel.
“It wasn’t on the list.”
“Neither was the rags-to-riches princess room or this,” she said tightly. Angel waved her hand around her bedroom.
“I wanted you both to feel welcomed here. Wanted.” Ah, hell, why were tears welling up in Angel’s eyes? “What did I do wrong now?”
Angel collapsed onto the bed. “Nothing. I’m sorry. You’ve been like a knight in shining armor, and I’ve been the wicked witch of the Mid West.”
Gabriela ran over to her mother and patted her head. “You’re not a witch, Mommy.”
Billy agreed. Angel might be an enchantress but she was no witch. And him a knight in shining armor? Billy rubbed his neck, uncomfortable with the comparison. As his daughter he wanted Gabriela to have the best, nothing heroic about that. He was hoping to impress Angel, not alienate her. He looked around the room and pictured Gabriela’s room in his head. “I guess I did go overboard,” he conceded.
“No, it’s not you, it’s me,” said Angel.
“Where have I heard that before?” he muttered, but by the intake of her breath he guessed she heard it just the same. He was a fool to believe anything had changed. “I’ll run out to the store.”
“Billy—”
Before she could finish he was out the door. He didn’t want to hear it.
* * *
By the time he returned, it was time to get Gabriela ready for bed and Angel efficiently went over their daughter’s bedtime routine with him.
Once they had Gabriela snuggled into bed, Angel read from The Princess and the Pea while he leaned against the bedpost and watched. The soft glow of the fairy lights draping down the canopy created a magical scene. Mesmerized by the way the words flowed from Angel’s lips, Billy only half listened to the tale as his body reacted from fantasies of its own.
“Kiss Ellie goodnight.” Gabriela waved the pink elephant in the air.
Startled by the intrusion and a bit ashamed by his thoughts, he waited until Angel kissed the stuff animal and then Gabriela. He wanted to ask about th
e elephant, but then Gabriela, waved it in his direction.
“Daddy’s turn.”
How ridiculous did a hulking football player look kissing a pink elephant? He didn’t give it a second thought and complied. His daughter’s smile melted his heart. As she hugged the stuffed animal, he kissed her on the cheek, regretting all the goodnight kisses he’d missed.
Angel nodded towards the door. Once they were in the hallway, she touched his arm. “I’m sorry about earlier.”
Billy looked down at the hand on his bicep. He flexed the muscle.
“Oh,” she gasped.
“What are you exactly sorry about?” He stepped closer, brushing his fingers along her cheek. “Being interrupted?”
“Yes, I mean, no.” Angel backed away.
But he persisted, backing her up against the closed door of her room. His fingers threaded through her long black hair. “Do you remember the first time we kissed?”
“No, I mean, yes.”
Billy captured her breathless whisper in a gentle kiss. Her lips tasted like heaven and sugar. Angel’s hands rested unsure upon his chest as if ready to ward him off, and then they slid around his body as she melted into him. His body hardened. His blood raged for more, but still he kept the kiss soft, unwilling to ruin the sweetness of the moment.
He had a choice. Play the short game for instant gratification or the long game for the win. The long game took patience and that was a game strategy Billy had never excelled at, but to win Angel, he’d learn some new moves. He pulled away. Looking into her eyes he read the emotion there and knew he made the right call. Trust.
“Goodnight, Angel.”
Walking into his bedroom he realized it was only nine. Unless he wanted to run into Angel and test his new found patience, he was in a prison of his own making. At least he had cable.
* * *
Billy spent a restless night tossing and turning. If he wasn’t worrying about Gabriela’s first night sleeping alone then he was thinking about Angel under the covers just one door away. The alarm sounded and he groaned. Time to get ready for another brutal day of practice. Damn, he’d be a worthless sack of shit on the field. He made his way to the kitchen passing by both rooms as quietly as a 6’5”, 250 pound man could possibly be expected to be.
