by Mia Allen
Emily cut in, “I don’t understand. Your picture was always in the tabloids with different women. They never mentioned a wife.”
“That was the agent as well. When he realized there wasn’t a baby, he didn’t announce my marriage. He made us promise to keep it a secret. It was supposed to help my reputation if I appeared single and wild. Needless to say, it put stress on an already bad marriage. She slept with an old boyfriend and in retaliation, I slept with a super model. The fact that we were married leaked to the press. We cheated on each other three or four times. We never loved each other. It was more of a competition than a marriage. I didn’t push for a divorce because the press had enough to ruin me already.” Bryant paused to catch a breath and shake off his pain. “I got traded to the Phillies. We decided to try starting over. The scandal followed. She had too much time on her hands and cheated again. By the time I found out, she was pregnant. It’s my teammate’s baby, thus the fight.”
Emily didn’t want to ask, but it was necessary. “How do you know it’s not yours?”
Bryant ducked his head and almost whispered, “I haven’t touched her since we left Chicago. I found that I didn’t really want to start over with her. I, also, didn’t feel I could drag her name through the mud, so I left her alone. I didn’t fight because I loved her. I did it because I was angry at her, my teammate, my agent and most of all, myself. This should have ended years ago. I filed for divorce as promised. She’s not happy about it of course. She likes the money a lot.”
Emily discovered that she felt sorry for him. It was so often the kind of thing that happened to famous people. They lost control over their own lives. It’s why her clients trusted her. She would never have put Bryant in such an awful situation, neither would her uncle. She reached across the table and took his hand. “This may get worse before it gets better. You’ve got to do an interview and clear as much of this up as possible. It will hurt some people, including you, but it will be over quickly. I’ll stand by you and guide you through it. You deserve to have your life back. I guarantee your former agent will pay a heavy price when all this comes out. Can you handle it?”
“With you by my side, I can handle anything. Do you have a reporter that you can trust to state the facts? How soon do we need to do this?” Now that he had come clean with Emily and the pressure was off his shoulders, Bryant was ready to finish this. Telling the world would be far easier than telling her had been.
“It’s best to rip off the bandage quickly, so I’ll call a friend to do the interview today. I trust her to tell the truth. She’s never lied in a report about one of my clients. She’s blunt, but truthful, just like me.” Emily tried to let go of his hands, but he lifted them to his mouth, turned them palm up and kissed the soft centers. A tingle ran up her arms instantly. She stared at his lips for a minute, then shook herself and tugged her hands away. She pushed her speed dial and when the voice answered she said, “I have an exclusive interview for you. How soon can you get to my office? It must be today or it may get out another way. It’s a delicate situation and you’re the only one I trust to tell it right.”
Chapter 8
Bryant struggled through the interview. It was hard to tell all his secrets to a virtual stranger especially knowing that it would soon be broadcast worldwide. He had held on to the information for a very long time. Letting it all out in an instant made him nauseous. He was glad to have Emily offering encouragement and strength. The reporter was kind and understanding. She didn’t judge him, just wrote down the facts.
The reporter congratulated him on his honesty and bravery. The story would be in the morning news. Tears spilled from Bryant’s eyes when the reporter had gone. They were tears of relief and fear. The pressure on his shoulders was gone, but the fallout, from the tell all interview, was yet to come.
Emily wrapped her arms around him and held on while he let out the tension. The tears dried out and Bryant began to notice how good she felt against his body. He turned his head slightly and kissed her neck. He felt a shiver go through her and allowed his lips to roam until he reached the area just below her ear. This had always been an erotic zone for her and he hadn’t forgotten. In response, she dug her nails into his shoulders. It made him bolder and he planted a searing kiss on her mouth. To his surprise, she kissed him back. There was no resistance when he opened her lips with his tongue. The old fireworks began to burn brightly.
Emily marveled at her nerve. She should be backing away and chastising him. Instead, her hands delved under his shirt to touch the hard muscles beneath. He moaned into her mouth and moved his hands to cover her silk clad breasts. She pulled her mouth from his and let her forehead rest on his chest. She heard him gently ask, “Are you sure about this? We can stop if you want.” She shook her head no against his chest and started lifting his shirt higher. He raised his arms allowing the shirt to be tugged over his head. Emily’s tongue flicked over his nipple and his knees almost gave way.
Panting with desire, Bryant removed her silk blouse and gazed at the transparent bra beneath it. Her rosy nipples were visible and distended, pleading for his mouth. He popped the catch and caught her breasts in his palms. Their roundness filled his hands perfectly. Dipping his head, he gave the nipples the attention they were begging for. She tossed back her head and arched her back to give him better access. Bryant angled the lower half of her body so that it rubbed against his swollen member. Emily’s response was electrified. She unzipped his jeans in record time, shoving her hand inside. It took all his willpower to stop the urgent need to climax. He drew her toward the large desk and swept everything on it to the floor.
Emily was lifted and draped over her desk. She reveled in the caveman gesture. She was wet and ready for Bryant as he shoved her skirt up to her waist. He tore the tiny thong to shreds and spread her legs wide. In reverence, he ran his fingers over the mound and dampened them with her wetness. She watched as he stuck the moisture into his mouth to taste her. It caused Emily to beg, “Please, there is much more where that came from.”
Bryant pulled her backside to the edge of the desk, allowing her legs to dangle. He got down on his knees and put his mouth on her mound. She wrapped her legs around his neck, pulling him closer. His tongue lapped at the wetness and suckled on the nub. She raised her body onto her elbows to watch as he feasted. Their eyes locked, he stuck his tongue deeper, and she burst. He drank every last sip before rising. Bending over her, Bryant slowly entered her canal. Its warmth welcomed him home. He moved in and out in a steady rhythm, until he could no longer rein in his desire. He put his hands under her hips, raised her slightly and pounded into her hot wetness. She clamped around his member and milked him. The fireworks exploded and the outside world was lost to them. Bryant collapsed onto her prone body. She ran her hands through his soft blonde hair and silently fell in love.
Bryant regained his energy and helped her off the desk. She fell into his waiting arms and declared, “We shouldn’t have done that, but I don’t regret it. No one’s ever made me feel the way you can.”
He replied, “I can’t believe I walked away from this eight years ago. I deeply regret that mistake. I’ve spent all this time searching for what I had and lost. I don’t regret this either; however, it would be best if the reporters didn’t find out about it until the divorce is final.”
“So true. It shouldn’t be too hard to keep it between us. It’s nobody’s business anyway.” Emily rearranged her skirt, tossed the ripped thong into the trash and slipped on the silk blouse. The bra was stuffed into her purse, making Bryant laugh. She grinned mischievously and said, “It will be less to take off when we get to my apartment.”
Bryant raised his eyebrows and asked, “Is that an invitation? What if we get caught?”
“It’s absolutely an invitation. My car in under the building in the garage here and my apartment has the same type of garage. No one will see us coming or going. I like to keep all of my life private, so I’m careful where I live and work. Besides, it’s s
afer for a woman alone.” Emily held out her hand and Bryant entwined their fingers. He followed her to the elevator where the hallway was indeed empty. No reporters lurked in the parking garage. Emily’s car had darkly tinted windows. They were safe from prying eyes. He gave her a quick kiss and they left the garage anonymously.
Chapter 9
Bryant’s interview was front page news. By evening it had been picked up by all the papers as well as the news channels. He stayed locked in his hotel room, avoiding more questions by the press lurking in the lobby. The room’s phone was unplugged to stop any calls. He only answered his cell for Emily. She had called twice to make sure he was holding up okay.
A knock sounded on his door. Afraid a reporter had somehow gotten through security, he looked into the peephole. His stomach turned over when he recognized his soon to be ex-wife. She knocked louder and louder, then shouted, “If you don’t let me in, I’ll go downstairs and introduce myself to the mob.” Unless he wanted more attention, he had to open the door.
She barged past him and shouted, “How could you do this to me? I got off the plane and saw the headlines everywhere. Thank goodness there are so few pictures of me. I wasn’t recognized or I would have been stampeded.”
“If you had stayed home, it wouldn’t have been an issue?”, he replied. “Why are you here?”
She huffed dramatically, “I came to talk some sense into you. You won’t answer my calls, so I had no choice. I want to stay married. The affair was a stupid mistake. I love you.”
Bryant couldn’t stifle his laughter. “That’s bull…. and you know it. You never loved me and I never loved you. You tricked me into marriage with a fake pregnancy because you knew I would be making a lot of money. Now, you want to stay married for the same reason. Marry the baby’s daddy. He makes almost as much as I do.”
“Are you kidding me? He never has any money for me. He wastes it on drinking, smoking, gambling and those stupid cars he’s so fond of. Besides, you would be a great dad. You like kids.” She turned sad, pleading eyes on him.
He ignored the look and answered, “I’m not this baby’s father. Take the real one to court and make him pay.”
She allowed tears to stream down her cheeks and said, “Please, stay with me. We need you. I’ll go to a marriage counselor if you want. We can fix this. I won’t cheat anymore. The baby and I will follow you on every trip. We can raise it together. I’ll have another one, just for you.”
“Do you know how sick it sounds to barter with a baby? I don’t want children with a selfish, money hungry bitch. I’ve told you many times, the tears won’t work on me. You’ve used them too often. I know they’re not real.” Bryant turned his back on her now furious face.
“What do you expect me to do?” she screamed.
He replied, “I expect you to sign the divorce papers, straighten up your life and take care of your child. That baby is the most important thing in this scenario. Go to counseling with its father. Convince him to marry you or sue for support. Use your tears on him. I’ll even call him if you want, but none of it is my responsibility anymore. I am finished with this relationship.”
“What if I go to the press? Will you care then?”
He snorted, “Go for it. The truth is out and even the baby’s daddy will corroborate my story. He wouldn’t like anyone else claiming his child. Remember, he was my friend and I know him well. He’s very possessive.”
She picked up her bag and pulled out a folder and pen. She slammed the folder onto the small eating table and opened it. After scrawling her name on the marked spots, she flung the papers in his face. “There’s your stupid divorce. You can burn it for all I care. You’re right, I never loved you. I’m glad this baby isn’t yours. He’s better in bed anyway.”
Bryant stood in the middle of the room, staring at the door she had slammed. It was finally over. He was free. He carefully picked up the divorce papers and put them back in the folder. He called a messenger service to pick them up and deliver them to the lawyer’s office. Then, he called Emily to tell her the news. He explained, “My wife showed up at the hotel. She had already gotten on a plane when the news broke. Somehow, she made it past the mob downstairs. She tried to persuade me to change my mind. She even threatened to talk to the press. Knowing you were in my life made it easy to remain calm and deal with her. I couldn’t let her win this time. She signed the papers.”
Emily was ecstatic about the divorce, but she was also worried about Bryant. She knew it had been a long and difficult journey for him. “That’s wonderful! Are you okay with it? How do you feel?”
Bryant rubbed his forehead and sighed. “I’m glad for the divorce, no question in my mind about that. However, I feel sad for that baby. Its mother is a money hungry bitch and its father blows money on gambling, drinking and fast cars. I wish I could help it somehow.”
“It’s not your responsibility, but I understand. You’re a good man and you care. I care too. Maybe, there is a way to help. I can make some phone calls and find out.” Emily had several plans running through her head.
He asked, “Do you want to explain?”
“Not now. Let me see what I can come up with. There might not be anything I can change. I have a few ideas up my sleeve. I hope you know that I miss you. I wish you didn’t have to hide in the hotel. I would come by, but if I stayed too long the press would be suspicious. Soon, it won’t matter.” Emily said goodbye and began making phone calls. She fully intended for this situation to end in a happily ever after scenario.
Chapter 10
Emily patted herself on the back. She had done it. Everyone would get their happy ending. She made one last phone call to reserve the party room in her favorite pub. Tonight’s celebration would bring everything in full circle. She dressed in black silk pants with flowing legs. A blue, off the shoulder blouse made her sparkling eyes stand out. She tied her curled hair back in a low ponytail, leaving tendrils to hang at her ears. Diamond hoops, in her lobes, shot sparks into the mirror. A secretive smile adorned her face. It was a secret meant only for Bryant. She sat on the sofa waiting for him to arrive. Earlier, she had called him and invited him over. They didn’t need to hide out any longer. She promised to explain when he came by.
Her doorbell rang and she hurried to answer. Bryant looked terrific. He was dressed in black slacks and a green dress shirt. He had even worn a tie. In his hands, he held a bouquet of white roses and pink lilies. His smile was blinding. She dragged him inside and gave him a big kiss. He could feel her excitement.
She was too wound up to sit. “I made lots of phone calls and set up help for your ex. The agent who holds your teammate’s contract is going to use it to force him to go to counseling for the gambling and drinking problems. He can’t make him marry her, but he will set up child support for the baby. A lawyer will oversee the account, so she can’t use it for partying. I opened a college savings account for the baby. I added some money to it. You can contribute if you want. Half of the dad’s bonuses will be funneled into it. Your ex can’t touch it. The baby will be taken care of.”
Bryant hugged her slim body tightly and said, “You’re a miracle worker. I don’t know how you did it in so little time, but thank you. Why did you put money in the college account?”
“It made me feel good. I’m happy and I wanted to share that feeling. I have another surprise for you.” He took a step toward the bedroom and she laughed. “Not that, at least not yet. You have to go somewhere with me. No questions allowed. Do you trust me?”
“With my life,” he replied.
Emily gave him a blindfold and instructed him to put it on before she led him through the pub. He was curious, but obeyed. Voices and laughter surround him as he hung onto her arm. She held a finger to her lips to silence the people in the party room. They gathered around a huge cake. It was shaped like a stadium, a very well-known one. Cameras were aimed at Bryant’s face to capture his first reaction. Emily stepped to the side and flipped off the blindfold. His mouth
dropped open and shock sprang to his eyes. The room was filled with old friends and new faces. Everyone wore the same colors as those on the cake, orange and blue. The manager and coach of the New York Mets came to congratulate and welcome Bryant to his new team. The cameras flashed, getting pictures for tomorrow’s headlines. The contract signing was captured by the press. Emily requested a large copy of the picture from her friend, the same one who had gotten the exclusive interview that changed Bryant’s life. Cheers rang out as he cut the cake. With his eyes locked on Emily’s, Bryant gave a toast, “I want to honor the lovely lady who gave me a better future. She cleared away the past, added a smile to the present and hopefully will keep me around for the future. To Emily!” Glasses clinked as they all toasted to her.
The music began and Bryant bowed to Emily. “May I have this dance?”
She took his extended hand and said, “This one and all the others. We started out at a gathering a lot like this one. You managed to get away without repercussions that time. I intend this one to have a different ending.”
“You’re right. We’ve come full circle. I don’t deserve a second chance at loving you. I’m asking anyway. Will you let me prove my love to you? I never stopped loving you. I know that I broke your heart when I disappeared. If you feel the need to pay me back, now’s a good time. It would destroy me to walk away from you, but if that’s what you need, I’ll do it.”
