He glanced at Anne, and his heart squeezed. So much had changed in the last two months since he’d met her. For the first time, he was emotionally invested in a relationship. He could get really used to waking up with her next to him, snuggled against his body.
That wouldn’t happen if he moved to California. But playing for the Ravens wouldn’t be much better. He’d spend a lot of time on the road and be back in the limelight. And like it or not, as his girlfriend, she’d be thrust into it as well.
She smoothed a hand down the leg of her jeans. “We should get going.”
“Anne.”
“Hmm?” She raised her chin and tilted her head, as if they’d discussed the price of a hotdog at the stadium instead of his future career and how it might affect their relationship.
He put down his phone. “I’m just going to explore the option.”
“Uh huh.” She headed to the bedroom. “I’ll grab my suitcase.”
Damn it. He didn’t want to upset her, but he had to find out more about the offer. Surely, she could understand that.
She came out of the bedroom carrying her bag. “Ready?”
Tension hung in the air thicker than fog on the Golden Gate bridge. He opened his mouth, but he had nothing to say that would comfort her. He sighed and nodded. “Let’s go.”
Anne stared out the passenger window and remained silent during the drive for a long time. At last, she turned to him. “It’s just that you said you were done with being the center of attention and wanted to be on the sidelines.”
“Well, that’s when I thought my only chance to be around the game was as a coach.” He switched lanes and frowned. “It’s not the spotlight I miss, it’s the thrill of catching the ball and scoring points. Every new set of downs is a challenge. What defense will they bring? Can I get open? It’s…fun and exciting. Do you understand what I mean?”
She gave him a slow nod and faced the window again.
His stomach balled into a knot. Words couldn’t convey the excitement he felt when he played. It killed him to see her so sad, but he had to at least talk to the Ravens. “I’m just going to see what they’re offering. Doesn’t mean I’m going to take it.”
“I know you don’t need the money, so what does it matter what they pay you?”
Shit. She had a point.
Her phone rang as they pulled into her apartment complex, and she answered. “Hey, Emily.”
After a pause, she said, “Yeah, we were at the boardwalk, why?” Her voice pitched higher. “No, I haven’t seen it. What went viral?”
Uh oh. The word “viral” never led to anything good. Wyatt’s nerves stretched thin.
“Okay. Send it.” Anne hung up and stared at the phone. A second later it beeped with a message. Her eyes widened and her hand flew to her mouth. “No. Oh God, no.”
Chapter 22
Anne gaped at the images on her phone. Her chest hitched, and a wave of nausea rose from her stomach. Why? Why would anyone post those?
Two pictures, side by side, filled the screen. One of Wyatt with a supermodel draped over his arm, and the other of him and Anne, coming out of the souvenir shop on the boardwalk. The caption below the pictures read, “From supermodels and super-pro, to high school coach and plain Jane Doe.”
“What is it?” Alarm in his voice, Wyatt parked in her apartment complex lot and placed a hand on her shoulder.
She shook her head hard, hot tears burning her eyes, and thrust the phone at him for him to see. Emily said the images had gone viral. Anne’s phone dinged with a text, then another, then another.
“What the fuck?” Wyatt squeezed her shoulder. “This is messed up. People are always taking pictures and splashing them over the tabloids and media. Don’t pay attention to it.”
“Not of me, Wyatt.” She covered her face with her hands. Plain Jane Doe. They were right. She was a no-name school teacher. Wyatt had told her the publicity would all calm down. Now he was thinking about playing again. Nothing would calm down.
Is this what her life would be if they stayed together? Public humiliation and constant judgement? She’d worked hard to build a solid reputation, and if she wanted to be a principal, she couldn’t have pictures of her with demeaning captions blowing up on social media.
“I’m sorry. This is so wrong. So untrue.” He placed a hand on her thigh and rubbed her shoulder. “You’re beautiful, and real, and the only woman I want to be with. Please, don’t let this get in your head.”
Ding.
Ding.
Ding.
More texts. Wyatt’s words floated around in her mind, but the pictures had burned into her brain. Feeling nauseous, she needed air and space.
She opened the car door and stepped out. Wyatt was at her side in a second.
“I’ll bring your bag up and stay with you tonight.” He grabbed her suitcase.
She drew in a long breath and exhaled. The air cooled her lungs and helped clear her head. She needed some time to process and think. The last twenty-four hours had been a whirlwind. From the realization that she loved Wyatt, to the shock of the Ravens’ call, to the social media nightmare, she’d had enough
Publicly red-penned, she just wanted to tuck herself away, safe in her apartment, where no cameras would snap secret photos, and she had her privacy back.
She inhaled another breath of the cool air. “Thanks, and I’m sorry, but not tonight. It’s been too much.”
He gazed down at her with concern in his eyes, jaw set. “I don’t want to leave you like this.”
“I appreciate that, but I need some time alone.” She touched her hand to his, and he squeezed hers, like he’d been waiting for a sign of hope.
“I wanted this weekend to be so special. I don’t know how to fix this.”
The honest emotion in his face softened her heart. Their connection was real, and he didn’t seem the least bit worried what anyone thought about him dating a plain Jane Doe. That said something.
More dings on her phone.
She toggled it to vibrate. “The photos aren’t your fault. I get that, but I need some time to deal with everything going on right now.”
Wyatt frowned and glanced at her cell. “Don’t engage. Ignore the gossip. The less you say, the quicker it’s forgotten.”
She didn’t doubt him, but it was a lesson she’d rather not have to learn. “Okay.”
He stroked a finger down the side of her face and slowly leaned in for a kiss. Her insides quaked with emotion as their lips touched.
He drew back, not pressing. “I’ll call you tomorrow?”
“Okay.”
After she entered her apartment, the number of texts overwhelmed her. Friends, coworkers, Maddie, Sarah…the list went on. She shot a quick response to her sisters and Emily, telling them that she was okay. Everyone else would have to wait.
Her stomach flip-flopped, and sweat chilled her body. She wasn’t cut out for this kind of “attention.”
But then where did that leave her with Wyatt?
Chapter 23
Devon took a seat at the conference room table and added a reminder in his calendar to call Paul. Devon had another shipment to process and a wired payment coming.
He glanced up when Anne tapped on the open door and entered. “Plain Jane Doe” fit her attire. Khaki pants and a loose-fitting sweater. She tried to cover up, but she had curves worth exploring. Couldn’t be soon enough in his book. The bet stipulated no other women until the wager ended, and he was used to getting some on a regular basis.
He noted the dark circles under Anne’s eyes and the tense way she held her head. Sure signs of the strain she’d been under the last couple of days. An extra shot of confidence spiraled through his chest. Today, he’d make his move on her.
Someone had done him a big favor, shaming her on social media. He’d listened to her over the bugs at her place. Her phone hadn’t stopped ringing. She’d talked to Emily about her embarrassment and how much she hated the publicity. And apparently, the Ravens wanted to tal
k to Pearson about playing again. Anne hadn’t been happy about that at all. Another strike against Pearson.
The conversations he’d overheard between the jock and Anne the last couple of days had been stilted. For all his smooth moves on the field, the guy face-planted when it came to relationship talks.
Anne pulled out a notebook. “I brought a list of questions.”
Devon chose his words carefully, seeing if he could get her to bring up the social media debacle so he could use it to his advantage. “Before we get started, I want to apologize for the situation you were put in.”
Her face flushed. “It certainly wasn’t your fault.”
“Well I didn’t plan it, but I still feel responsible.”
“Why would you feel responsible?” Her eyes widened, and she scooted the chair back. “Oh my God. Did you take the picture?”
Perfect. Almost laughable. His pulse picked up pace. He gave her his best confused expression, followed by one of distress, jerking his head back. “No. You misunderstood. I meant the situation at Toni’s.”
Her face turned redder, and she pressed her fingers to her forehead. “Toni’s?” She grunted. “Believe me, that’s not even on my radar anymore.”
He reached across the table and placed a hand on her arm. “I’m sorry. I saw that horrible post. And whoever wrote that caption is blind.”
She let out a weary breath and met his eyes. “It’s so humiliating. So many people have come out of the woodwork, pretending to be sympathetic, but all they really want is to gossip, you know?”
His stomach jumped. Making progress. She was opening up to him. He gave her arm a squeeze. “Yes. Everyone loves drama, and at times like these you find out who your real friends are.”
“Right? It’s so nice to talk to someone who understands.”
Ah. The weak link. Being famous, Pearson was probably used to sloughing off bad press. It went with the territory. News of a possible offer for him to return to the Ravens had boosted the already viral post. Telling Anne to ignore it did nothing to get her out of the unwanted spotlight, and he seemed clueless about how to assuage her feelings.
Devon keyed in or what he hoped would hit home. “I understand. The worst part is the damage it can do to your hard-earned reputation. Something you have to always protect.”
She pressed her lips together and nodded. “I know. And I’m a candidate for a vice principal’s job. I’m worried this will affect the decision.”
He arched a brow. Of course he knew about the position, but this presented another opportunity for him. “It’s a valid concern. Where did you apply?”
“Kirby’s Mill.” She squinted and rubbed her chin. “Do you think they’ll factor this into their choice?”
Well, well. As complete and together he’d thought her to be, self-doubts loomed under the surface. Ones he could capitalize on. A sliver of anticipation slinked up his spine.
“I really don’t know.” He drew his hand back and tapped his chin. “I’m friends with the superintendent in that district, though. I’d be more than happy to put in a good word for you.”
She quickly shook her head. “No. I need to do this on my own, but thank you.”
“Okay, but if you change your mind, let me know. Damage control can be difficult, and I’m more than happy to help.” Might as well hype the fear. He didn’t miss the grateful look in her eyes. Mission achieved. “You’re sure there isn’t anything I can do?”
“No, I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to get into all of that. Not your problem, and I shouldn’t have brought it up.” She opened her notebook. “Let’s get to this list of questions.”
He took his time addressing all of the issues, trying to put her at ease. The confident, reliable source that she could count on. When they finished, Anne packed up. “I think this is all coming together.”
“Thanks to your hard work.” He stood. “I’ll walk you out.”
“Thanks, but that’s not necessary.”
“Maybe not, but it’s my pleasure. I’m leaving for a while, anyway.” Flicking the light switch, he followed her out.
He’d timed his meeting with her, knowing that the pediatric brats would be in the open area, and the gifts he’d sent would be delivered that day. Sure enough, as he passed by the children flocked to him.
“Mr. Blackwood, thank you.” The little girl that he’d given the gold coin to before, whatever her name was, held up a magic book. “I’ve been practicing. I know how to do some tricks now.”
He winked at her and placed a finger on her lips. “Shh. Don’t tell anyone how you do them. Remember, magicians never reveal their secrets.”
She hugged his leg and the other children gathered around, each holding up their gifts. He had no idea what half of them were, but he’d googled the best toys for kids their ages and ordered some. Seemed to be a success, but nowhere near the reward he got from Anne’s expression.
Ka-ching. Big winner.
He said goodbye to the mob and headed to the elevator.
“You’re so generous.” Anne glanced back at the horde.
“I try to help where I can.” Now to pull the ace from his sleeve. As they passed an office, he paused at the door. “Sorry, I need to check something. Hold on a sec.”
He ducked his head in. “Hey, Mary. Is the cuddle orientation at seven or eight tonight? I have two different times in my calendar.”
“Seven. I’ll see you there?”
“Wouldn’t miss it.” He gave her a wave and continued down the hall.
When they stopped at the elevator, Anne gazed up at him, a faint smile on her lips. “I’ve heard about that program. Are you training to hold the NICU babies?”
And…the house takes the hand. He gave himself a virtual high-five at the excitement in her voice. “Yeah. I’m taking my second class.”
She nodded. “That’s fantastic. It’s something I want to do, but I don’t have time right now. I love babies.”
“Me, too. I can’t wait to have my own one day.” The elevator door opened and she entered. Her smile had faded, replaced by a worry line. Another score for him. Now he had her thinking. He’d heard her tell Emily that Pearson didn’t want children. Devon had only signed up for the orientations to impress Anne. Since he’d made his point with her, he wouldn’t even go anymore. He had zero interest in holding a wailing sack of poop.
“I’m sure you’ll make a great father as good as you are with the kids.” She pressed the lobby button and stepped back.
“I hope so.” He warmed his tone and looked her in the eyes. “I just need to find the right woman first.”
She stared back at him for a second, then gazed at the elevator numbers, a hint of pink creeping up her neck. “I’m sure you will.”
The doors opened and they walked out to the parking lot. Anne stopped. “Have fun tonight. I’ll see you next week.”
Time to make his move. “Actually, I’d like to see you sooner.”
“Sooner?” She glanced up at him.
“Yes.” He held her gaze. “How about going to dinner with me, unrelated to the walk-a-thon.”
“Oh.” She looked away. “I’m sorry, I’m seeing someone.”
Shit. Irritation burned his stomach. The wedge between her and Pearson wasn’t big enough yet. “The ex-football player in the picture?”
“Yeah.” Red spots blotted her cheeks.
“I wasn’t sure if you were still together. I mean, you don’t have a ring on your finger, and I know how disturbing all that social media was to you.”
“It is, but…” She shrugged.
He squared his shoulders. “May I be direct?”
“Yes?”
“I think you and I have a lot in common. We work well together. If you were dating me, you’d never have to worry about your reputation or being trashed on social media.”
The flicker in her eyes told him he’d made a direct hit. He placed a hand on her shoulder. “I care about you. You touch me like no one else has. I’d like
to see what we might have together.”
She shuffled her feet. “You’re a wonderful person, but like I said, I’m in a relationship.”
He drew his arm back and nodded. “I understand, but I didn’t get to where I am in life by stepping away from a challenge. Some things are worth the effort and wait.” He smiled at her. “I won’t pressure you, but know I’m not giving up hope.”
She shook her head. “I don’t want you to waste your time. Really, I’m flattered but—”
“I have nothing but time. Trust me, you’re worth the wait.” He touched her cheek, and then stepped back. “Have a good night, and I’ll see you next week.”
She nibbled her lower lip. “You, too.”
He narrowed his eyes, devouring her perfect little ass as she walked to her car. Couldn’t wait to get some of that. He’d definitely made progress, but now he needed to up the ante and make Pearson fold.
Chapter 24
Slipping on a pair of earrings, Anne pondered the conversations she’d had with Devon yesterday. He’d caught her completely off guard when he’d asked her out. As far as she knew, she hadn’t said or done anything to encourage him. And she didn’t want him waiting around for her. Despite his good looks, she had no chemistry with him and no desire to have a relationship outside of the walk-a-thon event.
Wyatt was the only one who’d ever brought her senses to life. His touch, his scent, the way his eyes twinkled when he teased her. She loved him and hated the awkwardness between them since the media blowup.
A knock sounded, and she hurried to the door because she couldn’t wait to see him. The tiny peephole did nothing to dwarf his frame or stop her breath from catching. It had only been a few days since the beach, but she’d missed the hell out of him.
She opened the door and inhaled the fragrance of his cologne blown in by the crisp, cool night air.
He thrust a box out to her. “I hope you’re not allergic to these.”
She took the white carton with a cellophane cut out, containing humongous chocolate-covered strawberries. Her mouth watered. “Oh my.”
Love on the Line (Love Beyond Danger Book 3) Page 15
