AllFreeNovel
Share Us
“I’m sure you’re just being modest,” he replies.
I laugh. “She is most definitely being modest. Zoey’s work is amazing and insightful.”
“Says the man in love with the girl,” Mr. Neveah retorts with a wink at me.
A soft giggle escapes her, as I press a kiss against her temple. “You are definitely right about that, sir.”
“Thank you, Mr. Neveah for you compliments. Perhaps, you’d like to come by Marlo’s one day to see it for yourself. I’ll be displaying a few pieces there,” she offers softly.
Mr. Neveah’s eyes light up. I’d heard about his appreciation of art. Judging by the look on his face, it must be much more than appreciation.
Again, I’m filled with a burst of pride at Zoey’s offer. I know she feels comfortable with Mr. Neveah by the way she is relaxed by my side. But still, asking the owner of my team to come to the gallery is a big step for her. Perhaps as big as being here tonight.
Mr. Neveah casts a glance behind me then waves someone over. “Marcus,” he says when a man probably around my father’s age comes to join us, “please meet our quarterback, Jaxon McCabe.”
I extend my hand to the older man, “Nice to meet you.”
“Jax, this Marcus Alden. He will be replacing Anthony when he retires at the end of the season as GM. And, Marcus, this beautiful young lady is Miss Zoey Valen. She was just inviting me to her gallery showing.”
“Well, it is a pleasure to meet you both. I don’t know much about art, I’m sorry to say, but I have definitely been watching you, Jax, for years. You and Zane Valen are like magic together on the field.” The man’s brown eyes show genuine interest and warmth. It doesn’t feel like he’s just trying to kiss my ass like so many people do.
“Thank you, Mr. Alden. If we can come to an agreement when my contract comes up for renewal in the Spring, then maybe I’ll have a chance to prove your words by playing for you.”
“Nonsense!” Mr. Neveah declares. “Of course, we’ll come to an agreement. I plan on keeping you and Zane for many years.”
“I apologize for not knowing anything art related, Miss Valen. I never found much interest in anything other than sports,” the man says to Zoey. “My son, on the other hand, has always considered himself an art connoisseur. He’s here with me tonight. Maybe the two of you could find something to discuss.”
“I’m well accustomed to conversations about sports,” Zoey replies. “Probably more than most. I don’t really enjoy discussing art, but thank you for trying to make me more comfortable.”
They didn’t catch it, but that was her way of saying no way in hell. She’s come a long way in the last twenty-four hours, but she hasn’t come that far. I’m not there yet, either. Truthfully, I never was. I’ve always been the jealous, possessive boyfriend even before I was the boyfriend. I just reign it in when I have to.
“Ahh,” Mr. Alden says with a grin. “A girl after my own heart. My daughter is much like that. She can quote sports stats much better than she can cook, clean, or play the piano like my wife wanted. Speaking of, there are my children now.”
A guy a few years older than me walks to us with a younger girl, probably around eighteen or so. Their brown eyes and brown hair, along with their small noses and heart shaped faces give their resemblance to Mr. Alden away. “This is Caroline and Aaron,” he introduces.
I’m not sure what happens, but, suddenly, Zoey goes from relaxed to completely rigid by my side. I can feel her hear her breathing pick up. I look to her to find her eyes full of terror.
“Are you okay. ” I dip my head to ask.
Without looking at me she says she is then excuses herself to the bathroom. I ask if she wants me to follow, but she insists she’s fine. Everything in me is screaming to follow her, but that is disrupted after a Mr. Neveah drags Zane to our little group.
When Zoey hasn’t returned after a few minutes, I excuse myself to find her.
“I’ll go, Jax,” Tori offers.
I nod, as not to give away my worry, but I am. I’m very worried and I have a bad feeling that all of Zoey’s progress just went out the window.
I just wish I knew why.
Zoey
Once I’m out of Jax’s line of sight, I take off running to the bathroom as fast as anyone can manage in six-inch stilettos. I couldn’t let Jax see me crumble. Not tonight, when he’s with the team owner and many others who play an important part of his career.
The night started off amazing. Jax looks so damn sexy in that tux that it can’t possibly be natural. And the way he has been looking at me, has made me feel sexy.
I appreciated and loved the way he seemed to know the need I had for constant physical contact. He kept me pulled close to his side with an arm around my waist practically all evening.
The ballroom is beautiful and breathtaking. The Christmas trees lining the entry way and then set as the focal point of the room are so elegantly decorated with white lights and silver sprays. The thin white gauze that hangs from floor to ceiling make the room feel like a winter wonderland. The white lights that have strung over the ceiling twinkle in a way that makes the atmosphere feel magical.
