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“And that’s why this is so important. Because one day soon, you’re going to be sitting on my lap wearing nothing underneath that pretty robe.”
Oooh he took my little wistful vision to a saucy place. “Am I now?” I all but purr. That’s one hell of a mental image I’ll be replaying later.
“Oh, yeah. And when you refuse to be sensible and let me help you when you’re in trouble, I’ll turn you over my knee and turn your gorgeous ass pink.” His corresponding grin is panty-dropping wicked.
My mouth falls wide open in surprise. “You did not just say that. The fuck you will, Evan.” There goes the wine again spilling all over the place.
“The fuck I won’t, Sadie.” His hands sit on the high back of the chair, his chin resting on top. “I may not have a huge amount of experience at relationships, but one thing I know for sure. We’re either in this together or not at all. We look out for each other. We have each other’s backs.”
“Backs, yes. Backsides, not so much, mister!”
He lifts his thick shoulders in a shrug. “If you’re my woman then I’m going to want to look out for you. Get used to the idea.”
“Looking out for someone does not include running roughshod over them. Partners love and support each other. They do not dictate to them.”
“Partners also share what they have with each other. How about that?”
“No. Just no. I am not taking your money. I will not be one of those women chasing after you hoping you’ll pay my bills. That is bullshit. You’re supposed to be my boyfriend, not a damn sugar daddy. I can stand on my own two damn feet. And also, Sparky, you sure as hell are not spanking me.” At least not without my consent. Hmmph.
I drain the last of my wine and get to said feet. Oh boy! These heels really are high and I’m just a tad wobbly. Bare feet might have been safer. But still, I stand tall, staring the beast next door down. “Evan, I’m going to bed now. I’ll expect an apology from you in the morning.”
And the man is not in the least bit fazed by my evil empress glare. Dammit.
“Good night, sweetheart. Make sure you lock the door and put a glass of water and some aspirin by your bedside.”
Grrr. And he’s so fucking calm it’s rage-inducing.
I may or may not have flipped him the bird on my way back inside.
These things happen.* * *
EVANThe second I wake in the morning I realize my day is already off to a shit start. It’s raining. Again. That means no face-to-face with Sadie. Not that she’d be willing to see me after last night.
Maybe it was the booze? For her at least. For me, seeing her upset and worried does my head in.
I sit up and run my hand through the messy layers. I need a haircut, but that won’t be happening any time soon. All non-essential businesses, salons and barbers included, are closed. Hell, I read last night they closed down all the schools in the state and are starting to do the same across the country.
This shit is becoming insane.
I read an e-mail last night from the team that they’d be suspending Spring training until further notice. At least that’s something positive. None of the guys are practicing so I don’t feel so put out by this scandal. The press is fifty-fifty as Polly expected. Half believe I’m innocent while the other half believe I’m lying through my teeth and paid off a specialist to doctor my results for the media’s benefit.
Inhaling full and deep, I place my elbows on my knees and rest my head in my hands.
My career is on thin ice.
A virus is taking over the world.
The woman I’m falling in love with is pissed at me. And I can’t touch her. Not for two more days.
Fuck me.
My phone buzzes on the end table. I pull it off the charger, hoping it’s Sadie and she’s ready to talk. A FaceTime request from Jake pops up.
I smile and instantly hit accept.
“Whoa. Hey, brother. You just wake up from a bender? You look like shit.” His concerned brown eyes are a welcome sight.
I rub at my bed head. “Can’t get a haircut and I just woke up.”
“Ah, I see. How are you?”
“Been checking the papers lately?” I ask, fearful of his answer.
He offers me a sad smile. “I’m sorry, Evan. This shit with the picture and the planted dope stinks.”
I shrug. “Yeah, but there’s nothing I can do but try and figure out how to clear my name. The medical reports only got me out of half of the trouble with the team and my contract. There’s still a moral and ethical conduct issue because I was seen like that.”
