But then I look at her beautiful brown eyes and her body that feels so good around mine ... and that mouth that never ceases to stop challenging me, and I don’t want to slow anything down.
I want to see how much further this can go.
“Come with me. To the expo. I want to share this with you.”
Hannah raises her eyebrows. “Are you sure you want me tagging along?”
I slide my hand into hers. “Most definitely. And just think about all the inside stories you can get for your ClikClak channel. I can definitely get you the behind-the-scenes scoop that no one else will have.”
Hannah stiffens slightly. “I don’t want your help. I want to do this on my own. I don’t want anything from you.”
I don’t know why she’s being so stubborn. I kiss the tip of her nose. “You’re the first not to jump at the offer, but whatever. But also, hurry because I think Justice might have an aneurism if I don’t get over there to mingle and sign papers.”
In just under fifteen minutes, we’re exiting the Marriott and heading back toward the Javits Center. I take Hannah’s hand in mine as we walk, marveling at how natural this seems.
I have an ease around Hannah that I haven’t felt within myself in possibly—forever. When I’m with her, I don’t feel like a caged animal, trapped behind the bars of my career but unable to survive without their protection. I may not have the answers, but I don’t feel like I need them when I’m with her.
Maybe it’s because Hannah sees me.
She doesn’t see an athlete. She’s not riding my coattails. She’s not expecting me to foot the bill. It wouldn’t shock me at all if she haggled with me about splitting the room cost.
The answer will be a resounding no.
The minute we get through the door, Justice and Heaven descend upon me. I feel Hannah’s grip slip from mine, but before I can grab it again, she’s gone, standing in the distance, like Mad Max in the final scene ofFury Road. I don’t even get to introduce her to them. And now there are execs and higher-ups and meetings.
And paperwork.
And more paperwork.
It feels like hours before I can finally steal a glance at my phone without being rude.
Hannah: Don’t forget to smile. You’ll make more friends that way.
Me: I don’t need any more friends.
Hannah: I’ll believe that when I see it.
Me: I’ve got you.
There’s a pause. A definite pause. Then the dots wave. And wave. And wave. I see Justice and Heaven approaching, and I’m going to have to put my phone away in a second.
Dammit, I came on too strong.
This is why I shouldn’t feel things and should only focus on the game.
Right as I’m about to put my phone back in my pocket, it buzzes.
Hannah: As long as you don’t ghost me this time because your career is taking off again.
I pop onto Hannah’s ClikClak to see if she’s posted anything from the convention, but she hasn’t. That’s weird. You’d think she’d want to take advantage of this opportunity.
Perhaps she’s as distracted by me as I am by her.
And I’m definitely distracted because I have no idea who this person is standing before me and why she’s handing me a bag full of clothes. I look at her and then at Heaven, who’s typing away on her phone.
“Heav, what’s going on?”
“That’s what they want you wearing. Today and tomorrow. And they pushed the photo shoot up. They’ll bring you back and do a facial and haircut, and then you’ll do the shoot while all the ambassadors are here. Group stuff. C’mon. You’ve got to get changed.”
