Andre’s smile turns into a sneer.
“You can’t call dibs on every fashion event in New York City. I was going to these events long before you, and I’ll keep going long after you’ve walked your last runway.”
Damon tightens his grip on my hip, and I can tell he’s holding himself back. From what? Defending my honor? I sigh internally. Leave it to me to find a chivalrous man who’s supportive of my work, dedicated to his community, blindingly handsome, and ready to commit…at exactly the wrong time in my life.
“Careful,” Damon almost growls, and I pat his arm.
“It’s fine,baby.” I add a saccharine lilt to the word. “Why don’t we get another round and check out the view from the rooftop garden?”
Damon really sells it, glaring at Andre before staring hungrily at me. I unconsciously press my thighs together, hoping the slight friction from my panties will bring me some relief. Possessive Damon is unbelievably sexy. He moves his hand to the small of my back and guides us away from a stammering Andre and his clueless date.
“Thanks,” I murmur when he hands me a Paloma from the bar. He orders a rum & Coke for himself.
I revel in the warm weight of his hand on my back as we make our way to the elevator, but he drops it once the doors close. Alone, there’s no reason to continue the ruse.
“What was that?” he demands as soon as we’re on the roof and away from listening ears. His anger radiates off of him in waves, and I shrink in response.
“That was my ex trying to get a rise out of me by showing up with his new fiancée. I really didn’t expect him to come.” We stand in silence for a few beats. “I didn’t expectyouto come either.”
“You were right,” he admits, looking out at the glittering city. “I’ve been avoiding you. Things got…intense that first night. Emotions were high, so I thought it was safer to take a step back. Let things cool down.”
Safer. I felt safer than I ever had in his arms. That thought alone is scary. It’s too real.
“I’m really sorry about my freakout. I didn’t mean to—”
“You have nothing to apologize for,” he insists, a gentle hand on my shoulder.
“Well…then why do we have to let things cool down? Why can’t we keep hanging out?”
He sighs and takes his hand away.
“Because, Kendra. That night? That kiss just now? They meant something to me.” He chuckles to himself and shakes his head. “I know they weren’t supposed to, and judging by the show we put on for your ex, that’s not what you want. But I’m at a point in my life where I’m done with the games. I feel something more with you and, if that’s not where you’re at, we should just…be friends.”
“Friends,” I say flatly.
He shrugs.
“I think that’s best. You can focus on your upcoming season and your work with Denise. I’ll focus on getting settled back home and with a new team. It’s a win-win.”
If this is winning, why does my chest feel tight? I nod, resigned.
“Friends.”
It doesn’t feel right, but it’s the way things have to be. I stay on the roof long after the elevator doors close behind him, and when my eyes begin to water, I blame the alcohol.
Chapter sixteen
Damon
“Is this how we get to state?! They walked all over us, and weletthem!”
Carter slams his locker and glares at his teammates. Most have their heads ducked, their shoulders slumped. Only Robbie returns Carter’s glare with a fierce one of his own.
“I feel like I’m by myself out there! If we keep playing like this, we’re going to keep losing. Ican’tkeep losing!”
Before he says something he regrets, I move to rest my hand on Carter’s shoulder, silently telling him to reel it in. He mumbles something under his breath, then angrily stuffs his uniform into the gym bag at his feet.
After the third embarrassing defeat this month, frustration is understandable.Expected, even. His words weren’t far from the truth, and more than a few players needed to hear them. But I was pretty sure that if I hadn’t intervened, he was eitherabout to name who was to blame for our loss, or spill his guts about exactly how important a basketball scholarship is to him. Without it, he’ll likely skip college altogether.
