Page 84 of Forbid It

“I know you are, sweetheart.”

He presses a final kiss to my forehead before climbing into the back of his Bentley and he’s halfway down the driveway before I realize that he never apologized to me.

37

ROBBIE

It’s been almost a month since I left Cassie behind in Wales, but between her crazy schedule and mine, we haven’t had a chance to see each other since. Today was the first time I knew she’d be in the stands for my game. She sent me a picture just before kick off, a bright smile on her face and my faded hat on top of her curls.

I wanted to steal a moment with her after the game, but I was pulled into interviews before I could tell her to wait, and she needed to rush off to get ready for tonight's party. Gala. Ball. Whatever the fuck it’s called.

The team has all been invited. Perks of being the owner’s property, I guess.

“Carmen’s been getting ready since before I left this morning,” Santi says as he pulls his t-shirt on after a shower. “It’s like she’s getting ready for the goddamn Oscars. You been to one of these things before?”

I shake my head. “Nothing like this.” Apart from a few award ceremonies, I’ve barely touched the glamorous side of the sport. At my old team, we had to do sponsorships and press events, but I’ve never had an independent brand deal that would require me to attend any kind of party like this one.

“Okay, I’m going to go get my tux on,” Santi says, clapping me on the back.

I sling my bag over my shoulder and head out too. I have an hour until a team of stylists and groomers show up at my house to get me ready.

My phone pings as I slide into my car and I bite back a smile as I read the last message from Cassie.

CASSIE

I’m soo late my assistant is going to have a breakdown. The schedule has been aborted. If I show up without eyelashes just know they had to be cut for time.

ME

I think there’ll be no problem to make us all wait for you, trouble. Idk if you know this, but you’re kind of a big deal.

CASSIE

You should see the way Lane is glaring at me over her phone.

ME

You could show up in a sweatshirt and still be the most stunning woman in the room.

CASSIE

Thank you. I’m excited to see you. I’m sorry I couldn’t see you earlier.

ME

Don’t apologize to me, trouble.

But you may have to apologize for the commotion when I come in my pants at the sight of you.

CASSIE

Is that before or after the red carpet?

I let my phone rest on my locker. Fuck, I forgot about the carpet.

I’ve been an ambassador for a men's jewelry company since before I signed to the Rebels, but aside from a few sponsored Instagram pictures, I’ve never had to do anything ambassador-y. Apparently as soon as the brand heard I’d be attending this event, they decided it's a perfect opportunity to show me off, which means a stint on the red carpet that I’d rather walk straight through than pose on like an idiot.

ME