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Her doe eyes widened, apparently surprised by the apology. I saw the vulnerability there. The innocence. And I nearly lost the ability to breathe. I was mesmerized and could drown in the chocolate depths of her gaze. Then she raised her lips in a small smile. “You didn’t. Not really.”
“Well these two big dawgs are legends,” Chad interjected. “They obviously breed champions.” He had a smug look as he pulled Amber into a side hug. I gripped the table to keep myself in check.
Bill said, “So, Chad, tell us a little about yourself.”
“Well, Bill.” Chad leaned back in his seat like he was someone important. “I’m a realtor and specialize in selling multi-million-dollar homes in the most exclusive neighborhoods in the area. I just sold a house to Mitch Blanton in Highland Park. You know, our ace pitcher that finally won Texas a World Series. He just gave me season tickets for next year’s baseball games.”
Of course, this fucker would be a name-dropper. I scowled and took a swig to get rid of the bitter taste in my mouth.
“I also sell sports memorabilia online. So, if you guys are either trying to sell your homes or wanting to earn extra cash selling signed memorabilia…” He stuck a finger in his chest, saying arrogantly, “I’m your guy.”
He reached behind Amber and poked me on the shoulder. I scowled, silently warning myself to not kill him.
“I can hook your son up with a sweet property in the Turtle Creek area, not far from where you live. It just came on the market.”
I ground my teeth but managed to say evenly, “Thanks for the offer, but that’s for him to decide.”
This joker had already scoped out where I lived and was trying to make a fucking business deal on a first date. It wasn’t unusual for people to try and take advantage of famous athletes. For the most part, the fandom and adulation were great. But there was also a flip side, where people were looking to profit off of you. I’d been around long enough to know the difference.
By the time the main course came around, Bill and Chad were having an in-depth discussion about commercial properties, while I feigned interest, trying to ignore the beautiful girl beside me.
However, those plans fell to the wayside when she said, “Tell me about this holiday gala.”
I thumbed my napkin, trying to be casual when I answered, “I started this charity a few years ago to set up scholarships for the kids in my after-school program who deserve a chance but don’t have the same opportunities as others. I wanted to level the playing field for these kids.”
“That’s very noble.”
I smiled. “I wouldn’t call it noble. I believe it should be mandatory. You don’t understand the situations some of the kids come from. The grit they have. The determination. The talent. What they deal with in their home life. I can relate. I grew up in poverty and had a dream. However, I needed a mentor—someone to believe in me, someone to help me be the best version of myself I could be.”
I roved over her face. “I played at the highest level in sports. I was MVP. I won the Super Bowl. I made more money than I’ll ever be able to spend in my lifetime. Was it fulfilling? Yes. But you want to know what my greatest accomplishment is?” I smiled, catching myself. “Besides my son Axel, of course.”
“What?” she breathed, keeping her eyes glued to mine as if enraptured.
“Starting this mentorship program and making a difference in someone’s life. Paying it forward. That’s my calling.” I studied her eyes, trying to read her expression. “This charity can be life-changing to someone who just needs a chance. You know?”
Her high cheeks were flush as she nodded slowly, as if in a trance. “You’re amazing.”
My heart pounded in my chest. God. I wanted this girl who watched me with reverence, like I was someone special. But I tempered my emotions because whatever pipe dreams I had of her being mine were just that… impossible fantasies that would end on the road to destruction for everyone at this table. Well… everyone except fuckboy sitting next to her because Chad wouldn’t even be part of her equation, if I had anything to do with it.
I ducked my chin, words slipping out without thinking about it. “Don’t put me on a pedestal, Amber.”
She raised an eyebrow in mild surprise. “Putting you on a pedestal?”
“I’m not doing anything special.”
“First of all, I wasn’t putting you on a pedestal. I was giving you a compliment, Mr. Modest. Are you someone who can’t take a compliment?”
I smirked. “Don’t get cheeky with me, little girl. I could turn you over my knee and spank that sass out of you.”
Realizing what came out of my mouth, I stared at her in shock and started to apologize, but Amber quirked her lips and leaned in close, peering up at me in challenge. “I’d like to see you try.”
And there went my cock again. I flattened my lips and chided myself for saying stupid shit like that in the first place. To her. To my best friend’s daughter, who had a douchy date sitting on her other side. I would never do that. Never entertain those thoughts. Could this dinner end any sooner?
After dinner and several bottles of wine, Bill signaled for the check and said he had to go home so he and Johana could pack for their trip. When the server brought the tab, I thrust out my credit card first. “I’ve got this.”
Bill nodded in acknowledgment because we’d always taken care of each other when it came to settling tabs.
“You didn’t have to do that.” Amber’s soft voice was in my ear, and her hand lightly grazed my thigh before she thumbed through her purse. Her face was flushed. “I can pay my way.”
