Ethan says something, but I don’t hear any of it. Vickie and Tara return and walk back to the VIP section, and I follow those legs the entire way. A couple of guys follow, and Vickie waves them in. A set of twins approach, both tall, dark, and bald. They sit on either side of the women.
It’s like Ethan has radar. He slowly turns around and sighs at the sight before him. I’d laugh if their presence didn’t make my stomach turn. I wonder if the twins are more her type. It makes sense that a black girl from New York City wouldn’t be interested in a white boy from Alabama.
“Every fucking time I turn around,” he sighs. Ethan puts down his glass and leaves my side without another word. Once he approaches, he offers Tara his hand and escorts her out of VIP and into a secluded corner. He puts his forehead on hers and says something I can’t hear. I look away, feeling like a voyeur during an intimate moment.
I never use my celebrity to get what I want. I pay my own way, and I follow the rules. Except now. Their reaction is exactly what I want when I step in. They both stand when I approach. Definitely two beta males. No way would I stand for another man, especially when I’m next to a beautiful woman. Victoria stands along with them, but unlike them, it’s not because she’s in awe of my presence. She crosses her arms and narrows her eyes at me.
Both guys hand me a napkin, which I’m happy to sign. We take a few selfies and I shake their hands.
“You see that room?” I point across the hall. “There are six of my teammates in there. I’m gonna send a text so you guys can get in. What are your names?” While they tell me their names, I send one of my teammates a text. The twins practically run away just like I wanted.
I turn back to Vickie and smile in victory. I take it a bit further and wink. She crosses her arms and looks into my face. It’s fascinating to watch. She’s doing her best to hide any emotions, but I can tell she’s annoyed. It’s in the way she blinks rapidly and the distinct rise and fall of her chest.
She tilts her head to the side as if she’s just decided on what to say and says, “You should know something about me.”
“Pretty soon, I’m going to know everything about you.”
She ignores that statement. “What you just did, I don’t find that cute or endearing. That’s the first thing.” She tilts her head up and points a finger in my face. I try hard to hold my laugh but fail. I recover quickly though and wipe the smile off my face, but the idea of this woman who barely reaches my chest trying to chastise me is the funniest thing that’s happened to me in a long time.
“Fascinatin’.” I do my best to pretend to be awed. “What’s the second thang?”
“The second thing is, you’re boring. Controlling wanna-be alpha males bore me. Goodbye.” She turns and walks away. I admire the curve of her ass and the swing of her hips before I catch up with her in two long strides. I walk past her, turn around, and block her path. She stops before she can collide with my chest.
“We didn’t finish our conversation.”
“I did.” She does a fake pout and purses her lips together. Then something changes in her eyes. She inches closer to me and bites that plump bottom lip. “On second thought, I want to ask you something.” She whispers the words and I feel a stirring in my pants. She gestures for me to lower down, and I do, putting my ear close to her lips. “Tell me something.” Her words come out husky.
“I’ll tell you anything you want to know, darlin’.”
Her small hands glide across my pecs, slowly massaging me over my shirt. I flex underneath her hand. She whimpers.
“Have you ever—” She stops herself and looks around, almost as if she’s too shy to ask.
“Have I ever what? You can ask me whatever you want.”
“Have you ever had a five-inch stiletto lodged in one of your testicles?” All shyness gone from her voice, she shoves me away, and I practically fall on my butt.
I run ahead of her and block her path, make a face and wince. “Can’t say that I have. I hope you’re not into that kind of thing. I mean, I don’t mind a little bit of pain, but—"
“Keep blocking me, and you’ll find out.”
I throw my head back and laugh while I try to imagine that. I’m positive I can lift her with one hand without exerting much energy. I’ll have my hand wrapped around her wrist before she can take her shoe off.
“The last woman who threatened me was my mama,” I tell her.
That statement doesn’t impress her either. She makes a face and turns away to walk in the other direction, but I grab one of her wrists. She twists and turns to get it away from me, but I put my free hand in my pocket and wait. I even whistle a tune while she tries and fails to pull away.
“Don’t tire yourself out.”
“Let me go,” she commands, and I drop her wrist.
“Come on, don’t go. This is the most fun I’ve had in years.” She gives me a look of disbelief, and I give her my best smile. She thinks I’m toying with her, but it’s true.
I surprise her when I throw an arm across her shoulders. “Let me get you another drink.” I flag the waiter down and ask him to bring her the same thing she just had. “Keep me company.” I spin her around and take her in my arms. “See that? Perfect fit. Do you know what I think we should do?”
“I’m sure you’ll tell me, Cole.” To my surprise, she doesn’t try to move away. Her lithe little body fits perfectly into mine, and despite the extreme height difference, it’s not awkward.
“You should tell me all the things you find distasteful about me now, and I’ll do the same with you. Let’s just get it out of the way.” Someone stands outside our section and snaps pictures of us. Vickie quickly hides her face in my chest, and as much as I like the feel of her against me, I don’t like the reason she’s doing it. I shake my head at the man taking pictures, but he doesn’t move until security pulls him away.
