Admittedly that was a not-so-great secret to be holding on to, but I justified it to myself with increasing ease. Jayden and I most definitely were a couple, for a start. Our label remained unknown, but thank the basketball gods, he was running out of possible names for us to try out. Plus, my relationship really was no one else’s business, nor was it hurting anyone.
While we’d started out with a small lie, intended for good reasons, in the grand scheme of things, it didn’t really matter.
Not anymore.
That didn’t mean we’d be sharing our origin story. What would be the point?
“What time will Jayden be finished?” Pearce caught the ball I passed him in the triple shot position. He jab stepped, shifted position as I made to defend, dribbled, then executed a jump shot.
The ball passed through the hoop effortlessly.
I snagged the ball and got back into position as we continued to run a couple of basic drills. “He should be done by five.” He was having his official one-on-one meeting with Mark. There’d been some discussion about how appropriate that was, but since it was Jayden at the center of that discussion, of course he’d have his say and get what he wanted.
The man always did. The sexy jerk could convince a straight man he just might like it up the ass, after all.
Pearce followed the same training pattern, faking impressively.
“What about you?” I asked. “Still feeling good about your session a couple of days ago?”
A grin appeared and he bobbed his head. “It felt good. More official somehow, even though I know it was all in confidence.” He shrugged. “Mark said he’ll meet with me again and offered to be there when I call Monty and my agent. It feels good, though.”
I caught the ball after it slid once more through the hoop. “I’m pleased for you, man. Must be a weight off your shoulders.”
“It was. Not as much as the relief I felt at the news of your engagement blowing up the internet.”
My gut tightened, but I forced a smile.
“I’m sure that’s a shitty thing, you know, all of the comments, the backlash and bullshit, how people react. I’m dreading it.”
I passed him the ball. “There are fewer assholes than I expected,” I answered. “Honestly, Jay and I didn’t spend time looking at the hate. It was easier to block it out.” I didn’t add that we hadn’t really invested time looking through the positive comments too much either. The support had been incredible but had added to the layer of guilt that had pressed heavily on my chest.
It was easier now, though. Easier to swallow and handle. Easier to accept the smiles we sometimes received when Jay and I were having a PDA moment or reading the occasional comment or message when we ventured onto social media.
“People are crazy vocal,” I added. “Everyone has an opinion. I expected it but still struggle to believe it’s happening. Like, why on earth would we be making a headline, just for being together?” I shook my head, despite knowing the reason why.
All too well I understood there was a fascination with professional athletes, including their private lives. It didn’t mean I was comfortable with my personal business being speculated on. I’d suck it up, though. It was part of the package of going pro, being in the public eye. Fans and non-fans all wanted a piece of you and had vocal opinions to share as well.
“You’ll be fine. You’ll breeze through. You know the team is great, and while our fans may be curious, they’re more interested in us winning.”
Pearce bobbed his head. “You’re right. Maybe—”
“Sutton.”
The sound of Eddie’s tight voice made us pause. Immediately, my thoughts went to Jayden, my heart tripping over itself. “What’s wrong?”
Mouth tight and brows knotted, Eddie looked serious. Hell, expressions like that usually came with bad news. His gaze flicked to Pearce before traveling back to me. “You mind if we talk in private?”
My brows shot up, pulse quickening. Pearce shifted his feet and glanced at me, a silent question in his eyes. I nodded.
“I’ll go to the locker room. I’ll catch up with you later.”
As soon as he was out of earshot, I asked, “What is it?” Worry threaded my tone.
Pulling out his phone, Eddie hesitated a beat. It took all my patience to not demand he hurry the hell up. But pulling out the phone meant Jayden was okay, right? His concussion seemed to be finally behaving itself. With fewer and fewer migraines, he was getting back in shape and really giving the young guys a run for their money.
“I just needed to show you this before you overheard anything. I have no idea how accurate it is, but I didn’t want either of you caught out and taken by surprise, or at least with an audience.”
He keyed a few buttons on his phone and then passed it. I frowned, trying to prepare myself. Not quite sure what to expect, I simply stared at the screen.
