“You can do it,” he said. “I know it.”
“Things are going to blossom when the Netflix series comes out,” she said. “My mother has another book in the works for a movie. She’s considering going public. Or as I pick on her about, coming out of the closet.”
“Wow,” he said. “So that is why she told me?”
“Now you look hurt,” she said.
“No,” he said. “I’m not. I’m honored she felt she could trust me with it.”
“You should be,” she said. “Few are told. Not even other’s spouses in the family know.”
“It’s hard to keep it from the world if too many people are aware,” he said.
“Which is why I used my name. There is no reason to cause confusion. I’ve got nothing to hide. Back to my mother. She’s slowed down a lot. I think it’s time she does this. I know once it’s out she’s my mother, my sales are going to skyrocket.”
“You don’t want that, do you?” he asked.
“Yes, I do,” she said, laughing. “But not that way. I know I can’t avoid it. I made my name on my own and even got a TV deal out of it. So yeah, I want her to do it for her.” She took the last bite of her sandwich while he continued to eat. “If it getsout we are dating, it could bring some media on you. You should know that.”
“I don’t have a problem with it,” he said. “Because it will get out we are dating and once that happens, you’ll be in the spotlight. Will you be okay with that?”
“I love the spotlight,” she said, laughing.
“Says no hermit ever,” he said, closing one eye at her.
“Being a hermit to me is more about the fact I’m a homebody. I have everything I need on the island. I don’t need to go out and rub elbows with people. I interact with them on my time and schedule in the comfort of my house. It’s a great place to hide, let me tell you.”
“Everythingyou need on the island?” he asked.
She got up and moved closer to him, her hand dropping to his crotch. “Not everything. Or not all the time.”
He laughed. “That’s what I thought.”
22
LOSING HIS HEART
“How come no one knew you were in a relationship?” his head coach asked him on Monday morning.
Emma was currently getting a tour by one of the office assistants. He’d brought her in today and got her clearance set up so that she could be behind the scenes and on the field where some wives and girlfriends could go move around.
“You know I’m not someone to make it public.”
“No,” his coach said. “But the fact you’re getting her clearance means something. I’m not sure I’ve known of you doing that before.”
It was another reason he was sought after.
He kept his nose clean and his life private.
He had a strong work ethic and let nothing distract him. Including his personal life.
“I didn’t know I needed permission to have a girlfriend,” he said, forcing a smile.
“No,” his coach said. “She doesn’t seem like the type I’d picture you with.”
“What type did you think I’d be with?” he asked, his brows coming together.
“Someone a bit more flashy.”
