Simultaneously, Tanya and Cam respond to my question, “Do you expect us to say this whole fiasco is because he’s young, dumb, and in love?” Tanya accuses.
Cam’s eyes lock onto mine, and his expression leaves no room for argument. “Absofuckinglutely.” The room quiets, and the tips of his ears darken. “Sorry for cursing. That wasn’t my intent… But yes. I love her without a doubt. We were tired of waiting and wanted to be married before the crazy of the season starts.”
Tony is the first to speak. “Well… that certainly changes everything.”
“What do you mean?” Tanya quips. She’s on the edge of her seat. Ready for battle.
“Maybe you haven’t experienced this,” Tony eyes Tanya who is all but rolling hers in disgust, “but that’s how it was for me and my wife Margorie. I started dating her right after I was drafted, and I couldn’t wait to marry her. It took us a year or two to get over the crazy of my schedule before we nailed down a date and were married. It’s been twenty-two years this May. I still have no idea how she’s managed to stay with me for this long. But I get where Beck’s coming from. I would’ve eloped in a heartbeat, if Margorie had given me the chance.”
To see Tony Marcelli talk about his wife this way is revealing. He’s always kept his private life, private. I’ve never heard of how he and his wife started out, let alone watch him sympathize with players who scandalously elope to Vegas and become the talk of the league. This act alone seems to change the mood of the room. Pete relaxes in his chair. Tanya deflates slightly, and I realize there just might be more to life than football.
“I’m not young, or dumb,” Campbell replies. “But I am in love. I sincerely apologize for any trouble my actions may have caused. I’m willing to do what it takes to get back in the team’s good graces.”
“I’m sure we can figure something out,” I offer as I watch the others around me agree. Though Tanya’s hesitant. I think she’ll come around. “It’s not like you’ve had any other indiscretions we’ve had to deal with. You’ve kept your nose clean, and you work hard. Just don’t let your life off the field affect your work on the field, and I think we’ll be good.”
We continue to talk about the steps necessary to make this social media nightmare diffuse. Once Tanya’s on board with how we should handle the story, everything falls into place. There’ll be a press conference this afternoon with both Cam and Hillary. Tanya will coach them in what they are to wear and say. Hopefully within the next few days, it’ll all become a thing of the past, and the Becks can enjoy their status as newlyweds without any further complications.
* * *
By the time I get on the plane to Dallas, I’m as prepped for the game as I can be. My brain’s fried, and I can hardly wait to get this first game under my belt as head coach. My coaching staff and I have gone over every possible scenario we can think of to outwit our opponents.
I typically would fly out with the team on Saturday, but I wanted to meet with a potential player we can pick up on our roster. He was scouted to play with Dallas, but rumor has it he might not be a good fit for them, since they already have a great kicker and a back-up ready, should they need it. With Reynolds being injured last year, I want to give him a chance to show he’s recovered, but Mendoza might be worth looking into. I’ve booked a first-class flight to get some rest and maybe look over more footage.
As I briskly make my way through airport security and into the VIP lounge for my airline, I pass a bookstore and am taken back by the display in the window. There sitting front and center is Dani’s latest book. I stop for a moment to take in the series title. I pull open my book app on my phone and quickly download the first book. The thought of Dani alone pulls the corners of my lips into a smile.Damn, I miss her.
I’ve made it a point to speak with Dani several times this week. Each time we spoke, I desperately wanted to head out to the island to see her in person, but I just couldn’t get away. The fact that her brothers were visiting didn’t help much either. I can’t believe I’m drawn to her as much as I am. This is the busiest time of my life. I don’t have time to let my thoughts wander. Yet, I still find myself thinking about the sexy brunette with the wild and curly hair, beautiful blue eyes, and her sexy as hell freckles.God. This woman just may be the death of me.
Seeing her book on display makes me think of her sexy sass. She’s so quick with her tongue, I never know what’s going to come out of that sexy mouth of hers. Her entire body lights up when she gets on a roll with her books. Her sexy smile melts my heart every time I think about it. I love hearing her talk about characters as if they’re living and breathing people sitting here with us in the room. I’ve never been that creative, and I can’t help but be impressed by her ambition and drive.
Glancing at the display once again, I realize I’m not the only person who’s fallen for her talent. She’s made it on the top of theNew York Timesbestseller’s list as well asUSA Today. I haven’t ever thought about those lists, but based upon the acclimations displayed, they are a sought-after list.
I quickly make my way to the lounge and find a place to charge my phone. If I want to check out what the rave is about, I’d better charge my damn phone. I open the app as I relax into the leather couch next to the charger and begin reading. Before I know it, my flight’s being called, and I need to get my ass in gear if I’m going to make it on time. Holy shit. I don’t remember ever being sucked into a book like this. I’ll admit, this is my first romance novel, but there’s enough action and suspense, I’m completely hooked on the first few chapters.
By the time I make my way on the plane, I send off a quick text to Dani to let her know I’m thinking of her.
Me: I might be reading the first book in your latest series.
A reply comes instantly, and my heart pulses in my chest.
Dani: Seriously???
Me: You didn’t tell me you’re aNew York TimesandUSA Todaybestseller.
I can picture her blushing as her modesty takes over. God, I wish I could see her face right now.
Dani: Well… it would be weird to bring it up in daily conversations.
Me: I can see that. Congratulations BTW. I’m on chapter three. Can’t wait to read more. Though I do have some questions for you.
Dani: Questions? What kind of questions?
The flight attendant tells us it’s time to turn off our phones for take-off and put them into airplane mode. I quickly shoot off one last text and can’t help the grin that forms.
Me: Wouldn’t you like to know. Listen. I gotta go. My flight is taking off. I’ll call you when I get to my hotel room.
Before she can respond, the flight attendant walks by my row, and I quickly put my phone in airplane mode. As soon as we’re in the air and beverages have been passed out, I get myself settled with a soda and ponder the questions I could ask Dani when I get to my hotel. Surprisingly, I find I want to read more of her book. I open the app again before I can think twice.
I knew Dani has a way with words, but this goes beyond my imagination. I had no idea what I was in store for.
Holy shit! Some of these scenes are hot! My body reacts just as if it were Dani and I instead of the main characters, which isn’t quite appropriate when you’re on a crowded plane. When a woman bumps my shoulder as she walks up the aisle, I feel my cheeks heat at being brought back to reality. I glance around and check to see if anyone is paying attention to me. Not that they can tell what I’m reading, but I’d been so completely entranced in Dani’s world, I could have sworn I was in the book itself. No wonder she’s made the bestseller’s lists. After my pulse stops racing, and I realize no one’s paying me any attention, I settle back into the story and get lost in the world she’s created once again. One thing’s for certain. This woman can write.
