“Holy shit,” I say in disbelief.
“So, I gotta ask, Dan. Are you really dating Luke?”
“Uh… yeah,” I admit, still mystified.
Stacey’s tone turns to teasing, “I gotta say, it sucks that I had to hear it from the entertainment industry first. Here I was, flipping through channels and see your face flash across the screen. I immediately flipped back to the channel. Then couldn’t believe you’ve been holding out on the fact you’re dating one of the hottest men in America.”
Only Stacey could get me to laugh at this situation. “Heispretty hot, Stace. But why the fuck are we making national news?”
“Uh…” Her tone tells me it should be obvious. “Have you seen him lately? I know you live under a rock out on that island and live in your book world, but to the rest of us mere mortals, he’s kind of a big thing.”
Of course, he’s a big thing. I haven’t had anyone affect me like this… ever. How do I even begin to explain this to Stacey? She of all people knows me. She knows my past and also why I likely wouldn’t have said anything about him yet.
When I don’t say anything in response, she feels the need to continue, “He’s the youngest friggin coach in the league, single, and hot as hell. You have to know the rest of the world would take notice, if he’s off the market. They’re all speculating why would he spend his weekend at a book conference? You have to mean a hell of a lot for him to subject himself to countless women likely objectifying him each time they walk past. Come on. I’ve been to enough of these to know any hot guy gets attention behind the booth.”
“Some women mistook him for one of my cover models,” I finally whisper, realizing how this could’ve gotten out of control. Remembering the scene I stumbled upon when I returned to my table. “He jokingly tried to show them he wasn’t.” Fuck. That’s when I remember my bold statement. “Shit. That’s when I publicly claimed he was mine, too.”
“Hell, yes!” Stacey practically shouts into my ear. “You go, girl. I’d be claiming that man as mine if I were you, too.” Leave it to Stacey to encourage this.
“He said no one would notice the coach,” I mumble, still trying to let reality sink in.
“Does that man eat a big ole’ helping of humble pie on a regular basis? Geesh… People notice him, Dan. He’s just taken over as head coach for the team thatwonthe championship game last year. Of course, he’s noticed. Add in the fact he’s single and sexy as hell… I don’t think there’s a woman in the country that hasn’t suddenly become a Rainier Renegades fan just to watch him.”
“Ha… funny you should mention that,” I tell her about my experience at the game where I watched him more than the plays on the field. She’s gasping for air with laughter when I get to the point where I asked him about Sean Peters’ position on the team.
“Wait. He got you to go to footballgames, as in more than one?” Stacey asks in disbelief. “How on earth did you even meet him?”
“Well… for your information, I met him on that island of mine. I uh… kind of… went over the handlebars of my bike… and he happened to rescue me. I had no idea who he was, other than a hot guy who had to witness it all.”
“Only you… You big, dopey, romance writer. You’re the only person on the planet who wouldn’t have a clue who Luke Leighton was.”
“You know I don’t watch sports…” I say in defense.
Stacey’s grin can be heard through the phone. “I know. But thisisLuke Leighton we’re talking about. Even the old lady in accounting has mentioned Luke to me last time I went to drop something off.”
Not sure if she’s exaggerating, I dismiss it. Then a thought comes to me. “Wait. You said… he was my ‘boy toy?’”
“Uh… you caught that, did you?” Stacey suddenly goes quiet, leaving me on pins and needles. So, I prompt, “What else is being said, Stace?”
“Well,” she draws out. “I guess it depends on which channel you turn to. The local news lead with, ‘Sorry to disappoint you, ladies, but it appears Luke Leighton’s off the market.’ The sports channels are debating whether you’re going to be a distraction for him, now that he seems to be dating. And the entertainment channels are playing up the romance card and teasing you’ll continue to have quite an imagination, now that you have him as inspiration.”
“You gotta be fucking with me, Stace.” Thank God, I don’t have to have a filter where she’s concerned.
When she doesn’t reply, I groan loudly, “Seriously?” They’re talking about Luke being inspiration for my books?” This cannot be happening. Fuck! Not everyone knows I even write romance, but with my picture out there for the world to see connected with my pen name, it’s only going to be a matter of time before people connect the dots.
This brings on a whole new set of problems.
Just as I’m about to say more, Luke opens the door to the bedroom and solemnly steps out. This does not look good. “Uh, Stace. I gotta call you back.”
“Okay, but this doesn’t mean I’m going to drop this. You have lots to tell me, Dan. I’m not letting it go,” she warns as only a best friend can.
“I know. I will. I promise. We’ll talk soon.”
With that, I end the call and look to Luke, who’s keeping his distance from me. Fuck. This isn’t good.
