Page 27 of The Wiener Across the Way

She replied with a winky face.

I wasn’t sure what that was supposed to mean. But I wasn’t going to reply until I figured out my next move. The day rolled out in a blur of halfhearted routines and distracted thoughts as I ran scenario after scenario in my mind for how to take Kelsey out on a date. I managed a light workout, but my mind wasn’t in it, and I was afraid I was going to have to call Everett for advice. He would give me his love guru routine. It had worked for Chris.

I got several more texts from Alexis and I continued to ignore her. She was like everyone else who wanted to know if I was going to pursue Kelsey. The last time my phone buzzed with a text from her, it was accompanied by a link to a gossip site. There it was, the photo of me catching Kelsey at the concert, already making rounds on the internet.

I sighed, knowing this was just the beginning. My agent’s text was full of questions and warnings about public perception. But for the first time, I found myself caring less about the media circus and more about what Kelsey thought of all this.

I texted Kelsey, really wanting to talk to her again, but my fingers hesitated. The magic we had last night wasn’t going to happen during the day when she was surrounded by people. And it wouldn’t happen on a public date either.

How about dinner? No cameras, no media, just us.

I could bring her here to my house. Chris had beefed up the security in the neighborhood since the press went ballistic when he and Trixie had incited the media with a sex scandal. I’d just warn him she was coming and to close the figurative gates around the community. Or I could come to her. Stop by my favorite burger bar and bring cheeseburgers.

I waited, the seconds stretching into eternity. Then her reply came.

I'd like that.

A smile spread across my face, a mix of relief and excitement. This was it. I was stepping into uncharted territory, but for the first time, the unknown seemed more exhilarating than frightening.

More dots.

But I'm not in town tonight. We're getting ready to head up to Aspen to prep for the festival.

Shit. Of course. She was an international pop star and had a busy schedule.

Aspen was a good three and a half hour drive. I could do it. But not and be back in time to do the video game thing for Hayes and the twins. They’d understand me canceling for Kelsey fucking Best.

Before I could text back to tell her my plan, her dots appeared again.

This might sound weird, and I understand if it's a no. But... we could do tomorrow. If you'd be willing to let me send my jet for you.

Shit. I should have thought of that. I shared a jet with Chris, Everett, and Hayes during the season. We didn’t usually use it for anything but away games, but there was no reason I couldn’t. It wasn’t like I didn’t have enough to cover the cost.

But there was something about the way she’d phrased that question. If I was willing to let her.

I sent a quick text to Jules.

Hey. What were the other guys Kelsey's dated like?

I absolutely did not keep up with celebrity gossip, but I did vaguely remember hearing something about some jackass movie star.

Jules’s message popped up a second later.

Real D-bags. Why? We gonna rumble? I'll kick Jake Jay's ass under the highway.

Who talks like that? And the league thought I was the meanest Kingman? They’d better never double cross the Kingman Princess.

Cool your jets. Just doing some homework

Exactly like I thought. She was testing me out to see what kind of ego I had. I wanted to punch every dude who’d ever made her feel like she had to be smaller to feed their fucking sense of self-importance. If they couldn’t be with a woman that was a bigger deal than they were, they had no business being anywhere near Kelsey Best. Fuckers. I typed back a quick text to Kelsey.

Sounds perfect. Wanna watch the game with me? I promise there will be plenty of football players in tight-fitting pants for you to ogle.

She sent back the thumbs-up, the peach, the football, and the heart face emoji. I’d take that as a yes.

I headed upstairs to pack an overnight bag, hoping the invite was for more than a day, and seriously considered whether I should pack my uniform pants.

After dinner, I checked the scores of the college games and saw that the DSU Dragons did indeed beat Minnesota State. Good job. The boys would be in a good mood for this video game thing.

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