Page 12 of Caught Stealing Your Heart
“Aw, shit.” Forest sat down next to me. “What is it?”
“Remember Leilani?”
“Yeah, the one you dropped some big money on for a ‘painting’ for Pai?”
“Hold up. What’s with the air quotes? That’s exactly what I did.”
Forest eyes lowered, and he spread his lips back across his face. “You can feed me that bullshit if you want to, Boss. I know you. You may have done it because you love Paisley and will do anything for her, but did you have to pay that much for it? Or was it to flex?”
“If it was to flex, it worked. Leilani and I worked something out to benefit us both.”
“What?”
“We’re in a business relationship. For the next six months, we’re contracted to act as a couple, so I need you to play along.”
“Are you serious?”
I hopped to my feet and snatched my jersey out my locker. “Why wouldn’t I be?”
“Because that shit sounds crazy as hell. Why would you let her talk you into something like that? What? Did she want more money?”
“Who said it was her idea? Don’t pass judgment on someone you don’t know, Forest. I presented her with the idea, we talked it out, and she accepted. Leilani isn’t like these other women, so don’t ever fix your lips to speak on her like that again.” I defended Leilani, feeling my blood pressure slowly rise.
One thing I wouldn’t allow anyone to do was disrespect anyone close to me, and Forest knew it, too, because I gave the same energy when it came to him. Leilani was now included in that number, so I would advise anyone to tread lightly when it came to her.
Forest held his hands up in surrender and took a step back. “My bad, bro. I’m not trying to step on your toes or anything. I’m just trying to piece it all together because this isn’t like you. You know I got your back no matter what, but I can already tell you one thing.”
“And what’s that?”
“You’re about to fall flat on your damn face for this woman. Watch and see.”
“Nah. This is all business.”
“Yeah, all right. Keep telling yourself that. Enough of this. Get your head together for this game.” Forest patted my shoulder then walked away to his locker.
He left me with some things to ponder on, but I couldn’t dwell on them. We were playing our rival team, The Pinchers, so I shook off anything that wasn’t baseball related.
Coach gave us the pregame pep talk before we headed out to the field. I didn’t get a chance to check my phone to see if Leilani had arrived, but I had given her instructions to come onto thefield once she made it. I had her set up with VIP and all-access passes for all my games which meant she would receive the same hospitality treatment as the wives and families of the other players.
“Damn. Who is that?” I heard one of my teammates ask in the middle of some fielding drills.
All eyes were on who was now mine.
Leilani’s presence caught the attention of everyone as she nervously made her way over to me. I couldn’t help but smile at her sporting a crop top version of my royal blue jersey with the hat to match. Red leggings appeared painted onto her toned legs, gliding her across the field in her gray Nikes. The sun was shining down onto her butterscotch-colored skin, giving her a golden glow.
I couldn’t lie. My heartbeat excelled when she smiled and waved at me, a simple gesture, but she genuinely looked happy to see me.
I tossed the ball to Forest and made my way over to Leilani. The cameras from the sidelines were pointed directly at us. They were taking it all in as Leilani stopped in front of me. My arms snaked around her waist as hers slid around my neck. As I expected, she fit perfectly in my arms. I held onto her longer than I intended.
“Hey, Banks,” she greeted.
Four of my five senses became familiar with her.
Her skin and body were plush, soft against my flesh.
Her scent embedded into my nostrils. She possessed the sweet smell of shea butter and vanilla.
Herself… Leilani was a sight for sore eyes, beautiful as ever.
