Page 85 of The Bad Boy's Homecoming
“A reporter in there was asking me about the contract problems with Atlanta, asked me if I’d grown too spoiled or sold my team out to go to Tampa.”
“I’m sorry.”
“No, I’m sorry.I just didn’t want that drama to touch your big night.This event was a huge success.I’m so proud of you.I heard they had to turn some people away at one point because more people had shown up and they were at capacity for the fire code.”
Missy laughed.“How strange.What a crazy night.”
The car eased into traffic and the back of the SUV was lit every so often by the flashing lights along the way.
“Who was the guy in the blue suit?He was a little too familiar with you and I saw Declan zero in on him.”
Dread filled her gut.“We went to law school together and he must have seen the press about my show.”
“And?”he prompted.
“And he’s my ex.He wanted to see if I would give him a second chance.”She tried to see him in the back of the truck, but his face was in shadow.
“What did you tell him?”
“That I was never moving back to Atlanta.”
“But you didn’t tell him you have a new boyfriend or that you didn’t want to get back together with him?”
“I told him I would never get back together with him but I don’t owe him any reasons.He doesn’t deserve to know anything about my life now.”
“Was he the one who hurt you?”
“Yes, and I was so surprised to see him tonight, it took me a minute to get my bearings.But Declan must have sensed it because he escorted him out.”
“I’m sorry I wasn’t there to do it myself.That damn reporter would have loved that story.”
“I’m sorry this trip was hard for you, and I didn’t even consider it.”
He gripped her hand in his.“I would do it a million times if it meant supporting you and your art.I tried to keep my distance once the press showed up because I was worried my bad reputation would taint your big debut in some way.I’m sorry it almost did.”
“No, it didn’t.And no more distance.”
“Okay.”
That was all he said the rest of the drive to the hotel and after he helped her out of the car they walked through the lobby hand in hand.Once they were up in their room he removed his suit coat and she had to admire his muscular form in the fitted shirt, and dress pants.
There was a black bag, a bucket with champagne on the coffee table and Levi walked over to sit in front of it.
“Come sit with me?”he said.
Then once she sat down he took each of her feet in his lap and removed her shoes.
“I bet your feet ache after walking around in those for five hours.”
“It’s crazy but I felt like I was walking on clouds most of the night.I’m sure it’ll hit me later.”
He smiled.“I feel like that during a big game.All the adrenaline and excitement override any discomfort.”
Next he slid the bag in front of her on the coffee table.“This is just a little thing to remind you of tonight.”
“You got me a present?”she asked.
“Yes, it turns out I like having a girlfriend to buy things for, maybe because of that look of such genuine surprise you get.”He captured her chin in his hand and brought her close to kiss her.It was a deeper kiss that made her think of getting naked with him.But first she wanted to see what he’d got her.
