Page 4 of Announcing Love
Baba cackled and clapped. “That’s one way to get the boy out of his clothes.”
He might have covered his face if he wasn’t so used to Baba’s teasing. “Maybe. He asked me to dinner.”
Sacha had been eyeing the field, obviously hoping to see Bandit like they hadn’t woken up together. At Artem’s words, his head whipped Artem’s way. “Really? You said yes, right?”
An uncomfortable laugh escaped. “Um, yeah. Why do you sound so desperate on my behalf? Am I that pitiful?”
Sacha’s blue eyes softened. He stroked his hand down Artem’s arm. “No, sweetie. It’s just—”
“You need a real man and not just the fantasies you paint,” Baba said, cutting in. She never even looked Artem’s way as she insulted him.
“Wow. I’m so glad I came to hang out with you two today. Otherwise, I might not have known how pathetic I am.”
“No one thinks that, angel.” Sacha looked upset, as if Artem had truly hurt him with the accusation. “I just want you to be happy, and Tip seems really sweet.”
Artem nodded along, but Sacha didn’t truly understand. Sacha was elegant and beautiful. He had something Artem didn’t. Artem was a dreamer and didn’t bring men to their knees. He wasn’t even sure this was a date. Dinner didn’t mean anything. For all he knew, Tip saw him as a friend. Artem didn’t want to get his hopes up. He couldn’t start believing someone like Tip wanted him.
“Excuse me.” A woman in a tight team shirt and short shorts appeared at his side. She passed him a drink. “This is from Tip. He said he’s sorry his shirt ruined your drink, and he can’t wait for your date.”
Artem fought like hell not to smile like an idiot. He didn’t know what to say. It was a date. Wow.
Sacha reached past him and passed the lady a tip. “Thank you. Tell Tip Artem can’t wait either.”
She smiled as she accepted the money and slipped away. Artem’s gaze automatically moved toward the booth. He couldn’t see Tip, but he knew he was there. Artem swore he felt those intense hazel eyes upon him. Time moved too slowly to suit him.
“Awww. That was really sweet.” Sacha bumped shoulders with him.
“He could’ve sent us all drinks. I’m kind of thirsty.”
With a sigh, Sacha stood at Baba’s words. “I’ll get you something. Make me a list because I’m not going again once Bandit is on the field.”
While Baba rambled out a list, Artem slipped his phone from his pocket and texted Tip. He didn’t know if he would see it until after the game, but he already wanted to be connected in some way.
Artem:Thank you for the drink. You didn’t have to replace it. It was my fault.
To his surprise, his phone buzzed before he could put it away.
Tip:Of course I did. I was in the way when you turned. Don’t think too much about it. I get free drinks. lol.
Artem bit his bottom lip. He didn’t know what else to say, but he couldn’t let go of the small tether to him yet.
Artem:I guess I should let you work.
Tip: You’re not bothering me. We’re all on our phones up here. Feel free to text me anytime. I might not be free to answer right away, but I like hearing from you. All the banter you hear up here is just for show. For the most part, we’re all in our own worlds up here when we’re not on.
It was fascinating, getting a glimpse into Tip’s world.
Artem:Okay. If you get bored, you can text me. I’ll keep you entertained.
As Artem hit send, he wanted to cover his eyes. Was he flirting? Fuck. He was so bad at it that even he didn’t know if that was what he did. Jesus. He had no clue what Tip saw in him, but Artem would do his best to keep doing whatever had caught his attention. Things were getting interesting.
Chapter Three
Artemlivedwithhisfamily in a nice red-brick townhouse squashed between two identical townhomes. Still, his building stood out due to the gorgeous flowers that sat at the top of the steps and on either side of the door. While it was a nice place, it wasn’t the type of house people would picture when they thought of one of the highest paid soccer players in the country. Yet, Bandit had chosen to sell his multi-million-dollar home to live here with Sacha’s entire family. Granted, that was only Baba and Artem, but Tip couldn’t imagine basically walking away from his lifestyle to be with some guy, much less to care for that guy’s family. Sacha was hot, but so were a lot of men. Bandit was definitely one of a kind.
He wasn’t sure if he should ring the doorbell since it was late, and Baba likely slept. Tip’s moment of hesitation saved him from deciding. The door opened and a happy-looking Artem stepped out. Tip realized something. Artem’s upbeat personality was one reason Tip liked him. His every emotion showed on his face. Artem was genuinely happy to see him, and he didn’t hide it. That was refreshing. Tip was used to fans who pretended they weren’t excited to be dating someone famous. Artem wasn’t like that.
“I’m glad you met me outside. I was just debating if I should ring the bell and wake everyone.”
