Page 57 of Sliding into Love
Fucking finally.
I lean against the wall, trying to get my breathing under control. This is insane. We're supposed to be in work mode, yet all I can think about is the way they tasted, the sounds they made as they devoured me, the way their hands felt on my body.
"Get it together, Meyer," I mutter to myself.
My phone buzzes. A text from Gillies.
Gillies:Where are you? Game is about to start. Team could use a pep talk.
Kenneth: Can’t make it. I’m about to go to the suite with Royce. Plus, there’s not enough time.
Gillies: LAME. Have fun with the family. I want details on if you nutted up and did ‘the move’ on them. Details!!
Kenneth: Focus on the game. You score two home runs, and we’ll talk.
Gillies: Deal. Tell Bellamy and crew I say hi.
Right. The Bellports. I'm supposed to meet Royce's entire family in about five minutes, and I look like I just tumbled out of bed.
Since I feel about as blissed out as one would after such a kiss, it makes sense. Still, I don’t think it’s best to meet them looking… however I look.
I duck into the nearest bathroom, checking my reflection. My hair is a disaster—I try to smooth it down but give up after a few attempts. My tie is an easy fix, but there's a slight redness around my mouth that's definitely from Royce's stubble. I splash some cold water on my face, trying to cool the heat that's still simmering under my skin.
This is fine. I can do this.
I've given presentations to boards of directors, negotiated million-dollar deals, handled my mother's cutting remarks for thirty-plus years. I can meet my… what? My partner's family? Are we partners now? We haven't exactly defined it, but after what just happened, after the things we said to each other?—
My phone buzzes again. It’s my alarm to remind me to get to the suite. I’d set it earlier to make sure Royce and I didn’t get too deep into work to miss the opening pitch.
I take one more look in the mirror, straighten my jacket, and head toward the Bellport family suite.
The noise hits me before I reach it—laughter, conversation, the excited buzz of people ready to watch a game. I pause withmy hand on the handle, my heart suddenly pounding for an entirely different reason.
I can’t go in alone. That would be too weird.
Instead, I step to the side of the door and close my eyes. Deep breath in and out settle my nerves. Time to put my game face on. No reason to give people a reason to talk.
Own the way you look.
The thoughts put me at ease. So much so that when Royce shows up, they seem shocked I’m so calm. It could also be the look I’m giving them, since I’m sure my desire still radiates despite trying to push it down. I can’t help but to want them.
"Ready?" they ask once they’re close.
"Ready," I confirm.
They open the door as the announcement for the national anthem echoes through the space. It gives me a minute to take everything in. It also helps me prepare to pretend I haven't spent the last however long with my tongue down their sibling's throat.
The suite is beautiful with floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking the field, plush seating, a full bar and catering spread. But I barely notice any of it because all I can focus on is my nerves.
As the anthem plays, I glance around the room. It’s full of people, the majority of who I’ve never met and can’t recognize. These people matter to Royce, which means I definitely need to learn who they are.
One of the few people I do recognize is Bellamy Bellport. He’s going to be the hardest to convince if we ever reach the “telling everyone about us” stage.
Bellamy's opinion matters. Considering I've already got one strike against me from high school, from being associated with Clark, from being part of Royce's worst memories, I have to assume I’m not his favorite choice for Royce’s partner in life.
What if they see through me? What if they realize I'm not good enough for Royce? What if?—
Bellamy waves us over as soon as the song finishes. Royce takes the initiative to speak to everyone once we’ve made our way fully into the group.
