Page 56 of Sliding into Love
"Ready?" I ask.
"Ready," he confirms.
We walk into the suite together just as the national anthem announcement begins. The room is full of people—family and several friends. Bellamy waves us over and I take a breath, centering myself.
"Thank you all for coming," I say once the anthem ends and the crowd settles. "I'm so grateful to have you here for this first game. Before we get started, I want to introduce Kenneth Meyer, the previous owner and manager of the Blue Jays. He's been instrumental in helping me with this transition, and I couldn't have done any of this without him."
Kenneth smiles, shaking hands and accepting congratulations graciously. But when his eyes meet mine, I see the heat still simmering there, the promise of later.
From across the room, I notice an unfamiliar face watching us with knowing eyes. He catches me looking and looks away, a small smile playing at his lips.
Instead of worrying about who he is or what he knows, I feel relieved. Like maybe I'm done hiding this, done pretending I don't want Kenneth as much as he wants me.
The game starts and the suite erupts in chatter. I force myself to focus, to be present, to do my job. But every time Kennethis near me, every time our hands brush or our eyes meet, that tension builds again.
Tonight can't come fast enough.
The game is perfect. The home crowd is electric, and everything we've worked for is coming together. As the final out is made and the stadium erupts in celebration, Kenneth appears at my side.
"You did it," he says quietly, just for me.
"Wedid it," I correct.
He smiles. "Don’t forget… my place after all this. Remember?"
I glance around the suite. Bellamy is celebrating with Finn, Carmen, Austin, and the kids. Jake is doing a handstand as his Daddies watch proudly. My parents are beaming as they chat with the other guests, including Andry, the young man who gave me the strange look earlier. Finding out he’s dating Rodney, who is Aries’s brother, was a shock. Though honestly, I can’t keep up with all the extended friends to know who is who.
"We'll need an hour or so to wrap things up here," I tell him. "But then yes. Your place."
"I'll text you the address." His hand brushes mine, so briefly that anyone watching would miss it. But I feel it like a brand. "Don't make me wait too long."
"Wouldn't dream of it."
He leaves first, citing some excuse about paperwork. I know he’s likely going to get a head start on the post-game work.
I stay behind, soaking in the celebration, accepting congratulations and hugs from my family. But my mind is already racing ahead, to what comes next, to finally havingKenneth all to myself with no interruptions, no responsibilities, nothing between us but want and possibility.
Bellamy finds me as I'm getting ready to leave. "You seem happy," he observes.
"I am," I admit. And it's true. Despite all the chaos, all the uncertainty, I feel lighter than I have in months.
"Good." He pulls me into a hug. "You deserve it, Royce. All of this. Everything you've worked for."
"Thanks, Bell."
Later, as I drive toward the address Kenneth texted me, anticipation thrums through my veins. Today changed everything. And for once, I'm not afraid of what comes next.
I'm ready for it.
CHAPTER TWENTY
KENNETH
Every musclein my body is thrumming with tension as I sneak away from Royce and the executive they’re speaking with. My lips are still tingling from our kisses, my tie is slightly crooked despite my attempts to fix it, and I'm pretty sure it’s obvious what I’ve been up to.
That something being kissing Royce Bellport.
Finally.
