Chapter 16

CHAPTER

SIXTEEN

ALEXANDER

We’ve been texting for a few days now. She said pictures are worth a thousand words, and I said I prefer clear, direct communication with words. So naturally, she sends mostly pictures that I have to interpret. It’s much harder than direct words, and when I told her that, her picture game amped up. I think she enjoys giving me shit, and I kinda like it.

I growl at this latest picture of Luis waving at her from the field. She follows it up with a picture of the WAGs giving me cheers with their beers.

When I put together she was at the game, I asked my intern Corey to check on her, and before I knew it, she had me buying a round for the WAGs to pay for my mistake of sending Corey. She’s at my ballpark. At the invitation of another. And it irritates me. That’s twice now. She’s hovering at the edge of my world, but I’d give anything to get her to jump in with me.

My need for information is gnawing away at my sanity. I’m dying to kno w what’s going on, so I contact Ash, who calls Darcy, to find out what was happening with Dani. When I ask Ash for a follow-up, she sends the laughing emoji a hundred times. She doesn’t answer when I call. I know better than to ask Darcy directly. Now I’m frustrated while I watch the game with Trevor. These women are driving me crazy.

“Something bothering you?” Trevor got a new cast today, and he’s mobile with crutches now. The cast is still above the knee, but it’s better than the one he had that went to his hip. I got him an automatic recliner, and he’s much more comfortable.

I swirl my bourbon around in the glass while I decide how to answer him. I’m irritated, but I’m not sure why. “Dani’s at the game.”

“Why does that bother you?”

I’ve told Trevor about Dani. He’s up to speed with as much as I’m willing to admit. Which isn’t much.

“It doesn’t,” I grumble. Does it bother me she’s there? No, not really. I’m glad she’s enjoying herself at my ballpark. Do I wish I was the one hosting her? Absolutely. Fuck. That’s what’s bothering me. She’s there as Luis’s guest.

Trevor lets me stew in my thoughts. He understands me and lets me think things through, and for that, I’m grateful. Trevor’s a goofball, but he has extraordinary emotional intelligence. He can read people better than anyone I’ve ever seen.

“She’s there as the guest of Luis Rodriquez.” There. I say what’s bothering me in a roundabout way. Evasiveness works.

“I thought you liked Luis. He’s a good guy. What’s the problem?” Why doesn’t he get it? He should understand because it’s so fucking obvious.

I don’t say anything and gulp down the rest of my bourbon. I get up to pour another one.

“Oh, I get it. You like her, don’t you? Like you want her to be your girlfriend, like her.” He laughs at me in my misery.

“You’re as bad as the girls. Are you joining them for girl’s nights now? ” I’m sure Ash and Darcy have already looped Emma into my desperate attempt for information.

Trevor lowers the recliner and sits up to talk. He keeps the game on but hits mute. At least I can watch the game without sound. They need to win to make it to the playoffs. Tonight, they’re up against last year’s series winners, so it’s going to be sheer will and determination, with a bit of luck sprinkled in to get the win and move on.

“So spill. What’s the story? Are you going to let Luis make his move?” Trevor’s face lights up, and a spark of life shines in him, more than he’s had since he’s been home. He thrives on drama. Other people’s drama, that is. My life is his entertainment. So for the sake of his healing and mental well-being, I bare my soul.

“I’ll let her do whatever she wants. She deserves the absolute best in life. I mean, she’s an incredible woman. Strong, brave, gorgeous. She’s like bottled sunshine, always the optimist. I don’t understand her, but I want to. Jules said I can’t come on strong, or it’ll turn her off. But I don’t know any other way than to be direct. Besides, she thinks we come from two different worlds.”

“You asked Jules for advice? Team True Love? This must be serious.” He throws the remote at me to get me to look his way. “Well, buddy, I hate to tell you, but you do come from different worlds. But that doesn’t mean it can’t work out. I’m with Jules on this one. You can’t buy her things or dazzle her with your stuff.” I know what he’s saying, but I need her to be comfortable in my world too.

Maybe that’s part of the appeal? She’s not chasing the money and lifestyle I can provide. I like that she’s caring and giving. I mean, not every teacher is made to teach in underprivileged schools. That shows her character.

“I don’t dazzle,” I mumble.

My phone buzzes with a text. Maybe it’s Ash with an update? I se e a picture overlooking the ballpark taken from my office. I give a low chuckle at Dani’s reflection in the glass.

She’s sitting in my chair, turned around with the desk behind her. The oversized leather chair embraces her as she leans back, relaxed. Her white tennis shoes are on display as she crosses her long, lean legs. It’s hard to tell in the reflection, but it looks like she’s wearing those sexy white shorts again with a tight undershirt that shows off her perky breasts. She’s wearing an unbuttoned, red home jersey that practically swallows her whole. I wonder if you can even see the shorts from behind. I don’t need to think about that view now, because my dick is paying attention. The jersey? It’s fucking Luis Rodriquez’s number four.

The grin on her face tells me she knows exactly what she’s doing. This girl is a vixen, and I’m here for it.

I show Trevor the picture, and he laughs. “Xander, I think it’s time for you to go home.”

I sigh. I don’t want to leave Trevor, but I’m tired of playing from the sidelines. It’s time to get in the game. I give Trevor a nod.

“You’re coming with me. No arguing. You know the line. Never leave your wingman.”

Trevor laughs. “I got you. Let’s go.” He starts to stand and falls back into the recliner. “Maybe in the morning?”

I shake my head at him while I pick up my phone and send a group text asking for help to set up my place for Trevor. Now that he’s more mobile, he’s needs aren’t as extensive. Since my penthouse is one floor, stairs are no longer an issue. Honestly, the layout is probably better than his brownstone, anyway. I should have brought him to Charlotte earlier.

His doctor gave me his number, which I used to ask if the relocation was safe. After some brief instructions and a connection with a colleague in Charlotte, we get the green light to travel.

I have one more text to send .

“Oh, looks like Xander’s ready to play,” Trevor chuckles. “I’m in, brother. I’m in.”

I give him a definitive nod. Yep. It’s time to move this along.

Nice view.

Get ready. I’m coming for you, Dani Franklin.

Yes, I’m aware of the double entendre. Very aware.