“Fine. Since you’re so impatient.” That last part is barely audible, but I still make it out. “I got you, and Hazel, front row tickets to the game tonight. You said you’ve never been to a game, and I want you there.”
Holy crap. That had to have been insanely expensive. I’m sure he has perks when they are playing in their home stadium, but I’m not sure how that works when they travel. “Bentley, that’s too much.”
“You don’t need to worry about that,” he taps me on the nose. “All that matters to me is that you get to experience the game up close and personal. Just be on the lookout because there are times the ball, or players, will end up in that area.”
“Soooo, you’re putting me in harm's way.” I side-eye him. Unsure if that’s the best decision. Maybe we would be better higher up.
“It doesn’t happen often. I only wanted to give you a heads up to not freak out. Most of the players try their best to avoid it at all costs.”
“That’s good to know,” I mutter. “What does one wear to a basketball game?”
“Clothes, usually.” He narrowly dodges my elbow to his ribs. “Just jeans and a t-shirt. Nothing fancy. Well, except I also have a jersey for you.”
My heart flutters in my chest. It might not mean anything, but in my mind it’s him showing the world that he’s with me. I know that’s ridiculous because other people will undoubtedly be wearing one with his name on it, but it doesn’t stop me from hoping that’s the case. It’s safe to say that I’ve one hundred percent fallen off the deep end with him. “Where is it?”
“It’s at the hotel,” he chuckles. “Hazel will pick you up and then meet Jordan’s wife there before heading to the game.”
“Do I get a say in any of this?”
“Not really.” He picks up the plates of nearly untouched frozen burritos and puts them on the nightstand. “I already cleared it with Hazel. I didn’t want you to go alone and feel out of your element.”
He may be a badass on the court and in bed, but he really does have a sweet side. Not many men would think about that stuff. Yep, I’m totally a goner. “Since the plan was already made without my input, I know a way you can make it up to me…”
I let the sentence trail off, hoping he gets the hint. An eyebrow raise is the only response. Fine, it looks like I’ll have to take matters into my own hands. I push the blanket off and straddle him...I can seduce him just as much as he does me.
Twenty-One
Bentley
As happy as I thought I was flitting from woman to woman, nothing compares to being with Serena. Well…almost. Seeing her in the front row, wearing my jersey, is pretty damn amazing.
She looks like she’s having a good time. At least, from what I can tell when I glance over. I wish I could be on the sideline with her, explaining the game as the plays happen. But I’m right here, on the court, where I belong. Hell, I’m not even sure what I would do if I wasn’t playing ball. I only know it would revolve around sports somehow.
“Yo, Bentley,” Jordan smacks my arm. The sounds of the game come flooding back in. The people in the stands yelling and cheering for their teams. “Get your head in the game. We aren’t ahead enough for you to be giving puppy dog eyes to your girl.”
“I don’t know what you’re talking about,” I huff. “I don’t give that look to anyone.” Except I am. And now I feel like a hypocrite after giving Derrick hell while I was still at Hilltown U.
“Dude, I know that look,” he glances over at the woman who has made me want to give relationships an actual shot. “It’s the look I still give my wife.”
He’s not lying. I’ve caught them staring at each other like they’ve just started dating. It’s gross and hopeful at the same time. What has happened to me? I'm not that guy. The one who settles down with a nice girl and wants to wake up to the same person every morning. Except, I am. Serena makes me want more than casual relationships and hookups. It’s like this whole new version of me is opening up. I’m not sure what to do about it.
Nope, right now isn't the time to think about that. I need to get my head on straight and focused. We have a game to win. I can’t do that if I let the beautiful brunette steal my attention every single time we call a timeout, or I’m on the bench. My team needs me to help them snag this game. Each win brings us closer and closer to the champion round. It doesn’t matter what it takes, I’ll make sure we get there.
The final buzzer goes off signaling our victory. The other team fought us all the way to the end, but we came out on top. Instead of going to the guys like I normally would, I head straight toward the stands. Serena is on her feet next to Jordan's wife and Hazel. The smile she is wearing is huge, and I'm happy to know that she was here cheering for me. I want this to be more than a one time thing. I want her at all of my games, but that's not going to happen anytime soon. Not unless she changes her career. I may be a selfish asshole sometimes. But…I'm not the sort of person to force another to quit their job or change the entire life direction based on what I want. In my opinion, that would make me no better than my father, and that is the last person I want to emulate.
The moment she sees me, she stops cheering and walks toward me. I meet her halfway, sweeping her off the floor and twirling her around. "So how was your first game experience?"
She's laughing, and the sound fills me with joy. Knowing I’m the one that caused it. "It was great. And even better, you won.” I feel her gaze shift as she looks over my shoulder. “Um, Bentley. There are cameras pointed directly at us.”
I set her down, and she buries her face into my sweaty jersey. That has got to be disgusting, but she's obviously not ready for any sort of attention from the media. "Go back over there with Hazel, and I'll deal with this."
"Just don't put my name out there. I'm not with you to become famous or anything, and I'd rather not have that focus." I didn’t even think about that when I came over here. All that was on my mind was getting to her.
"Okay. I won't say who you are." As soon as her back is to me, I turn around to face the reporters.
"Bentley, Bentley." My name is shouted from four different directions, and I'm not sure who to address first. Most of the fans have cleared the stands and all that’s left are the reporters and players. Some of my own teammates are pulled into interviews all around the court. One reporter from a smaller sports network stands out because she's not fighting for my attention. I don’t know much about her, but I’ve seen her around here and there. I walk toward her, and she grins, knowing she played her cards right. By being patient and not loud or obnoxious has led me to her camera.
"Hi, Bentley. I’m Savannah with Sports Network. As the only rookie this year for the Austin Rattlers, you're garnering a lot of attention. What does it feel like gaining popularity so quickly?"
