“Son,” a man says behind me, touching my shoulder.
I turn my head, finding the owner watching us.“Mr.Turner, sir.”
“This must be the lovely Bianca.”There’s a genuine smile on his face as he lays eyes on the girl in the beautiful red dress.
“How many people did you tell about me?”she whispers in my ear, sending tiny shock waves through my system as her warm breath caresses my skin.
“This is indeed my girl Bianca, sir,” I say again, but this time, she doesn’t stiffen in my arms.
“Well, aren’t you a sight for sore eyes.A natural beauty,” he tells her with a dip of his head.“I hope you’re a Chicago fan.”
“I am.”Bianca smiles and absolutely lights up the room.
“I hope to see you at some games this year.I’m sure the ladies would like someone new to gossip with.”He grabs my shoulder.“And this boy has them all buzzing.He’s going to bring us a championship.I can feel it in my bones.”
“Sir,” I say with a dip of my head, loving the hell out of him, but needing his help.“I want to talk to you about Tracie.”
He shakes his head.“She’s being dealt with.You worry about the field, the ball, and your girl.Leave everything else to me.”
“Thank you, sir.”
“You built up an entire story about me?”Bianca asks as soon as Mr.Turner is far enough away that he can’t hear us.
“I didn’t have a choice.”I shrug.
“Why me?Why my name?”She crosses her arms over her chest.
I tuck my hand into my pocket and try to be cool and calm, hoping I don’t sound like the biggest wanker in the world for what I’m about to say.“After we met in the elevator, I couldn’t stop thinking about you.When they asked about my girlfriend, your name was the first that came out of my mouth because, again, I was thinking about you nonstop.”
“About me?”She touches her chest, looking shocked that I actually would’ve been thinking about her.
“Yeah, and the thoughts weren’t always pure, but damn, they were hot.”
The corner of her mouth twitches.“What would you have done if I’d said I wouldn’t come with you?”
“I would’ve been screwed and had to make up some story about how you were home with the flu or that I found you in bed with another man.”
She shakes her head and laughs.“That would be an ego hit, no?No man actually wants to admit they found their woman in bed with another man.”
“Finding your woman in bed with another woman is an even bigger ego hit, baby.”
She laughs loudly, tipping her head back and exposing her beautiful neck.I want to lean forward and run my lips across the silky-soft skin, but I’m pretty sure Bianca would not hesitate to smack me in front of everyone.
“That would be a complete suck, wouldn’t it?”she asks.“Has that happened to you?”
“Nah.”I shake my head.“I’ve never really been with a girl long enough to let it happen.”
Her smile vanishes.“What?You’ve never dated anyone?”
“I go on dates.I just don’t do relationships.I don’t like the way my heart feels when they end.I’ve stayed focused on my work and have put off love until later.”
“You sound like me.”She steps forward, closing the space between us.“I’ve sworn off men.”
“Forever?”I pray like hell she hasn’t switched teams.
“For a short time.It was affecting my work.”
“And now?”I’m hopeful, and I know maybe a little time with Vinnie will get her head back in the game.
“Now…” She pauses and runs her hands up my arms.“I’m thinking maybe it’s time to put myself out there again.”
