My skin prickles at his mouth over mine. The kiss is slow, and he follows it up with one to the bridge of my nose.
His stare lingers. “I have to go.”
“You just got back,” I pout.
“I know.” He sighs. “Kendrick and I have some press lined up in New York City before we join the rest of the team in Chicago.”
Well, damn. I’m losing my man faster than I got him.
“Come lock up.” Antonio steps into his shoes near the back door without lacing them up, then pats his pockets for his keys. When our eyes finally meet, there’s a sadness he masks with a half smile.
“Our schedule is crazy this week, but I’ll call you every chance I get.” He tips up my chin. “I’ll never get tired of you. Not in any scenario.”
Antonio drops a kiss onto my lips before stepping into the winter night.
Are we really doing this?
Chapter 39
Antonio
“Here are the approved questions we went over on the plane. They’re straightforward—what position you play, how rugby is different from football, and if you bench-press cars to maintain your physique. Phylicia likes to put her guests in the hot seat. Expect at least one question about your personal life, but don’t feel like you need to answer if she prods too much.”
“Hey, Reese?” Her dark brown eyes lift from the tablet that’s now pressed to her chest. “I got it,” I say.
“Of course you do.” At her energetic headshake, a thick strand of hair falls out of the nest pinned to the top of her head. “You’ve been great! Your interviews stay on message and keep viewers excited.The Borough Squadairs live and streams to social media. There’s a fifteen-second delay to catch profanity, but keep it clean, please.”
“Reese?”
“You got it,” she says.
If she didn’t naturally operate like a squirrel who snorted a line, I’d tell her to sleep off the gallon of coffee she ingests before noon. She is as efficient as she is thorough in managingthe Steel’s media. Full of energy and sometimes forgetting to breathe.
Today has been a nonstop tour of New York City traffic across three of the five boroughs. It’s been quiet at the top with management, and it better stay that way with all of the press we’re getting. You’d think I have a movie, an album, and a memoir dropping. Many professional athletes dream of getting to this point. I’m grateful, but I want to dream in my own bed, in the house I pay for that has good toilet paper.
“Kenneth, are you satisfied with your prep? I’m happy to hold a quick session before you go in.”
Outside of Kendrick’s mama and grandma, Reese is the only person who calls him by his government name.
“Kenneth, are you okay?” Reese asks, her brows tight, her body angling to spring into action.
“Y-yeah.” Kendrick clears his throat and tugs at the collar of his button-down. “I’m straight, thank you.”
“Okay! I have a few calls to make, but I’ll stop by before your interview. See you soon!” Reese strolls off with a smile in herBaby-Sitters Cluboutfit. I only caught a few episodes when I was younger, but I know a Mary Anne ’fit when I see one. The long socks tucked into patent leather loafers, corduroy skirt, and a blouse under a sweater scream,Here come the ’90s.
“You should ask her out,” I say to Kendrick. He’s still staring down the hall.
“We’re here on business, Cap.” He digs his shoe into the graphite carpet lining the way to the studio.
“Business.” I volley back his bullshit.
Bro is dressed to knock on doors on Saturday. Never once has Kendrick willingly signed up for media training, or to speak in front of an audience. He’s a man of few words and no close-ups. But guess who volunteered to spend the day with me in New York City, bouncing between studios to help promote the Steel?
“I’ll fall back with this interview since you got it.” I grin at his scowl. “That’s what I thought. Let’s go.”
I bet he laid out the white button-down and black slacks last night. After he booked a last-minute appointment for fresh twists and a line-up.
All for business.
