I snort a laugh which makes Stephen look at us both and I softly shake my head.
“The offer still stands though,” Diablo murmurs, “just give me some notice so I can stretch first.”
I stifle another laugh while he shakes Stephen’s hand, loving that he supports me. What can I say, offering to beat people up for me is how he shows me he cares.
Everyone returns to their seats and they make space for Stephen to join, but I need to know what’s going on and I can’t wait.
“Um… we might need some time,” I say to everyone, before looking at Stephen. “Maybe we should talk in private?”
I take his hand and lead him into the clubhouse; shouts and cheers follow until the door closes behind us. We stop at the bar, and I ask him if he wants a drink, not knowing what else to say.
“No,” he smirks, pulling me back in for another kiss and pressing me against the bar.
“Stop,” I say, pushing him away. “You can’t just turn up here and expect us to pick back up where we left off at Winbrook. I told you, I can’t be your secret, and yes—” I hold my hands up to stop him interrupting. “I know you just kissed me in front of my friends and family, but that doesn’t really mean anything.”
“Donovan—”
“I saw the interview,” I say, “and I’m so sorry that happened to you, but it’s been silence ever since. You’re not out, yeah, there are rumors, but we all know it was Kyle, and he’s a fucking asshole.”
“It’s been silent because I’ve been working with the media team before we make it official,” he says, leaning into me again, as though he has no other option than to be touching me.
“Make what official?”
“Donovan, it’s not going to be a secret anymore. Everyone on the team knows about me; the players, the management, the media team, they all know… and they know about you.”
His words start to slowly sink in.
“You told them about me?” I ask, and he nods. “Well, that was very presumptuous of you considering that you didn’t speak to me first.”
“I prefer the word hopeful,” he flashes me a smile, the panty-melting smile, and I have to look away to hide the one I’m suppressing in response. “Was that a smile I saw?” he asks.
“No.”
“Okay baby,” he chuckles, leaning forward to nuzzle into the side of my face. “Fuck, you smell so good.”
I cross my arms over my chest, trying hard to ignore him and put at least a couple of inches between us, and everything he’s making me feel.
“You smell alright,” I murmur, lying through my teeth because he does in fact smell delicious. I might have even bought a bergamot and lemongrass candle for my room because it’s the same scent as his shower gel.
“Just alright?” he asks.
“Mm-hmm.”
Christ, it’s so hard to be nonchalant and act like he isn’t driving me crazy. He nips my ear and kisses his way down to where my neck meets my shoulder.
“You taste good too,” he smirks. “Do you think I taste alright?”
“I wouldn’t know, I can’t remember,” I say, forcing myself to look away.
This is fucking torture…
“Then can I kiss you again to remind you?” he asks.
Fuck. I don’t even want to say no at this point. I don’t even think I’m angry with him… I just want to punish him for keeping me in the dark while he’s apparently been telling everyone I’m his.
“Don’t you need to ask your media team first?” I know… it’s petty…
“I’m going to make all of this up to you, baby, I promise.” He steps back and cups my face with his hands, forcing me to look at him. “I’m sorry I didn’t tell you about any of this. I’ve practically been on house arrest to avoid the media; I haven’t even had my phone because they were worried it would get hacked. I’ve literally had security people driving me to and from practice, they even drove me here today.”
