“BJ told me about Christmas in Australia,” I say quickly rather than talk about his time on the East Coast. “I’ve never experienced a hot Christmas, and it’s hard to imagine swimming in the ocean or swimming pools at that time of year, and some years, so hot you don’t want to eat anything,”I say with amazement.
She places a hand over mine. “Perhaps next year, you’ll accompany him?”
I smile again, relieved the conversation is going well. “Maybe. Unfortunately, games take place over Christmas.”And your son might still be playing in the NBA. “But I hope to come visit one year.” I realize my assumption.Brandon Johns and I have a future.
I look away with embarrassment, only to meet the glare of her husband’s narrowed eyes as he comes to join us. My heart rate speeds up, knowing conversation with him won’t be as easy. “Good evening, Mr. Johns.” I hold out my hand, and he shakes it, but I flinch at the tight grip.
“Hello, Charlotte.” He holds my gaze, and a few seconds of silence follows. In the silence is a thousand words. The ones screaming at me saidwe will talk, but now is not the place. “Thank you for the tickets. We enjoyed the game.”
Stick to the plan. “It was a great game. Brandon starred, and I believe he had another triple-double.”
He nods. “He did.”
“Byron also had a fabulous game,” Mrs. Johns adds, and I’m spared of talking about stats with her husband.
“Byron and BJ together are a formidable force, and you can see why we were eager for BJ to come home to us. With him, we have a higher chance of winning a championship.” Mrs. Johns agrees, but then I realize my mistake of mentioning him coming ‘home’ because his shoulders stiffen.
He opens his mouth to speak, and I ready myself for words that will hurt. Only a hand slips around my shoulders, and I’m enveloped in the woody aroma that has always calmed and excited me equally. I inhale a calming breath as soft lips kiss my cheek.
“Sorry I’m late,” he whispers in my ear.
I have never been so relieved to see him. I pull him closer to me, not only for the sake of his parents to see I care about their son or to be safely wrapped in his arms. Years ago, we made the mistake of hiding our love. I know the answer to my mother’s question. Yes, he is worth the risk. So, I am done hiding. Done taking it slow. Tonight, I don’t care about anyone’s opinion, including corporate sponsors, my family, or his.
I simply look into the eyes of a man who has always loved me. “We were just talking about how good it is for you to be home and playing with us again.”
Brandon’s eyes widen. This is not his home, but when it comes to basketball, it is and always will be. Los Angeles nurtured him from a college student to a professional athlete, and he has always played his best basketball here. It isn’t an insult to his parents. It is the truth about Brandon’s career over the last decade.
When Brandon is here, I also feel more grounded. When we’re together, I feel my home is with him, staring into those big blue eyes that could be anywhere as long as I’m with him.
His brow pulls tight and yet his lips curl into a smile. “What is it?”
I shake my head. “Nothing,” I whisper.
His smile fades. “Did I miss something?”
I squeeze his hand. “I no longer want to go slow,” I whisper. “I’m all in.”
He moves his lips closer to my ear. “About fucking time.” I giggle and look at his parents, who are carefully watching us. I clear my throat, and he turns to his parents. “Sorry. I told you how this woman distracts me, and when I’m with her, the whole world fades away.”
Jesus. We are being rude.“Why don’t you introduce yourparents to some of the important people here? I’m sure they want to meet your family.”
He laughs. “You’re the most important person here, Lottie. You’re the governor. And you’re the only corporate person I care about.”
“Mr. and Mrs. Johns,” Franklin says as he stands beside me, holding out his hand. “It’s wonderful to see you both again.” I look over my shoulder and find Penny standing alone. She nods.
“Excuse me a moment.” I leave Franklin to rave about Brandon to his parents. “What did you say to Frank?”
“His father wasn’t smiling, so I thought if anyone could make him smile, it’s my husband because he’ll make them both so proud just for giving birth to their son.”
I giggle. “This is true. While it wasn’t going bad, it wasn’t going great, either. At one point, I think BJ wanted to whisk me away and not care his parents are even here.”
“Then it was good timing. He needs to show them this is the right team for him and how much he is loved by everyone.” She looks over my shoulder. “Mission accomplished. Mr. Johns is already smiling.”
“What is BJ doing?”
“He has his head down, looking rather sheepish.”
“God, Frank must be boasting about him.”
