It wasn’t lost on her that this could’ve been her life. She could be married to the world’s greatest running back, or former running back, and wealthier than she’d ever dreamed possible. If they’d still been married, would she have still pursued her own goals? Like having a successful sports agency or law firm? Or like living in a beautiful home in Hinsdale or Lake Forest, Illinois?
Cree startled when she felt a hand on her hip. So caught up in her thoughts, she hadn’t realized Tristan and his agent had returned to the living room.
“Ready?” he asked.
She glanced from him to the agent who had a small smile on her lips. “Sure, if you are. Did you make a decision?”
“Yeah, I’m going to pass on this place and keep looking.”
“Really?” she asked, searching his eyes. He seemed to really like the place, but she guessed with having to make a quick decision, that probably didn’t appeal to him.
He smirked. “Yes, really. Besides, though I could tell you liked it, you aren’t in love with it.”
She sighed. “Tristan,” she started, but stopped since they had an audience.
She didn’t want him making any decisions one way or another because of her. They weren’t getting back together, and the sooner she made that clear the better.
But before she could say anything more, he said, “I know.”
Cree wasn’t sure what he thought he knew, but she hoped they were on the same page. They couldn’t go back. Yes, what they once had together was amazing, a dream come true, and she could admit she missed Tristan like crazy.
However, she was a different person. Heck everything was different now, and there was no way they could pick up where they’d left off.
Could they?
Those two words popped into her head, bounced around a few minutes, and then she shook them free.
Nope, they couldn’t. That was in the past. There was no more making plans to buy a house, have a couple of kids, and live happily ever after. They missed their chance, even though there was a tiny part of her that kept whispering, What if?
Chapter Ten
“I still think this is a bad idea,” Cree said as she punched in the code that would get them into the underground parking lot of Tristan’s apartment complex.
Since he only lived a few blocks from the condo that they’d just toured, he had walked there. That ended up being a good decision once he talked Cree into giving him a ride home. Not only that, he suggested they review the offers while she was there.
“Why is it a bad idea?” Tristan taunted from the passenger seat. He could get used to her chauffeuring him around, even if she did threaten to put him out a couple of times. “Are you afraid you won’t be able to keep your hands off me? I can understand that. I am irresistible,” he teased and cracked up when she rolled her eyes at him.
“Just stop dreaming and tell me where to park.”
He directed her to the second row and to one of three of his parking spaces. She pulled in next to his Aston Martin, and it was a good thing too. The longer he sat beside her in this car, the more he wanted her.
It started back at the condo. Every touch and accidental brush of her body against his had been like an electrical charge shooting through his body. His desire for her was off the charts. It didn’t matter that he had just seen her a couple of days ago. Each time in her presence made it harder to keep his hands and his mouth off her.
Tristan wanted to kiss her, and all he had to do was reach over the center console, pull her close, and capture her mouth in a searing kiss. Then if that went well, he could carry her off to his bedroom and make mad, passionate love to her all night long.
Yeah, that wouldn’t be happening any time soon. But one day she’d be his again because there was no doubt in his mind that he was still in love with Cree Priestly. He never stopped loving her, and he just had to stay the course and win her back.
After Cree parked, she turned to him. “When we get inside, don’t even think about trying any funny stuff,” she said and narrowed her eyes at him. “Because I’m on to you. I know this is all a ploy to get me alone.”
Tristan knew she was dead serious, yet he couldn’t help but laugh. He laughed even harder when she punched him in the shoulder.
To most people, Cree was a total badass who moved around this world like she owned it. She also spoke her mind. Not that she was currently showing it, but so many people didn’t get to see the other side of her. She was one of the most generous people he knew—with her money and her time—especially if she liked you. She might look like a beauty queen with her gorgeous hourglass figure, but she was also domestic. Cleaning, cooking, and she knew how to take care of her man.
God, he missed her.
“You laugh, but I’m serious, Tristan. There’s no going back. So if you think you’re wearing me down, think again. Like I said, I’m on to you. We have a business agreement, nothing else. Are we clear?”
“Yes! Now can we go inside?”
