“Yeah, that was the only difference because that slamming body of hers was still as—”
“I suggest you shut up now if you want to keep your teeth,” Tristan growled.
Quincy chuckled. “Touchy, touchy.”
Tristan knew his brother was trying to get a rise out of him, but still, he didn’t like men noticing Cree’s body. Especially since her sexy hourglass figure could be distracting enough to make a man walk into oncoming traffic without realizing it. That definitely hadn’t changed. Add her sassy haircut, gorgeous face, and self-confidence that made people take notice, and you had the most alluring woman who ever existed.
Having played professional football for so many years, he’d had access to his share of women. Yet, they were no comparison to Cree Priestly. She was the complete package of brains and beauty with just the right amount of sass. The guys were right. She’d only gotten more gorgeous over the years.
“So, I guess Cree still wants nothing to do with you, huh?” Quincy said between bites of his ham and cheese sandwich. “You can’t much blame her, though. What you did was underhanded and downright inconsiderate.”
“Dude, it wasn’t underhanded at all,” Jamal defended. “Yes, our boy could’ve handled the situation differently, but he had to do what he had to do. And you of all people should be happy he did. Otherwise, you might not have that cushy CEO position at his nonprofit.”
As the two argued back and forth, Tristan sipped his black coffee while remembering his time with Cree. He’d been twenty-one, she’d been twenty-four, and being with an older woman had been a fantasy come true. Even back then, she hadn’t been easy to get along with, but he knew meeting her had been fate. Especially when he’d learned she was a sports agent. She ended up being his agent… as well as his lover.
Tristan pinched the bridge of his nose as the memories flooded his mind all at once. They’d both been so young, thrown into a world with grown folks, but Cree could handle herself. She’d been a badass even back then, and he knew she’d only gotten more incredible over the years. She had always carried herself as a boss-lady, even when he unintentionally pulled the rug from under her.
Quincy was right. Tristan had done her wrong, but it had been for a good reason. Still, he messed up. If he could go back in time and make different choices, he would. He didn’t realize what he had until she was gone. Now, he wanted her back in every way possible.
Tristan jerked when he was hit in the face with a wadded-up napkin.
“Are you listening to anything we’re saying?” his brother asked, frowning.
“No, I wasn’t listening because I’m sure you two aren’t talking about shit.”
“Actually, I was saying Jamal’s uncle is selling one of his commercial properties located near downtown,” Quincy said. “We need more office space for the nonprofit, and I think his building could work. Not only is it a good size, but it’s also large enough to rent out part of it.”
The Whitmore Foundation held a special spot in Tristan’s heart. He and Quincy had started the nonprofit years after Tristan had joined the NFL. Growing up, their parents had struggled financially to keep them in various sports, and he had vowed that, once he had money, he’d give back to his community.
There were some talented kids out there who often didn’t get a chance to compete because of a lack of funds. From registration fees to being able to buy uniforms, there was an expense for families. Which was why he’d come up with the idea for their Foundation to provide financial assistance to underserved youth who play sports.
Quincy was doing a great job running the organization, and their younger sister oversaw fundraising efforts. Thanks to them, the nonprofit was thriving. So if Quincy, who was tight with the budget, felt they needed more space, Tristan would support his request. Although purchasing a property wouldn’t be his first choice, he trusted his brother’s judgment.
Tristan listened as they told him about the three-story brick building and surrounding small businesses. That included a spa on one side and a real estate office on the other. As for size, it sounded perfect for their needs. All he needed to do was make time to go and see it.
Suddenly hungry, he dug through the paper bag. Instead of grabbing the sandwich, he pulled out the blueberry muffin.
Eating the sweet treat reminded him that he no longer had to stick to a strict eating plan. Had it not been for his injury last season, he’d be at practice right now, getting ready for the Philly’s season opener. There were days Tristan still struggled with the fact that he couldn’t play football anymore. He’d never get to hear the roar of the fans in the stands while he charged past some of the biggest, baddest defensive linemen in the game.
God, he already missed the life he’d once had. All of it, even the days where every part of his body hurt from all the tackles he endured.
“Your life isn’t over just because you’re not on the football field,” his best friend said as if reading his mind. “You’ll always be one of the world’s greatest running backs to play the game. Not as good as me, of course.” He laughed, and Tristan shook his head and snorted.
He and Jamal had grown up together and had even played peewee football together. Though they attended different colleges, and their paths to the NFL had been slightly different, they made it. They had both achieved their lifelong dream, but while Tristan was in the league for almost thirteen years, Jamal had only lasted six.
“The league loves you, man. I’m sure there’s a team out there that wants you in their camp in one capacity or another.”
Tristan nodded. He was at a crossroads in his life, constantly thinking about his future and trying to decide which direction to take. The guys didn’t know it yet, but he had already heard from two NFL teams. They wanted him to consider being their running back coach.
So far, it was being kept quiet that those teams were looking at him as part of their coaching search. However, it was only a matter of time before the news would hit the media. Assuming they didn’t already know about that, as well as a few other opportunities.
Tristan wasn’t looking forward to tomorrow or the next day because that’s when it would be announced he had fired his agent. A sought-after agent who never got fired and was usually the first to cut ties from clients.
All the more reason why Tristan needed to talk to Cree as soon as possible. He needed her help, and he already knew it wasn’t going to be easy to get it.
Chapter Three
Cree thought the ten-minute walk back to the office would be all she needed to calm down. It wasn’t. No, she would need hours or maybe even days to get over her encounter with Tristan. The man still had the ability to throw her off-balance, and knowing that drove her nuts.
