“That is true, but I like to keep certain aspects of my life private. Let’s just say, I’ve got my hands full and my bed is never lonely. Maybe watch out for a few trending influencers or someone in the latest feature film.” I toy with them, dangling my words above them.
Nash seems to be uncomfortable as he sits next to me. We had sex, but everything about us is complicated. However, I don’t want him thinking that I’m hooking up with anyone else but him. I was a playboy, but he’s the only one I want.
I move my foot so that it rests against Nash’s foot. He flinches, but then I can sense his body relaxing. Out of the corner of my eye, I see a slight smile appear on his face.
“Nash, what about you? Any insight into your love life?” the same female reporter asks him.
Nash sits up straighter. “I don’t have anything to share at the moment. I prefer to keep my private life private.”
She doesn’t give up. This time, she shouts, “What about the woman we’ve seen you with several times?” I can tell she’s referring to Talia.
“I work closely with my female assistant. Again, I prefer to keep my love life private,” Nash reiterates.
I feel a protective need surge through me. I want to tell these reporters to shut the fuck up, but I can’t. I hate seeing Nash sovulnerable and shaken up. I can tell he’s uncomfortable, and that makes my blood boil.
More hands go up, and more questions are asked, but thankfully, they return to our game and the upsetting loss. I never thought I would be happy to talk about losing a game, but if it takes the attention off of our love lives, then I will take it.
After the press conference, I slipped out of the arena.
Walking to my Mustang convertible, I hear footsteps behind me.
“Leo, I have a question for you,” a man shouts.
“The press conference is over,” I yell over my shoulder.
I see a few more guys leaving the arena, along with other members of the press. A few watch as the reporter runs up to me. He moves into my space, and I feel anger surge inside of me.
“Is it true that you may play for both teams?” he asks in a gruff voice.
I stop dead in my tracks. “What the fuck does that mean?” I snarl.
He watches me, his cheap suit reeking of even cheaper cologne. “You heard me. Any comments?”
I clench my fists. “You have two seconds to walk away before I make you regret it,” I tell him.
He smirks, knowing he’s gotten under my skin. “I’ve followed your career since high school. We never see you in a relationship. I’m just looking for some insight. Unless you have a secret you are keeping. Or the person you are with is too ugly to share with the public.”
All I see is red as I rear back and punch the guy in the face. As my fist connects with his jaw, I feel him stumble back.
“You just hit me,” he cries out, holding his jaw.
I hear commotion as people run up to us. Sean and Jake grab my arms and hold me back while another reporter checks on the asshole I just punched.
“I told you to back off,” I yell.
“I’m contacting the team. You won’t get away with this,” he says, holding his jaw as he walks away.
“What is going on?” Sean asks, finally letting me go.
“You know, coach is going to be pissed. Hitting a reporter can get you benched or fined,” Jake adds in.
Shaking my head, I storm off toward my car. I don’t care what punishment they throw my way. There was no way I was goingto let that reporter hound me. But something deep inside of me grew nervous. Did he know?
Chapter 20
Nash
It’s been a week since the press conference.
