“We have strict instructions to keep a low profile.”
“That’ll be easy. I hate drawing attention to myself.”
Trevor opens his mouth like he wants to say something but shakes his head.
Light and lilting classical music swirls around us as we step into the barn, and an usher guides us to our seats. Several looky-loos sneak second and third glances at Trevor, but from our position at the far end of the absolute last row, we’re definitely not in the limelight. I relax, taking in the stunning decor, before a thought skirts through my mind.
“We got them a gift, right?”
Trevor leans close to whisper, “A contribution to their house fund in addition to tickets waiting for them at the Waves box office whenever they’d like for the rest of the season.”
“House fund?”
“Instead of gifts, they asked for contributions to a fund they plan to use for buying a house. I get the feeling they’re frugal, thus the Thursday wedding to save on costs.”
I grin. “My kind of people. I’d like to offer them free tax services for next year. They should know about all the deductions they can receive as a married couple.”
“I think they’d like that.”
Trevor sets a kiss at my temple, and a startling realization crashes over me like a gong blast.
It’s the first time he’s kissed me in front of others. With the extra scrutiny Trevor gets for being an MLB player, I didn’t even consider the potential backlash he might receive for dating me—especially on the heels of my very public breakup with Aaron.
I almost want to smack myself for not realizing this sooner. My brain had been reduced to kiss-induced mush when I should have been calculating thevery realrepercussions of our relationship. If I come to Trevor’s game tomorrow, wearing his jersey, the press will have a field day. My stomach turns in knots as I lean away, clasping my hands in my lap.
“Maybe you shouldn’t do that,” I tell him, even though that sentence makes my lungs burn like they’re low on oxygen.
“Do what?”
“Kiss me. Be so close to me. Won’t it negatively affect your career if you’re seen with me so soon after…” For all the confidence I had in the kitchen earlier, I can’t bring myself to say it now.
Trevor grips my chin with one hand, firmly but not uncomfortably. “No. Absolutely not.” His eyes dart between mine. “In fact, I’ll contact the media relations manager first thing tomorrow and have them come up with a press release. And there’s something else…something you should know about Aaron. He—”
The rest of Trevor’s sentence is cut off by “Pachelbel’s Canon.” We dutifully rise to our feet as a bridesmaid in a dusty-rose dress starts the procession, followed closely by a groomsman.
As we watch the procession, my mind turns over Trevor’s words. His response cements my plan to surprise him in the stands tomorrow. He’s willing to fight for me, to call who knows how many wedding venues, and argue with medical personnel. I need to show him how much he matters to me—starting with cheering for him tomorrow. After the game, we’ll handle the press. I never wanted my life examined publicly, but with Trevor at my side, I’m certain I can manage it.
When I reach down and intertwine our fingers, Trevor’s gaze snaps to mine.
“I don’t want to hear about Aaron,” I whisper, squeezing his palm. “You’re right. All that matters is us. And don’t worry about the press. When they find out, they find out. We can deal with it then.”
A deep groove forms between his dark brows. “Are you sure?”
I can barely keep the sneaky smile off my lips.
“I’m sure.”
I lean my head against his shoulder, giggling at the adorable flower girl handing each person in the aisle a petal instead of tossing them in the air.
“Thank you for this.”
Trevor places another kiss on my crown. “This is just the start.”
Chapter 23
Trevor
Idon’t know what I was thinking, bringing Kenzie to a wedding. Actually, I knew exactly what I was thinking. I wanted to see her get that happy little zing from crossing something off her list. What I didn’t anticipate is how much being here wouldwreck me. I never thought I would be insanely jealous of complete strangers, and yet, as I watch the bride and groom exchange vows, that’s the only emotion racing through my veins.
