“If you keep looking at me like that, we’ll never leave the apartment,” I tease. “I’ll pull it back for practice, but I’m fine with it. Last time I was disrespected and didn’t have control.” I trace Theo’s sharp jaw. “It’s also part of my anxiety and need to be a role model. I don’t want to step out with wild hair lookin’ ghetto. Don’t let this go to your head, but I can’t get enough of the way you eye-fuck me.”
“Oh, that went straight to my head.” He pins me to the bed, grinding against me. I figured frotting in real life would be awkward and possibly painful. With his cock sliding against mine, I could forget about life and stay in bed with him.
Sadly, we have responsibilities and need another shower before leaving the apartment.
An hour and a half later, Theo glares at me through the bank officer’s large glass window, and I smile at him from the waiting area. He’s trying to be mad at me, really, really trying, but he can’t.
Last night, we stayed up talking, and today, I’m righting some wrongs.
We unfortunately had to stop by the atrocious place he calls home to get documents for the bank. That place is creepier than a haunted house, as if everyone who has lived there is protesting the outlandish decor.
Theo explained how the King family, excluding me, has a financial adviser who controls all the money. His paychecks from the Enforcers and his endorsements are deposited into that account, and he has to explain all credit card charges and ask for money for large expenses.
It’s all he’s ever known, and he was told he wasn’t allowed to open his own account. Reading the vibe, I wouldn’t be surprised if someone threatened Theo. John, or John’s father, or the financial adviser, all make money off his interest. He alluded to being cut off along with his mother. He’s protective of her, and she’s…oblivious, terrible, callous…maybe all three.
At twenty-three years old, he’s opening his first bank account.
“All set?” I stand as Theo comes my way. He jerks his head toward the door, and I follow him out. “Everything alright?”
Theo slumps against the side of the building and runs a hand over his face. “It’s too easy. Something bad will definitely happen.” His distress bleeds out of him, and it makes me question his safety.
Because we’re in public, I can’t hug him until he feels better, but I relax against the wall and lean into him so our legs, hips, arms, and shoulders touch. “I wish I’d known sooner. I won’t let anything bad happen,” I say with false confidence.
He barks out a humorless laugh. “Because I’m useless.”
“Quit tearing yourself down. C’mon. We gotta hit payroll before we go to practice,” I encourage. He’s switching his deposit over to the new account.
We’re already downtown, and the office building across from the stadium is only a few blocks away.
“Are we going together? Practice,” he clarifies with trepidation.
“We can if you want to.” I shrug even though my heart rate has spiked and there isn’t enough air on the street.
Theo walks alongside me, stealing glances before saying, “Not to sound like a grown-up, because I’m clearly not, but I think we should figure out what we’re doing before we tell anyone.”
Now it’s my turn to steal a look. I’m not sure if he said that for my sake or his, but I guess it doesn’t matter. The team will be all up in our business and want explanations for something I can’t explain.
There are no words to describe how I feel about Theo. Confused lust is the combo that comes to mind.
Theo is the star of my therapy sessions. She’s made me face some ugly truths, and how Theo saw right through me. I repressed my anger at John so deeply that I couldn’t recognize it. Shoving my hatred of him down morphed into anxiety. I’ve been focused on my mental health, but Theo could see the anger that everyone else missed. I didn’t have to hide it from him, so I didn’t. I took it out on him. He didn’t deserve it, and I’ll do better.
Theo feels everything so deeply. I recognize his indifference as a defense mechanism. He’s stubborn and combative, and I want to protect him from the world.
“Good idea,” I reply, my heart slowing down.
We board the plane for our away trip, and Theo sits with me as if he’s always been my travel buddy. Brant shoots me a concerned glance but takes a seat with Mav.
Everyone is staring at me, but no one will say anything. It makes it worse. The open secret everyone’s afraid to discuss. Nevaeh canceled braiding my hair because she had a paying client in her studio. It’s currently sticking out in all directions from under the do-rag Theo bought me. At least this time it’s a choice and not a fiasco.
I’m tempted to say something so everyone can relax, but everything I come up with sounds ridiculous.
Theo’s voice is low as he talks to Sarah on the phone. “Seriously, it took me less than half an hour. Just ask for some cash and go open a bank account. You can lie and tell them you’re volunteering and put your paycheck in the new account.” He pauses, and his foot presses against mine. “Jamal did.” He has a soft smile he saves for me. “If you’re scared, we can do it next time I’m in town for a game.”
Sarah’s voice is too low for me to hear.
“Sounds good. Love ya too. Bye.” Theo ends the call and tips his head back on the headrest.
His eyes are on me, but I stare at the back of the seat. My insides are knitting into a jumble for no reason. It’s not no reason, and I can hear my therapist’s voice in my head asking me to examine my feelings. I’m happy Theo has Sarah, but I’m jealous and it’s absurd.
