“I need to know,” Will whimpers against my lips. “Now that I don’t need to pull on my sneakers and chase you, I need to know what Colton said.”
I rest my forehead against his and smile because I can’t help it. It’s impossible to not feel happy whenever I’m around this boy.
“I’m still on a warning, although I remain employed. He asked for my laptop and fob so he could run security updates on them. He also changed up the passcodes to enter the office building because he’s smart, unlike someone I know.”
He pulls back, actual stars dancing in his eyes. “For real?”
I nod once and drop my head into Will’s chest, inhaling my favorite woodsy cologne that transports me back to Secluded Sips and endless hours of talking about nothing.
“I was convinced Colton would hand me a box of my things and show me the door. He didn’t.” Chin resting on Will’s sternum, I gaze up at him. “He said the video you’d posted didn’t change his decision to fire me because that was never his intention. What it did was make it a whole lot easier to justify keeping me to the world. Instead of hate and shitty messagesand comments on First Line’s social media, people are reaching out with compassion and understanding. They want to know when I’ll show up to a game, wearing your jersey.”
I set a kiss against his chest. “What you did for me was incredible.”
Will cups the back of my head in his hand. “No, it wasn’t, Drew. It was me doing what needed to be done. What was right and what you were entitled to. I might be a famous athlete, but I amnothingwithout you. You and me”—he motions between us—“we are the strongest team I’ve ever been a part of, and if I’m not next to you on the roster, then I don’t want to be on anyone else’s. And now that everyone knows how I feel about you”—he gives me a panty-melting wink—“you’re fair game for me to love indefinitely.”
Taking the chain he gifted me between his fingers, I drop my chin down and admire the compass. “Colton told me that when he first became a publicist, he had a secret relationship with his colleague. When it all came out, he discovered that she was only using him for referrals and so she could steal his ideas. His boss never fired him for misconduct. They gave him a second chance, and now he’s a successful CEO. He also told me that you were a keeper, and he hopes you’ll stick around as a First Line client.”
“So long as I don’t have to work with Lydia.”
I sneer at the mere mention of her name, feeling sure that she’s loving every minute of my anguish.
“Colton also spoke about taking you as his own client with me helping him behind the scenes. Your video sparked an influx of collaboration inquiries.” I set a hand on his shoulder. “At the risk of your head growing even bigger, I think you might be more popular now than before people found out that we were dating.”
Will brushes his lips gently over mine. “Do you know what else is growing even bigger?”
“You’re actually insufferable at times—you know that?”
He takes my bottom lip between his teeth, slowly pulling my jacket down my back.
“I know, Baby. But do you think you could suffer my dick for a while? It’s gagging for you.”
When he nips at my pulse point, I know there’s only one bed I’m sleeping in tonight.
“I could probably stand it for a short time, I suppose.”
His hands glide up my thighs, dipping beneath my dress before they halt abruptly when he finds me bare.
“Drew.”
“William.”
“Did you wear panties to the meeting?”
I nod once, a mischievous expression overtaking my face. “Of course. I’m not totally inappropriate. I removed them while riding the elevator to your floor.”
He practically chokes on his own breath when I pull a black thong from my jacket pocket and hand them to him.
“I think you’ve turned me into a bad girl, Hotshot.”
Will brings my panties to his nose and inhales, eyelids fluttering closed.
“Show me.”
39
. . .
Will
