Page 93 of Full Court Press

“You know it,” I replied and left the bar with my security following close behind.

I pushed all the bullshit aside and focused on getting in Piper’s guts and planting as many seeds as I could. Regardless of whatever happened with my career, I knew I’d be good no matter what.

The Next Day

I stood in Piper’s mirror, fastening my cufflinks to prepare for the board meeting this afternoon. Isaiah wasn’t fucking around about telling his pops about what Orlando was trying to do. I got the call from Asanti this morning, telling me to show up at the headquarters for the impromptu meeting.

I slipped on my suit jacket then walked over to where Piper lay sprawled on the bed, looking like a caramel goddess.

It was almost one in the afternoon, and she was still asleep. I felt bad for having her miss work, but I put a couple of stacks in her bag to make up for the day.

I leaned down and gave her a few quick kisses. She stirred a bit before her eyes opened and came to me. She smiled lightly and lifted to kiss me again.

“Good afternoon, sleepyhead.”

“Good afternoon,” she replied. “Where are you going all dressed up?”

“Board meeting.”

Her eyebrows lifted in surprise. “So he’s really trying to trade you, huh?”

I shrugged. “Looks like it, but I got faith that I’ll still be here after we win the championship tomorrow.”

“You will be. They can’t get rid of the GOAT. You and Isaiah make that team, so they’ll lose their winning streak if they were to get rid of you.”

I chuckled. “You believe so?”

“I know so. You’re really good at what you do. God gave us all a talent, and I’m sure you’ve exceeded His expectations. You’re a great man, a great father, and I’m positive you’re going to be an amazing husband.”

That shit hit different coming from her. We spent so much time apart for fucking nothing. I could have come after her after I got drafted, but my broken heart and stubborn ways wouldn’t allow me to chase her. It was foolish for both of us to ignore what we were to each other, when all we had to do was get out of our feelings and communicate better.

I placed my hand on her stomach and kissed her lips. “I want you to give me a son.”

She smiled brightly. “Okay.”

“That easy?”

“I’ll give you anything you want from me. As long as it doesn’t kill me.”

We laughed.

“I love you, baby.”

“I love you. Go show them niggas why you’re the GOAT. And when you win tomorrow, I’m making my presence known after I interview you for our upcoming July issue. We can get in front of any rumors before they start and tell your truth before she gets a chance to try to talk her shit.”

I smiled. “That’s why I love you.”

“Always love you, baby.”

“I made you breakfast. Eat something. You’re going to need the energy for when I come back later.”

She blushed as I kissed her again then left her house.

By the time my security pulled up to NBA headquarters, my frustration had subsided, and I was ready for whatever Orlando had in store for me. Roland opened the door for me, and I headed inside, taking the elevator up to the eighteenth floor.

When I stepped off the elevator, I walked down to conference room B and walked inside. My eyes scanned the room, and I saw five of the owners of the team—Grant Hall, John Smith, Robin Denver, Phillip King, and Orlando’s punk ass.

“Khalil, good to see you,” Grant greeted.