Total pages in book: 123
Estimated words: 115833 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 579(@200wpm)___ 463(@250wpm)___ 386(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 115833 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 579(@200wpm)___ 463(@250wpm)___ 386(@300wpm)
Deke sat back, twisted the cap off his water again, and took a few chugs.
“If it makes you feel any better about your message, I appreciate the compliment, and you looked great despite those unnecessary gold chains around your neck.”
Humor filled his eyes. “Oh, you think the chains were unnecessary?”
“I mean . . . I guess I don’t get the point.” I laughed. “Why do ball players wear that heavy-ass jewelry, anyway?”
“Nah, see, you got it all wrong. People love seeing the bling.”
“Well, I think it’s just a way for people who used to be nobodies to show off the fact that they’re somebodies now.” It was a mindless statement, but when Deke turned to look at me, I instantly regretted those words.
The smile melted from his face, and his thick brows puckered. “Damn, Davina. Way to chop me at my knees.”
“Oh—no. I’m sorry! I didn’t mean you!” I barked out an embarrassed laugh. “It’s just . . . I know men like that. Using all that glitz and glam to prove to people they’re important. But you don’t need all that, Deke. Your personality speaks for you. People love your energy.”
He fought another smile. “I appreciate that, but the chains are here to stay.”
I laughed.
After a silent second, he added, “You have good energy too.”
Our eyes connected, but neither of us pulled away. My pulse crawled to my ears, and I swallowed.
“I bet I do,” I said, pressing an exaggerated hand to my chest. I wanted to change tempo. I needed to. “I’m, like, the best person you’ll ever meet. I’m like those tulips on the refreshments table. I can brighten up any room if I want to.”
“Oh, really? You like tulips?”
“I do. They’re gorgeous.”
“Well,” he said, glancing at the flowers briefly before locking on me again. “That’s good to know. And about you brightening up a room, I believe that’s true. There’s a light in you. Shines bright. I like it.” He winked, and my heart fluttered.
I fought a blush as I dropped my eyes to my lap.
When Arnold called his name and Deke turned away, I was mildly relieved. Arnold meandered his way through the studio, stopping a step or two short of Deke. “Hey, Deke, uh . . . G. G. called. Said it’s urgent.” Arnold’s voice was low, like he didn’t want anyone else to hear, but I heard the words clearly.
Deke’s forehead crinkled as he looked Arnold in the eyes; then he glanced at me. “Give me a second, D.”
He followed Arnold to the dressing rooms, and I watched as he shut the door behind him, before picking up my phone again and checking his Instagram.
I tapped the picture that appeared, and the username gisellegrace popped up. Her page was full of half-naked images, duck-lipped selfies, and designer outfits.
Some images of her and Deke stood out, where they held hands while cameras flashed around them or she kissed his cheek while glaring into the camera.
In all the images with Deke, it was like she wanted it to be abundantly clear he was hers and no one else’s. I wasn’t sure what it was, but their relationship didn’t look real. It seemed forced, fake. Deke hardly smiled with her.
I didn’t get it. If he was with her, why the hell was he trying to flirt with me? Because that’s what this was—all the back-and-forth banter. Flirting. Then again, that was a dumb question. Famous and rich men alike did this sort of thing.
Flirted.
Lied.
Cheated.
Made it a game of cat and mouse. It shouldn’t have come as a surprise to me.
Deke’s dressing room door swung open again, and I noticed that he’d changed into his regular clothes—a white T-shirt that hugged his body, jeans, and a pair of colorful high-top Nike Dunks. I was almost positive those shoes were custom made.
His eyes snapped to me instantly, and this time I darkened the screen of my phone to prepare for his presence.
“I have to go, but thank you, Davina,” he said as I rose to my feet. “I hope the pictures work for you. If not, we can set something up later and do it again.”
With a smile, I offered a hand to him, and he looked at it in a funny way before taking it and shaking. I bet he was expecting a hug, but I had to keep this man at a distance. I had a feeling if I hugged him, I’d melt in his damn arms.
“Thank you for everything, Deke.”
“Sure.” He started to walk away but caught himself and cut his eyes to me again. “I heard some of the proceeds for the rebranding are going toward a spinal-cancer charity or something like that.”
“Oh, yeah. Solid Spines.” I nodded, hoping my throat wouldn’t close up on me from the mere thought of it. I cleared the blockage in my throat and said, “Ten percent of each sale will go to them to help people in need and to fund research for the cancer.”