They’d burned that motherfucker down.
But, for her…after they’d gotten back to the hotel, she’d gone to her room. When he’d tried to follow, to make sure they were okay, she’d said a crisp, “’Night.”
Yeah, that’s because she doesn’t trust me. He’d thought he could tell her the truth, let her rip into him, get it all out and…then what? They’d be back to where they’d started?
He didn’t want to go back. All the torment of wanting someone he couldn’t have?
No, he wanted her.
Jesus fuck, did he want her. But he’d need a lot more than the four days left on this tour to get there.
Dammit. He couldn’t miss his own football camp, and two weeks after the final session he headed to training camp for his sixth season with the Mavericks.
Grabbing a towel off the stack, he swiped his face.
What could he do? How did he fix the situation?
Fix yourself.
The first rays of hope slanted across his heart, warming him. He did have time. He had all the time in the world. First—the easy stuff—no more partying, flirting, and fucking around with women who meant nothing to him. That way he’d stay out of the tabloids.
That would build her trust right there. It would take time, but it’d be worth it.
And, then, he’d stay in touch with her. Texts, emails. Those would lead to phone calls. He’d send her gifts from the road. Buckeyes from Cleveland, a Mardi Gras mask from New Orleans…yeah, he liked this idea a lot.
He tossed his sweaty towel in the laundry basket. Filling a cup with water, he downed it. He felt good, confident. He had a plan. It just…
It had to work. He needed her in his life. He glanced at himself in the mirror, acknowledging the truth he fought like hell to avoid.
I’m lonely.
Didn’t matter how many people crowded into his apartment or filled the yachts he rented…the only person that made him feel happy, safe, settled…the only one who felt like home…was Gigi.
Pushing out of the gym, he headed down the long hallway toward the lobby. Soft splashing sounds grabbed his attention, and he peered through the long, rectangular window into the pool area.
Gigi. Just the sight of her hit like a shock to his heart.
Nice timing, since his plan to earn her trust started right the fuck now.
Someone dove into the pool, a sleek body cruising toward her like a missile under the water. A dark head of hair emerged right in front of her, and she laughed.
Grant Banner. What the hell was going on between them?
He stood there like a kid hiding on the staircase as his parents kissed in the living room. He should leave her alone. But, dammit, this was his only chance to spend real time with her.
Fuck it. He wasn’t going to stand there and watch her relationship with Grant grow deeper. He flung the door open and headed in.
“Hey, man.” Grant checked him out. “It’s late for a work-out.”
“Got to get it in at some point.”
“Right.” The man nodded, pleasant as could be. “Your season starts soon.”
“Yep. Training starts the end of July.” Neither looked at him like he was intruding on a date, so he kicked off his running shoes, pulled his T-shirt over his head, and dove into the deep end. The water cooled his hot skin. When he popped up, he found the two of them standing by the rack of towels, drying off.
Now, he felt like shit for acting like a possessive caveman. “Don’t leave on my account. I’m heading back to my room.”
“Gotta head upstairs anyhow. Have to check in at home.” Grant nodded to both of them, slung the damp towel around his neck, and walked out the door.
Gigi lingered, and he propped his arms on the edge of the pool, watching her. “Did you know him before the tour?”
“Yes, because all musicians know each other.”
“Yeah? Ball players have a secret society, too.”
She grinned. “No, we just met. He heard me working on a song, brought out his guitar and…turned it into a duet. It was pretty cool, actually.”
“You’re into country?”
“I didn’t think I was, but Grant thinks I have the perfect voice for it.”
Grant thinks…? “Yeah, but do you like country music?”
“I didn’t used to, but he sent me a Playlist, and I couldn’t believe how good some of the songs are. Really smart, emotional lyrics and powerful voices.”
“Sounds like you.”
“Maybe.” She threw on her black cover-up. “All I know is it’s really nice to work with someone talented. The girls in my band…well. Anyhow, it’s late.” She gestured to the door. “I’m going to go.”
“The girls in your band what?”
“Nothing. We’re just all very different. In a good way. That’s what makes our music so strong.” She leaned to the side, patting her hair with a towel.
“There’s no paparazzi recording this conversation.”
“With you around, you never know.”
“You got me there.” Hands braced on the rim of the pool, he hoisted himself out. Water coursing down his body, he came right up to her. “You should know, this ground we’ve gained the last few days? I’m building a house on it. A mansion. A fucking palace.”
Excitement flared in her eyes.
He got so close he could smell the chlorine in her hair. Tipping her chin, he said, “Don’t repeat this, but my coach said he’d trade me if I got caught in another compromising situation, but I’m telling you right now that’s nothing compared to the incentive you gave me earlier tonight. Without you in my life, nothing outside of football matters to me. With even just the hope of having you back? You can bet your ass I’ll do everything in my power to earn your trust. I’m going to show you just how important you are to me.”
She swallowed, and her eyes gave away everything. How badly she wanted to believe him, but how far she was from being there. With a tentative nod, she said, “Okay. Well, goodnight.” But she didn’t go. “I know I already said it but thank you for tonight. It was a-maze-ing. Ha ha. See what I did there?”
He grinned. “Clever. And you’re welcome.”
“See you in the morning.” Shoving her feet into her sparkly flip flops, she reached for the door.
He didn’t want her to go. Wanted more of her. Always, relentlessly, more. “Truth or dare.”
“What?” And then she smirked. “Okay, it’s late, and I’m not playing games with you.” She picked up her phone and key card from a small table, before flashing a smile. “Dare.”
Yes. “I dare you to get on the diving board, squawk like a chicken, and then cannonball into the pool.”
She rolled her eyes. “That’s ridiculous. I would never do that.”
And then she surprised the hell out of him by breaking out in a grin. It was like she’d thrown off all the doubt and wariness, and standing before him was his Gigi. It was exhilarating.
She tossed her phone and keycard back onto the table, kicked off her shoes, lifted the dress, and sent it flying. She ran for the diving board and leapt onto it. Bouncing in place, she let out one loud, “Buck,” before jumping high, drawing up her legs, and crashing into the water. When she broke the surface, she had a big smile on her face. “I can’t believe I did that.”