Page 35 of The Air I Breathe

She rolls her lips together. "I keep telling you there's a poet in you, and you keep telling me there isn't, but...some of the things you say, Blake. They're beautiful."

I duck my head, not comfortable with the praise she's giving me. Too often, I've been called out for being a jock or someone who didn't have a brain. "Nah, that's you, not me. I'm just an athlete who's been hit in the head a few too many times."

Her fingers grab hold of my chin. "Don't say that. You're a special guy, and if no one else has seen that before now, that's on them and not you, Blake. You like to act like you've got everything under control, that you never have any bouts of low confidence, but I see you." Her blue eyes are incredibly bright as they move, searching mine. "I see the person you are behind the bravado. I understand that you have to have it. I have it too."

"You're right." I clear my throat. "It's hard to be the life of the party and then ask people to take you seriously."

"No, it's not." She shakes her head. "If the people in your life aren't taking you seriously when you ask them to, then they aren't respecting you."

She does see—sees it fucking all, and it's the scariest thing that's ever happened to me. There's no one else who's ever managed to see this much.

I don't realize I've said those words out loud until she speaks.

"Then the other people weren't looking, Blake."

A couple hours later we've hit the dance floor, and she's got her ass stuck to my crotch. My arm is around her waist, holding on tight as we grind against one another. Bret and CeCe are dancing not too far from us, and my sister-in-law's laughing like she's had a few. At some point, Mom took Jovi home, and I have a feeling that if these two are going to conceive another baby, it's gonna happen tonight.

Glancing over, I see Kevin standing as if he hasn't a care in the world on the edge of the dance floor. I know at the same time there's a bunch of other security guards in the room, but even I can't tell which ones they are. They're good, and although I know I can take care of Willa, it's nice to know there’s backup here in case it’s needed.

"Look at Kevin." Willa giggles. "Trying to act inconspicuous, but instead, he looks like everybody's dad."

"Leave him alone. He's doing his best." I laugh along with her.

"His best at standing out as my bodyguard."

I snicker, but it's fun to hear her having a good time. There's a tap on my shoulder, and when I turn, I see one of my high school teammates. "Demun, how're you doing, my man?"

We exchange a handshake and a half hug. "Good, working at the Range Rover dealership. I've sold to the manager of this place. I came to drop off his license plate, and saw you."

"Kinda late to drop off a license plate, but I know how good y'all are over there."

"Yeah." He rolls his eyes. "Had to wait until I officially clocked out to run the errand. You know how it is. Anyway, just wanted to stop and say hey. Good game today. We had it playing in the lobby."

"Thank you. You'll have to come hang out in the suite soon."

"For sure, for sure."

Willa's hand squeezes around mine, and I realize I haven't introduced the two of them. "Demun, this is Willa."

"Nice to meet you." He flashes a bright white smile at her.

"You too. I think you sold me the Escalades I have. I normally don't forget a face."

"I did." He beams. "I just don't like to assume that people remember me when we meet. Sometimes I make an impression; sometimes I don't."

"No, you were super nice, and you did everything I asked. I've sent friends to you."

"I know." He nods. "I appreciate that."

If this isn't two parts of my life crossing in a moment I never expected, I don't know what is. "Do you want me to leave y'all alone?" I joke.

She rolls her eyes. "No, but I do appreciate when someone goes above and beyond to help me get what it is I need. He's very good at his job, and people need to know when they're good at their jobs, right?"

"They do," I agree.

Demun gives her a smile. "I still thank you, and I'll let y'all get back to it. I'll see you later, Blake. Next game, I'll be there."

"Let me know. I'll save you a seat in the suite."