Page 123 of Payoff Pitch
He looks down at me. “I’m glad we met, Bailey. You’ll officially be my first friend in Philly.”
I smile. “I’m glad we met too.”
He blows out a breath. “Since we’re besties now, can I tell you something?”
I giggle. “Of course,bestie.”
“I’m…umm…I’m not into womenthatway. The guys, particularly Beau, have been very obvious in trying to play matchmaker tonight. I don’t want you to expect anything from me along those lines. I really like you and don’t want to give any mixed signals.”
“Oh. Why don’t you just tell them? You’re not out?”
“Honestly, I don’t feel like I should have to announce it to people. Did you come out as heterosexual?”
“Hmm. Valid point. I never thought of it that way. You can tell Vance and Daylen. They’re great guys. I’m sure the others are too, but I don’t know them well.”
“You’re probably right, but I’m not sure everyone in the league will feel the same. I’m not looking to be the poster child for gay men in professional sports. My private life should remain just that. Private.”
I zip my lips. “Your secret is safe with me. Are there any men here tonight who interest you?”
He scrunches his face. “I left someone behind in Texas. I’m nursing a broken heart right now. I’m not ready for that yet.”
I nod. “So am I. Maybe we can just be there for each other, so everyoneleaves us alone.”
He gives me a million-dollar smile and then kisses my cheek. “I like that idea, bestie. Maybe we can go out for dinner in the next few weeks and get to know each other better. Just the two of us.”
I can’t help but smile. “I’d like that.”
He kisses my cheek again. He’s very kissy. “Great. I need to scout the local steakhouses to find my favorite. We’ll hit one of them.”
“Perfect. I love a good piece of steak.”
We make our way back to the booth. I expect Kam to crack jokes about me dancing with Champ, but she doesn’t. It’s kind of odd. I wonder if she sensed his sexuality. She’s got much better radar for that than I do.
She slides out of the booth. “The waitress is taking forever. I’m going up to the bar to get another round for everyone.”
She returns a few moments later and places a huge tray on the table. Suddenly I see Cheetah appear, but he brings his finger to his lips indicating that I should keep quiet about his arrival.
I subtly nod that I will.
He walks up behind Kam, cages her in with his arms, and speaks into her ear, “Want to play Titanic?”
Her lips curl in amusement before she answers, “Fine, but I’m going be the iceberg this time, and you’re going to be the ship that goes down.”
They both smile as she turns around in his arms. His hands move down to her ass, pulling her close to him. They’re practically nose to nose.
She places her hands on his shoulders. “You’re back early, kitten.”
He wiggles his eyebrows. “I am. Our final game in Florida scheduled for tomorrow was canceled with the forecast of rain, so a few of us flew back tonight. Trey practically sprinted to the airport as soon as he found out, but I wasn’t far behind. I missed you, Kam bam.”
“How did you know where I was?”
“Find My iPhone.”
“Stalker.”
He nods. “Don’t lie to yourself. You get off on me stalking you. Happy to see me?”
“Hmm.”