Total pages in book: 76
Estimated words: 73012 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 365(@200wpm)___ 292(@250wpm)___ 243(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 73012 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 365(@200wpm)___ 292(@250wpm)___ 243(@300wpm)
“How many infinity points did that earn?”
“I’ve been thinking about this. Do infinity points even make sense? Aren’t they all worth infinity?”
“They do for us. I mean, there’s a difference between one infinity point and ten.”
“Pretty sure that’s not how it works, but I’ll give you a pass because you’re cute. Instead of going out to brunch, why don’t you come here? Or I could come to yours if you want.”
I definitely don’t mind hanging out at one of our places, but I also want to take him out. I want to make sure he knows I never want to keep him hidden the way Malcolm did, that I don’t care what any of the headlines say or what anyone thinks. At the same time, it’s important he feels comfortable. It might take him a while before he’s ready to go out.
“Sure. Do you want to come here? Can’t beat brunch and mountain views.” While most of the team lives in the South Bay area, I’m in Pacific Palisades. I love being tucked between the ocean and the mountains, two of my favorite things.
“Okay. Are you sure? If you’re tired from traveling or—”
“I’m sure, Ant. I don’t say things unless I mean them. If I didn’t want to spend time with you, I wouldn’t have asked. You can count on me to say what I mean.”
There’s a short pause and then, “Yeah, okay. Let me shower, and then I’ll head that way.”
“I’ll text you my address.” Anthony’s apartment is only about fifteen miles from me, but the drive will take at least forty-five minutes. That’s one of the only downsides about living in LA, but still, I love it. I’ll spend my whole career here if I can, and if a trade ever happens, I know I’ll land back here after retirement. Wisconsin will always be my home, but LA has become my heart. I’ve come into my own here, learned more about who I am and what I want.
I go ahead and shower too, take my vitamins, throw on athletic pants, a T-shirt, and a backward cap, then go into my kitchen to see what I can make for us. I settle on omelets but don’t start anything yet in case Anthony hits traffic or takes longer than expected. I straighten up the house a little, finding things to do to kill time until the app on my phone alerts me someone is on my porch before Anthony even rings the bell. I haven’t had any overly excited fans find my house or anything like that, but I like my privacy, like knowing I’m protected out here.
The bell rings when I’m partway to the door, a ridiculous smile on my face. When was the last time I enjoyed someone so much? The last time I looked forward to seeing another person? I can’t pinpoint what it is about Anthony that hits differently, but there is no denying the feeling is there.
He gives me an unsure grin when our eyes lock. He’s wearing a tight pair of jeans, a purple V-neck, and has eyeliner on the lower lid, something I’ve never seen him do before, but it definitely makes my dick twitch.
He tosses a quick look over his shoulder, shifting from one foot to the other.
“Any issues?” I stand aside so he can come in. “My neighbors are pretty good about keeping an eye out for photographers or anything and letting me know.”
“No, no. I didn’t see anything.”
But it’s clear he’s afraid he will. It makes my gut twist that he’s so nervous about being seen together, that he’s got reason to fear being in the public eye.
I close the door behind him, wrap my hand around his wrist, and tug him closer. “Hey, are you sure this is okay? Dating me?” I try not to hold my breath as I wait for his reply.
“Why? Do you not want to date anymore?”
“What? No. I want to date. I’m basically obsessed with the idea of dating you.”
He smiles, trying to hide it by firming the lines of his lips, but I can see what he’s doing.
“You really do like that…when I tell you how much I like you, want you, how good you are.” I kiss the corner of his mouth. “I want to date you.” The other corner. “To show you off.” The center of his lips. “You’re so fucking sexy, Ant. Still a little shy, even if you don’t see it.” Another kiss. “I’m going to keep telling you how much I want you until you believe me.”
And I like telling him. It makes me feel good to make him feel good. Which tracks, that’s who I am, but it’s ramped up when it comes to Anthony, this natural high I get from building him up. I want to explore it more, get my pleasure by pleasuring him physically and emotionally.