They end the performance with a perfect pyramid, Angela taking a teammate on her shoulders. I don’t realize I’m holding my breath until the guy below her gets her safely to the floor. The audience goes wild cheering and hollering. The squad is obviously popular among the competition participants.
I allow the rest of the row to leave before making my way back outside. We didn’t make arrangements on where to meet so I send her a text.
Justin: I’m waiting at the entryway where you left me earlier.
Angela: I need to shower and get all this gunk off my face. I need to go home first. Should we meet at the bar in about an hour?
I don’t like the idea of leaving her for even a little bit.
Justin: Do you have a change of clothes?
Angela: Yes, why?
Justin: You could just shower in my room. Will save you some time.
Rethinking it, my message probably sounds a little presumptuous. I quickly send a follow up text.
Justin: You can just shower. No funny business. I promise.
Angela: Oh, damn. And I was so looking forward to some funny business.
I smile. That’s the flirty Angela I remember. Only now, I’m perfectly comfortable flirting back.
Justin: I promised no funny business. It will take a lot of convincing to make me go back on my word.
Angela: Is that a challenge Mr. Ellis?
Justin: Most definitely Ms. York.
Angela: Okay. Just let me pack up here. I’ll be sure to bring my seduction skills with me. I may be a little rusty. It’s been a while since I’ve needed to seduce someone.
Justin: I look forward to you practicing on me.
I plant myself on a bench just outside the arena. I attempt to check my emails and other messages from my assistant. I’m not successful. Instead I choose to check out Angela’s Instagram page. She seems to be a bit of an influencer. Not to the same extent as Lia but as captain of the Dynamite she has a substantial following.
Her profile is a lot tamer than I would’ve guessed. There’s a lot of photos of brunches with friends, and unboxing new costumes. There are very few photos with her ex and even fewer of her enjoying a girl’s night out.
I’m not sure if it’s who she really is, or if it’s part of the brand she’s created for herself as team captain. My guess is somewhere in between. Her profile seems to center around showing off Vegas in a responsible way. I scroll through the photos, always stopping at the close ups and just enjoying that smile.
“Hey!” She’s back in her sweats and I cannot help but wonder if she's wearing that skimpy outfit underneath. “I’m ready to go.”
I stand and take the bag she has slung over her shoulder. “Do I get to watch you remove your war paint?”
“It’s not all that exciting.”
“I think watching you transform from your show persona to your regular self will be more intriguing than you think.”
I take her hand as if it’s the most natural thing in the world and lead her through the crowd and inside the hotel.
A blonde girl, probably about thirteen, walks up to her. “Ms. York. Can you sign my T-shirt, please?”
“Of course.” She let’s go of my hand and takes the marker from the girl. “Which school are you from?”
“Lakeview Middle School in Atlanta.” The girl is bubbling with excitement. “Is this your boyfriend?”
Angela shakes her head. “Justin is a friend from my hometown.”
She signs the T-shirt with her neat handwriting, leaving a note of encouragement for the girl. After a selfie together and a hug, we make our way to the elevator. I rest my hand on her lower back. I can’t help but touch her. I need it like I need oxygen.
“Does that happen often?” I ask as we step into the elevator. The bellboy in the elevator takes my card. We’re not alone, so he doesn’t swipe it immediately.
“More with the middle schoolers, but often enough with high schoolers, too.” She fidgets with her zipper, not meeting my eyes. “It never happens at the college level. But then they know we’re looking for recruits at that stage.”
Once it’s just us and the bellboy, he swipes the card and presses the PH button. I guide her out of the elevator and down the short hallway to my suite.
“The main bathroom’s down the hallway, first door on the right.” I look over at her and offer a smile. “The one off the master bedroom has better lighting if you need that.”
“That’s one way to get me into your bedroom.” She’s chewing her lower lip, driving me wild in the process.
I walk up to her and cup her face in my hand. “When I’m attempting to get you into my bedroom, you’ll know. I won’t need to make up an excuse.”
“If, not when,” she says, and I lift a brow in confusion. “If you were attempting, not when.”
“No. I got it right. It’s a matter of when.”
Chapter 3
Angela
An hour later I’m showered, my face is clean and I’m infinitely more comfortable in a floral sundress. I slip on a pair of ballet flats and make my way back to the living area.
A blue sectional sofa takes up most of the center of the room, with a wide screen television fitted against the wall. With its sleek lines and modern finishes, the room is rather peaceful. Perfect for a businessman who has spent all day in meetings.
Over at the large glass dining table, Justin sits with his back to me tapping away on his laptop. He’s also changed into jeans and a T-shirt. His bare feet are crossed over on the chair opposite him. It’s sexy as hell seeing him so comfortable.
“You smell heavenly,” he says
