Sacking The Player

I thank the concierge and take the box up to the room. After I strip out of my dress and into something comfy, I grab the card and candy.

I settle on my bed while Celeste takes a shower. I’m about to nibble on a piece of chocolate as I open the card.

I miss you.

I go to grab my phone to call Tate when I notice it isn’t his usual I love you afterwards. The card is signed.

I love watching you move. I hope to see you soon.

Yours truly,

Your biggest fan.

I cross the room to the table and open the box. There’s a single black rose inside.

I get chills all over and don’t know what to do.

Chapter 29

Tate

A

maya has been off lately. She seems sad. I promised I’d fly out to her the next chance I get. It’s just so damn hard right now. Our schedules constantly conflict. I make sure she has tickets to every game, but she’s not made it to my last two. I feel as if she’s avoiding me. Like there’s something she isn’t telling me. Its fucking with my head and screwing up my game. I have so much riding on me right now. We have a real shot of making it to the Super Bowl. This is huge for me. It’s what I’ve worked my whole life for.

Come Christmas I’m done waiting for the stars to align, I’m going to ask her to marry me. I know Amaya loves her career but there are other places she can dance. Hell, I’ll build her own studio if that’s what she wants. I just want her next to me, in bed with me, and under me every night. I need her. My apartment is so empty with her gone. Having her here a few weeks over the summer was amazing. It felt so damn right. It was perfect.

We ate together. We showered together. We did everything together.

Cindy said I should just tell her how I feel. Mom thinks I need to give her time to live her dream without pressuring her or rushing her. It’s tearing me apart. I just want her here, with me.

I turn my car over to valet and go inside Café Lumeronte to meet with my agent, Valentina. She’s a shark and never fails to keep me in the good graces of the press.

“Reservation for King,” I tell the hostess.

She smiles at me, flashing her teeth. “Right this way, Mr. King. Your party has already arrived.”

“Thank you.” I follow her through the dining area to a private table in the upstairs dining room.

I take in my surroundings, noting the Paris themed décor. Amaya would love it. I’ll have to bring her when she flies in. I can’t wait to hold her in my arms. We’re supposed to spend Christmas with my parents this year. We weren’t able to do Thanksgiving. I had an appearance on a sitcom and Amaya was travelling as well. We were going to meet in the middle but inclement weather prevented it from happening.

“Here you are, Mr. King.” The hostess leads me to my seat.

“Tate.” Valentina smiles at me, her dark eyes glittering with delight. “The numbe

rs are in, your guest appearance had amazing views. Their highest viewed episode ever. They want you back after the holidays to film one more spot.”

“Seriously?” I kiss her cheek and take the seat next to hers.

“Amazing isn’t it. I told you, women adore you. They tattoo your name over their hearts,” she teases.

I shake my head. “Well, they will be disappointed soon enough.”

Her eyes narrow on me as I scan the menu. “Why is that?”

“I’m going to ask Amaya to marry me.” I grin.

The server approaches and I order the shrimp pasta.