Page 1 of Deck His Balls

Chapter One

Tricia

“This is your fault.” I glare at Jasmine, one of my best friends, from where I’m pacing backstage at the Serenity County Holiday Charity Auction. “I could be running my December basketball camp for underprivileged kids right now, but no. You had to go and volunteer me for this meat market.”

“First, stop pacing before you give my son motion sickness.” Caress, my second best friend, bounces her three-month-old on her hip, his chubby face tracking my movement. “Second, it’s not just Jasmine’s fault. I helped convince you this was a good idea.”

“Traitors, both of you.” I tug at the red cocktail dress they insisted I wear. The fabric clings in all the right places, but I feel exposed without my usual basketball shorts and jersey.

“Stop fidgeting.” Jasmine shifts in the plush velvet chair, rubbing her very pregnant belly. “You look hot. Besides, the basketball camp doesn’t start until next week, and this auction raises money for the same kids you help. Win-win.”

“Win-win would be me writing a check, not being sold to the highest bidder like a Christmas turkey.”

“Please.” Caress rolls her eyes. “You’ve been looking for an excuse to talk to my brother for months. Ever since that pickup game where he couldn’t take his eyes off you.”

“He dunked on me.”

“After staring at your ass for ten minutes.” Jasmine smirks.

Heat creeps up my neck at the memory. Joel Mitchell looking unfairly good in basketball shorts and a sleeveless shirt, his muscles gleaming with sweat as he guarded me. The intensity in his dark eyes when I tried to drive past him. The brush of his hand on my hip felt anything but accidental.

“He was studying my technique.”

“Oh, he was studying something alright.” Caress grins. “Trust me, I know my brother. He’s got it bad. Why do you think he’s been showing up at every event where he knows you’ll be?”

“Can we not discuss your brother right now?” My voice comes out higher than intended. “I’m already nervous enough about this auction without thinking about Joel possibly being in the audience.”

“Why are you nervous?” Jasmine asks. “You play in front of thousands of people.”

“That’s different. On the court, I know what I’m doing. I’m in control.” I resume pacing. “This? This is like going up for a shot blindfolded.”

“You’re Tricia Washington, WNBA All-Star. You’ve got this.” Caress adjusts the baby on her hip. “Besides, Jasmine’s bidding on you. What could go wrong?”

“Don’t jinx it.” I point at her. “Your brother may be CEO of some fancy tech company, but even he can’t save me if your brilliant plan falls apart.”

“Actually…” Jasmine exchanges a look with Caress. “Joel might be—”

She cuts off with a sharp gasp, hands flying to her stomach.

“Jas?” Caress steps forward, concern flooding her face.

“I think…” Her eyes widen. “Oh shit.”

“Please tell me you just sat on something uncomfortable.” I freeze mid-pace.

“Unless that something is my water breaking? No such luck.” She attempts a smile that morphs into a grimace. “Ryan’s gonna flip.”

“Your due date isn’t for another week!”

“Tell that to Junior.” She wobbles to her feet. “Apparently, my baby has your terrible timing.”

“My timing? You’re the one going into labor ten minutes before I’m supposed to go on stage!”

“Here.” Caress hands me the baby. “Hold him while I get the car. Jasmine, don’t you dare move until I pull around.”

The next few minutes pass in a blur of calling Ryan, helping Jasmine to Caress’s car, and trying not to hyperventilate as I realize I’m completely screwed. My guaranteed winning bidder is currently en route to the hospital, leaving me at the mercy of whatever rich person decides to buy a date with a basketball player.

“Next up, ladies and gentlemen!” The announcer’s voice booms through the speakers. “WNBA star Tricia Washington!”

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