Page 5 of Deck His Balls

Are you done getting your ass handed to you at basketball by your crush yet, Romeo? I got news.

I ignore it, making a mental note to call him back later. Right now I’m too distracted by Tricia’s warmth beside me.

“So,” Tricia breaks the charged silence, still slightly breathless from our game. “Want to tell me why you really bid last night? Because twenty grand is a lot for a basketball lesson from someone who clearly didn’t need teaching.”

Heat creeps up my neck. “You caught that, huh?”

“The varsity-level footwork gave you away.” Her eyes sparkle with amusement. “Plus, Caress tells me everything. Includinghow you’ve been showing up to every event where you knew I’d be.”

Damn my sister and her big mouth. “Would you believe I’m just really passionate about local sports?”

Tricia levels me with a look that could melt steel. “Try again, boss man.”

Before I can respond, my phone rings. Dylan’s name flashes on the display. “Perfect timing.” I hit accept, grateful for the interruption. “Tell me you’ve got good news about the holiday schedule.”

“Define good.” Dylan’s voice fills the car. “The orphanage only has three time slots available next week - Tuesday morning, Thursday afternoon, or Saturday evening. And the family shelter can only do Wednesday or Friday morning.”

I scrub a hand over my face. “Book whatever works best for the company. I’ll handle the others personally.”

“Joel.” Dylan sighs, and I know what’s coming. “You can’t keep covering everything out of pocket. The board’s already approved the budget for two events.”

“And the kids deserve more than two.” My voice hardens as memories of bare Christmas trees and dollar store presents surface. “Some of these kids have never had a real Christmas, Dylan. You know why this matters to me.”

“I know. But you’re already sponsoring three families this year, plus the toy drive at the community center. Not to mention your pledge last night.”

“What’s your point?”

“My point is you don’t have to shoulder everything yourself. Let the company help more. We can adjust the budget—”

“Book the shelter for Wednesday morning and the orphanage for Thursday afternoon.” I cut him off. “Those times work best for staff volunteers. I’ll take care of Saturday at the orphanage and Friday at the shelter myself.”

“You’re impossible.” Dylan chuckles. “Fine. But at least let me match whatever you’re putting in.”

“Deal. Keep me posted on Jasmine.”

“Will do. And Joel?” His tone turns teasing. “Nice moves on the court today. Caress says Tricia let you down easy.”

I end the call, catching Tricia’s thoughtful gaze. Even in workout clothes, slightly disheveled from our game, she’s stunning.

“What?” I ask, suddenly self-conscious.

“Nothing. Just… I didn’t expect the big bad CEO to have such a soft spot for charity work.”

“There’s a lot you don’t know about me.”

“Like why you’re so passionate about making sure kids have a good Christmas?”

I hesitate, debating how much to share. But something about her makes me want to let down my walls. “Caress and I grew up without much. Single mom, working three jobs. Christmas meant whatever she could grab from the dollar store.”

“I’m sorry.”

“Don’t be. It taught us to appreciate what matters.” I turn to face her. “What about you? Why the basketball camp?”

A small smile plays on her lips. “My high school coach ran something similar. Changed my life. Showed me I could be more than just another kid from the projects.”

“And now you’re paying it forward.”

“Trying to.” She shrugs, but I catch the pride in her voice. “Though your way seems pretty effective too. Twenty grand for a basketball lesson? Those kids are going to have an amazing Christmas.”

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