Page 14 of Not a Perfect Save

“If you would, that would be great.”

My lips twist into a scowl until I spy the small smile he is hiding. So, the man has a sense of humor. I roll my eyes, then shift my weight and pretend to tip over.

He catches me, just like I knew he would, and we share a smile and go still. Last night with him undressing me reflects in his gaze. We’re only interrupted by Dan clearing his throat.

“Let’s get a move on, kids.”

Chapter Nine

ELLA

Blood poundsin my ears and swooning for real is turning into a genuine possibility. I must have hit my head harder than I thought. Why the hell did I agree to this? I hate being the center of attention. I can fake bravado in many situations, but in front of a crowd of reporters and flashing cameras, I’m a wilting banana. It’s too much like the many, many parties my parents threw when I was growing up.

We’re set up on a platform in front of the press at the Titans Stadium in the Bronx. Connor holds court in the center while I am positioned on his right. The pharmacist, who’s also been recruited for the event, is on his left. Dan and Jessica wait off to the side while the paparazzi shout questions.

“There were reports that you were injured, Connor. Will you be playing in the next game?”

“Yes, I will.” His voice is strong and confident.

The next set of questions are directed at me. “What was it like? Being rescued by Connor Hall?”

“I, ah—“ My eyes dart around, and I shift my weight. Connor wraps an arm around me without taking his eyes off the committee of vultures.

The pharmacist is happy to jump in and gush Connor’s praises, thankfully allowing me to keep silent. For once, I’m glad to stand there and look pretty, grateful that I can shrink into Connor’s side. The silk and wool blend of his navy suit is warm against my naked shoulders. I’m glad for the shelter until I spy Dan, giving us an approving nod. I try to dislodge myself from Connor’s grip, but he holds on to me tight.

Finally, Jessica’s voice cuts through the clamor, “No more questions.” I free myself and hobble off the dais as quickly as my crippled form can go, avoiding the yells still coming my way. When a reporter attempts to crowd me, I take a step back and almost bump into Connor, a solid wall behind me. Big hands settle on my shoulders. “Come on.” He gently pushes me past the riff-raff.

We’re only a few steps from the stage when a booming voice calls out, “Ella-Bella!”

I whip around and press my face into Connor’s chest, cringing as I attempt to hide from the shuffle of approaching feet. My lids slam shut and I pray my parents didn’t see me, but out of the corner of my eye, I can see that they’re heading straight for us. Dad even elbows one of the reporters out of the way.

“What’s wrong?” Connor asks, his voice urgent.

Before I can answer him, the horde is upon us. And it’s not just Mom and Dad. My sister, Hannah, and her fiancé, Hank, are also here. I suck in a deep breath.Here we go.

“Ella, oh my goodness, it is you! Hank said he saw photos of you on ESPN!” My mom seizes me in a tight embrace. I stand stiff for a second but then allow myself to soften as I inhale the familiar scent of J’adore perfume and waxy lipstick. My throat thickens with emotion.

“Damn near got mowed down in the drive over from Jersey.” My dad puts his hand on my back. I slowly turn to face him, taking in his favorite grey suit and striped tie. “What happened?” His frown is ferocious, his eyes darting around, ready to defend his baby girl.

I’m a little embarrassed when a quick tear comes to my eyes but blink it away and give my parents a small grin. “I’m fine. Really.”

They step back, only far enough to examine me. Mom’s dressed as usual, wearing a printed Diane von Furstenberg dress, with round diamond studs twinkling in her ears. She tsks at my leg. Hannah and Hank stand beside them, but their attention is focused behind me. My face reddens when I realize Connor hasn’t conveniently disappeared. He’s been watching my parents fawn all over me.

“Mom, Dad, meet Connor Hall. He was with me last night. He’s the—“

“Linebacker for the Titans,” Hank breathes, his voice rising a smidge. I cringe. He reaches a hand out for Connor to shake. “Hank Foster. Huge fan, man. Huge.”

“Thanks.”

“Connor, my Mom, Georgiana, and my Dad, Barry. And this is my older sister, Hannah, and her fiancé.”

Hank and Hannah are a matched set—tall and blond and beautiful. They’ve been together since high school. She was the head cheerleader, he was the star quarterback. Once upon a time, he was built. These days, he’s softening around the middle in his desk job as the in-house lawyer for his uncle’s real estate firm.

Hannah edges close. Even now, she’s in a form-fitting pink dress and five-inch heels. She resembles our mother, blond and tall, while I take after Dad, shorter and dark-haired.

“Good to meet you.” Hannah extends her hand to Connor, her giant engagement ring bright enough to rival the Bat-Signal.

“Thank goodness you were with Ella. That you rescued her from those goons.” My mother shudders.

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