Page 48 of The Player's Obsession

“Well, there’s this energy when we’re around each other. I’m drawn to him.”

“That’s how it should be. I mean, you’re just starting to get to know each other. You have a long drive today. Just be yourself,” she says.

“Why would a professional football player be interested in me? I’m just a boring accountant with no coin and no game. I can’t keep up with the trips and toys. He can go anywhere he wants and buy whatever he wants.”

“No, he can’t. The woman he proposed to is marrying another man. Oliver hurts and bleeds like everyone else. He’s not a god. I think you may have prejudged him. This weekend will give you time to get to know him and figure it out. Besides, you see what the media has done to him, and now you’re helping to redeem him.”

“You make it sound like he is lucky to have found me.”

“He is. He just doesn’t know it yet,” she states while picking up dresses I hung over my dining room chairs. She follows me into my cramped bedroom, where I have the rest of our shopping spree laid out on my bed.

“Do I really need all this for two days?”

Lucinda looks over the piles of shoes and clothing and slowly nods.

“Absolutely. You never know what you’re gonna need, and you need to be prepared for anything. Oh good, you remembered the swimsuit.” She points to two tiny triangles of fabric.

“This bikini top will barely cover my nipples,” I say, holding it up to my chest.

“That’s the point,” she says with a wink. “Men love tits. All eyes will be on you when everyone is lounging by the indoor pool. Haven’t you been to a tanning salon? Trust me, all the women will wear next to nothing.”

Lucinda did vacation in Florida this summer, so I will take her word for it.

“I don’t know if I can wear that swimsuit without a coverup, but I’ll pack it.”

“You mentioned a cocktail party tonight. The dress code could go either way, dressy or casual. Plan to wear the pantsuit unless he wears jeans. If Oliver decides to go casual, wear your jeans with this.” She grabs a black silk blouse.

“That doesn’t look warm enough.”

“Fashion is never about comfort. If you don’t believe me, try on those stilettos. Besides, the hotel is heated to a comfortable temperature.”

“Hmm.” I contemplate this for a second. She’s right. Oliver will be beside me, and I can snuggle him if I feel chilled.

“Great, I’m with a man I barely know and a room full of strangers. Sounds like a nightmare.”

Lucinda ignores me. “You’ll make friends. Oliver won’t leave you hanging. And don’t forget the cute lingerie. Remember what I said about being prepared for anything.”

“I have no intentions of wearing it.” I cross my arms over my chest defensively.

“Stop doing that.”

“What?” I huff.

“You’re not allowing nature to take its course. This weekend kicks off a month of wining and dining. That’s something few of us will ever experience. Consider this an adventure. Enjoy the ride and live in the moment. Stop living by the rules. It’s time you give yourself permission to live on the wild side.”

“I do need to get away. My brother saw the internet videos of me and Oliver. I’m surprised he hasn’t called or come knocking on my door. You know as well as I do, he will use me to get to Oliver. That’s a meal card Carlo wants to punch.”

“Oliver is a big boy and can take care of himself. But you should give him a heads-up that Carlo is an opportunist that cannot be trusted.”

“Right. Should I worry about him hacking Oliver’s stuff?”

“Doubtful. Just remember, you’re the mystery girl everyone wants to know about. I wouldn’t put it past your brother to sell your name and information to the tabloids.”

“Oh shit. Of course, he will, to get the money.”

“Look at his track record. You need to start thinking like him in order to stay one step ahead of him,” she chuckles. “All these years, and you still wanna give him the benefit of the doubt.”

“I’m gullible, I admit it. I’m catching my mother in lies now. I’ve fallen for men who lie to me. It took a long time to finally learn that there are few people I can trust to not use or lie to me. Now I’m afraid to meet anyone new.”

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