Page 7 of Hood Legacy

“What happened?” I questioned as I continued to look at the ring. I didn’t take it out of the box because I always thought it was rude. The only woman who was supposed to handle an engagement ring was the woman for whom it was intended.

“Man, that ain’t my story to tell,” he answered with a laugh. I cut my eyes at him, and he laughed harder. “All I’m saying is if Amethyst and Yale want their story told, they will have to tell it.”

“Okay.” I handed him the ring back and put my hand out for my bag.

Givens put the box back in his pocket and then pushed my hand away. “I’ll walk you to your car.”

“I don’t need you to,” I denied, shaking my head. The last thing I needed was for anyone to see Givens and me together. The rumors would start, and I prided myself on staying out of the headlines.

“I didn’t ask,” he said, staring down at me. “I’m walking you to your car. Now, let’s go.”

I sighed and then nodded because I knew that if I didn’t, we would stand here until I gave in. Givens was stubborn enough to stand here all night if necessary.

“Fine.”

“I’m glad you see it my way,” he said.

We walked through the tunnels toward the player parking garage. The tunnels were quiet; the only sound that could be heard was the soft hum of the central air and faint music.

“I gotta check on Hood right fast,” Givens said when we approached the weight room. He pulled the door open, and I stepped inside. My eyes went to Hood on the treadmill, and I freely watched him run in place. His back was to us, so I let my eyes linger on the tattoos that littered his back. “That nigga don’t bite; you know that, right?”

“Huh?” I turned to look at Givens, who only smirked.

“Nothing,” he replied, then walked to the treadmill. He tapped Hood on his arm to attention. Hood took his headphones off but kept his pace. “You good?”

“I’m straight,” Hood answered without breaking his stride. His deep voice washed over my skin like a warm blanket. “I appreciate you checking in.”

“Let me know what y’all need,” Givens said, and they dapped each other up. “I’ll be back so we can chop it up; let me walk Legacy out.”

Hood stopped the treadmill and turned to face me. His dark eyes took me in without shame, and I felt my nipples harden. He licked his plump lips and threw me a nod. “What’s good, point guard?”

“Hey,” I replied. When Aceyn’s eyes met mine, I realized how sad he looked. “You good?”

“Are you?” I took a step forward, then stopped myself. I’d met Aceyn ‘Hood’ Bowlin’s when Pyrite recruited me to play for the Queens, and ever since we shook hands, I’d tried to steer clear of him. Hood was fine with his golden skin, square face, full lips, flared nose, thick eyebrows, and naturally low-slanted eyes. When we’d first met almost a year ago, he wore his hair in locs, but he’d recently cut them and now rocked a tapered fade. He stood close to six-five and was in great shape. As the team’s doctor, he prided himself on keeping us in shape so he wouldn’t slack when it came to his health.

“I’m straight,” he said, nodding. “Thank you for asking.”

“You sure?” I lifted my right brow in question, and he nodded.

“I got it, point guard,” he replied.

Givens’ phone started ringing, and he stepped to the side to answer it.

“You get your work out in with no problems?” Hood asked, and I nodded. “You know you’re scheduled to be in my office tomorrow, right?”

“Really?” I pulled my phone from my pocket and checked my calendar. “I don’t have it in here.”

“You are,” he shrugged. “Be here around eleven.” I opened my mouth to object, but Hood shook his head. “Be here, point guard.” The authority in his voice made me nod, and he smirked. “Appreciate it.”

Givens came back and handed Hood my bag. “Walk her to her car, then meet me back here.”

“Why?” Hood questioned Givens as he took my bag and threw it over his shoulder.

“Pyrite texted me; he got his payment,” Givens cryptically answered. They shared a look before Hood nodded and approached me. “Point guard, we have to link soon to go over plans for the engagement.”

“Okay,” I agreed, nodding. “Call me tomorrow.”

“Bet,” he said.

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