Page 67 of Caught off Guard

“Hmm…everyone called me but you. I needed to hear from you.” I increased my speed as Cairo rocked into me.

As small beads of sweat popped off his head, I looked behind me at his knee.

“Please tell me if I’m hurting you. This probably isn’t a good idea.” I lifted my body to move off him, but he held me in place as he thrust into me.

Within seconds, I resumed my rhythm. He smacked, then grabbed my butt with his hand. The sound cracked through the air.

“Don’t you dare stop.” He quickened his pace and had me whimpering with each thrust.

I matched him stroke for stroke. Within minutes, both of us erupted. I screamed, not caring who heard me as I collapsed on top of his now sweaty body. When I gathered myself, I rolled over, stared at the ceiling, and calmed my breathing.

“Are we toxic?” I turned my head and kissed his lips, angling my body so he wouldn’t have to bend his body toward me.

Cairo shook his head as he caught his breath.

“No, we’re human. That’s the key. We must allow ourselves to be real. No more masks for either of us.”

“You’re right.”

“And I’m sorry about Sophie. I should have shared more of my history with you. Please forgive me.”

“I already have. What matters is getting you well and us growing together.” I plopped back on the pillows and sighed, intertwining my fingers in his tightly.

Cairo and I stared at each other in silence until we dozed off.

THE ANNOUNCEMENT

For the firsttime in my career, I wouldn’t play in the league’s All-Star game. Within days of my injury, my specialist confirmed I’d also have to sit out the rest of the season and go through intense sessions of rehab. I didn’t want to put my body through that, so I decided to retire from the league at the end of the season. Although my family and those closest to me acted as if I would fall into a depression from such an abrupt shift in my routine, I’d been preparing for this mentally for quite a while.

To be honest, I didn’t have as much passion for basketball after Cece died. I kept going to maintain my health and have something to do.

Two weeks later, after my doctor’s visit, Zora stood by my side as I prepared to inform the world of my decision. Her presence had become commonplace. When she was in town, she spent most of her nights at my home and in my bed, caring for me and deepening our friendship. She all but moved in with me as I recuperated.

The morning of my retirement announcement, she rehearsed my speech with me in the car on the way to the Torch media center. As always, she held me up when I needed encouragement.

“You’ve got this, baby.” She held my hands and squeezed them as we stood outside the doors where the media awaited me.

“It’s time, Cairo.” Luther appeared through the door of the Torch’s waiting area.

When Zora and I entered the large room designated for the announcement, a flash of light bulbs blinded me. She held my arm tightly as I leaned on a sturdy wooden cane and limped to the single black chair prepared for me at the front of the room. I gave everyone my Denzel smile and a wave as a sea of media representatives stared at me.

Zora settled into her seat in the middle of the row in front of me after I lowered my body into my chair. I placed my cane on the floor and stretched my long legs under a table covered with a floor-length black cloth.

Another sea of bulbs flashed as I peered around the room. It was packed with my teammates, coaches, trainers, and several friends I’d made over the years. They sat around the room, offering a mix of smiles and questioning looks that reminded me that this moment was really happening.

No matter how many eyes stared at me, the only two I cared about were Zora’s. She radiated encouragement with the sweetness of her smile and the way she leaned forward as if my announcement was the most important one in the world. If atany point I became overwhelmed in emotion, I planned to look at her.

Today, Zora wore her hair in a low, slicked back ponytail. Her crisp white blouse, wide-legged ponte pants, and black Jimmy Choos oozed professionalism. Her full lips, painted in a color I affectionately called “vixen red,” reminded me how luscious she was during our private time. With a steady presence and smile that reminded me how blessed I was to have her in my corner, Zora no longer held back her emotions. When I winked at Zora, she winked back. I took a big breath and began my speech, speaking directly into the mic.

“Since I was twenty-one, I’ve given my life to our league. The people, many of whom are in this room today, have uplifted me during the highs and lows of my life. I have been blessed more than I ever thought I would be as I pursued a once-in-a-lifetime career. Ecclesiastes 3 says, ‘For everything there is a season, and a time for every activity under heaven.’ I’ve flourished and grown in this league, but it’s time for me to say goodbye.”

Across the room, some people gasped as others spoke to each other under their breaths. Many sat stoically since media outlets predicted I would make this announcement.

For the next fifteen minutes, I thanked those who guided me through my career and reminded people about my foundation and other businesses connected to my brand. After answering general questions and thanking members of the media who wished me well, I turned toward Luther, who had been waiting for me to signal him.

“I want to end my career on a high note. Luther, please bring that box along with a chair. As he does that, I’d like to invite my partner, Dr. Zora Langston, to the platform to join me.” I waved to Zora, whose eyes got as big as saucers.

From my left, Luther ascended the short steps to my table and placed a white box in front of me. He moved behind a partition and retrieved a chair.

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