Page 59 of Beautiful Broken Love

“I see,” Javier said, shifting his eyes between us as if he was connecting a few dots.

“Anyway, I think this’ll be great, Javier,” I went on, returning my attention to the Argentinean player. “And I do agree with Kyla about the pictures and footage. Perhaps we can start with Aleesa’s facial profile or show images of just her eyebrows and up when it comes to the shampoo. You’d be more of the highlight, and I’m sure you’re aware of this already, but womenlovewhen they see a father caring for his kids in ads. The women are already celebrating you for being such a great father and putting her first. This could further that image, if it’s something you’d like to pursue. All I know is that regardless of what you decide, there will be no loss for you and your baby girl.”

“So, you’re officially on board then, Davina?” Chester asked. He may as well have had dollar signs in place of his eyeballs.

I smiled at him, then looked at Kyla. “I am.”

Chester clasped his hands together.

Kyla let out a sigh of relief. “That is so great to hear, Davina. Thank you. And Javier, I’m willing to dowhateverit takes to champion you and Aleesa. I’m all about loyalty, trust me.”

Javier tipped his head with a bit more positivity.

“I’m gladsomeonearound here is,” Deke muttered.

I frowned at him, and of course, Octavia was trying her hardest not to snigger. Our waitress appeared with the appetizers, and whileeveryone was focused on their food, I drew in a breath to compose myself.

This was only the start for Deke. He wasnothappy with me, and he was going to use every single minute of this lunch to make sure I was completely aware of it.

THIRTY-TWO

DEKE

Not much could shock me in today’s world, but the fact that Davina could sit diagonally across from me at the table and hardly look at me was one hell of a surprise.

She held a good poker face, I could give her that, and when it came to business, she didn’t let feelings interfere with it. I respected that. But as a man who wanted only a slice of her attention, I found that this bugged the hell out of me.

I wasn’t going to ruin her day any further, though, and to be honest, I was starting to feel bad for being a dick to her. Making it awkward wasn’t helping a damn thing, and this was a big moment for not only Davina but Javier and Aleesa too.

Apparently Davina was going to make a new baby cream and lotion exclusively for Javier and Aleesa’s collaboration. The last thing I wanted to do was ruin this deal for my best friend, so I discontinued my jabs at Davina.

Plus, Javier shot me a text and told me toshut the fuck up and be cool.

When lunch was wrapped up and the waitress handed Chester the bill, he dug into his pocket and said, “I’ll be having a little get-togetherat my condo tonight around eight. I’ll have a few friends over just to catch up and have a few drinks. You should all come.”

“I’d love to,” Kyla said much too eagerly.

“I wish that I could,” Javier said, “but that is after Aleesa’s bedtime.”

“Oh, I understand.”

“I’ll come,” I offered.

Chester turned his eyes to me with a look of surprise. “Will you really?”

“Sure.” I raised a shoulder. “Why not?”

“Hey, I’d love to have you. I have to warn you, though, my friends might crowd you a bit,” Chester responded with a snicker.

“I’m used to it.” I turned my gaze to Davina. “You should come, too, Davina.”

Davina lowered her phone to glare at me. “I can’t, actually.”

“Why not?” I fought a smile as I tipped my head sideways.

“I have a lot of work to catch up on, and I have an early flight tomorrow.”

“Oh, come on, Davina!” Chester boomed with a pompous laugh. “You can swing by for a few minutes, chat with some friends of mine. A few of them also invest, so it’d be a great way to network.”

---