Page 5 of Dead Ball Situation

Sacha laughed at Bandit getting more over the top with each demand. “Artem is twenty. I don’t mind telling you whatever you want, but you must share too.”

“That’s fair. Spend the day with me.”

“Don’t you have a game to get to?”

Bandit shrugged. “Not today. I can leave in the morning. What do you say? Want to explore the town with me?”

Sacha looked torn. “I’ve been here many times.”

“But have you done anything other than work weddings?”

“No.”

“Then let’s see what this place has to offer.”

Sacha’s expression screamed he wanted to say yes, but still he hesitated. His chest expanded on a deep breath. He held Bandit’s stare. “I like you a lot.”

Hope surged inside Bandit. “I like you a lot too.”

“You’re my boss’s best friend.”

Damn. “I’m aware.”

“I really need my job.”

Without thinking, Bandit rolled his eyes. He stood and pulled Sacha to his feet. “I know you don’t think I’d ever do anything to make you lose your job. Plus, we’re just being tourists.” Sacha still didn’t look reassured. Bandit huffed. “If you want, we can stay in and have sex instead. If I’m threatening your job, let’s do it right.” It was a joke. One Bandit had thrown out, hoping Sacha realized how ridiculous he was being over a simple day on the town. Except Sacha didn’t immediately say no, and the way he chewed his bottom lip said he gave it a moment’s consideration. Bandit had never wanted anything more.

Sacha was temptation’s bitch. He couldn’t say yes. He wouldn’t say no. How many chances would he get? Bandit was a professional athlete who could have anyone, and probably did. Sacha doubted Bandit would ever offer again. He opened his mouth to say yes. His phone rang, saving him.

Sacha turned and snatched up the device where Bandit had abandoned it on the kitchen table. Artem’s name was on the screen.

Sacha quickly answered. “Hello?”

“Hey. Do you know when you’re coming home? I have to work tonight, and Dana called out sick.”

Sacha pinched the spot between his eyes. He couldn’t ask Artem to miss work. Sacha already put too much on his shoulders. “Let me check what flights are available and see if I can move mine up. Just hold on a second.” He moved the phone from his ear and opened the airline’s app. With a few clicks, he found another flight. He pressed the phone to his ear again. “Okay. There’s an earlier flight. Thankfully, I have TSA pre check. It’s in two hours. I’ll have to rush to make it.”

Artem blew out a sigh of relief. “Thanks. I know I’m asking a lot, but I need a break. Forget I said that.”

Sacha’s chest hurt. No one understood how badly Sacha wanted Artem to be a normal twenty-year-old, having fun and enjoying his life. There were no jobs out there that paid as much as Baylor, and they couldn’t afford for him to make less. Unfortunately, just existing took both of them.

“Oh, sweetheart. It’s okay. I know you deserve better.”

“Yeah, but now I feel bad.”

“Don’t.” Sacha made sure Artem heard the truth in his voice. “I’ll be there as quickly as I can.”

“Okay. Be careful. I love you.”

“Love you too, angel. Bye.”

“Bye.”

Sacha ended the call and focused on Bandit. The disappointment was real. He wanted this, but like Artem, he had to make sacrifices. “I have to go.”

Bandit looked worried. “Is everything okay?”

Sacha nodded and headed for the hall. “My brother has to work tonight, and he’s not in a position to call out.”

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