Page 63 of Fumbled Love

I would find a way to get my emotions in check. Maybe a good workout would help with getting my frustration out. As a matter of fact, a punching bag sounded like a pretty damn good idea.

“I wish I was there so I could give you a hug right now,” she said quietly into the phone.

“Me too, sweetheart.” I walked to the liquor cabinet and pulled out a bottle of Jack Daniels. I needed a stiff drink to help settle these feelings that were wreaking havoc on my emotions. I grabbed a glass out of the cabinet and filled it up. “Why don’t you get some rest, and we’ll talk in the morning.”

“Are you sure you’re not upset?”

“I’m not,” I lied. “I’ve been in meetings all day and need to read through some plays before the game on Sunday.”

“Okay, I’ll let you go.”

I gripped the phone in my hands. “Get some rest. We’ll talk tomorrow.”

I hung up and threw my phone across my desk. I walked over to the window and looked into the darkness. The city was lit up on the other side of the glass. I loved this view, and I was grateful for it. I just wish she were here to enjoy it with me. I sat in the chair and propped my feet on the ottoman. I picked up my whiskey and thought back to our conversation. I couldn’t help but wonder if I pushed her too far tonight.

I got it, really, I did, but I couldn’t do a damn thing about it. I hoped she would come around with some time, but maybe I needed to face the fact that she might never will. She asked for patience, and that’s what I would give her, no matter how much I hated it.

CHAPTER23

MAVERICK

Everyone hadmoments of regret where you knew you made the wrong decision but had no other choice but to accept it. Tonight was one of those moments. That may be why the whiskey I sipped on the way to pick up Della did nothing to take the edge off.

When my publicist found out I wasn’t planning on bringing a date to the fundraiser, she immediately suggested Della. It wouldn’t be the first time I’d brought her as my plus one. In fact, she was more than thrilled to step up and help me out.

Everyone on the team got the invite, Della included. And there has been gossip recently about why I haven’t been seen in public with anyone. I didn’t want the media to dig too deep, so steering their attention elsewhere seemed like a good idea. Kinley wanted her privacy, and I was respecting her wishes.

However, the closer I got to Della’s house, the more I questioned if I had agreed too quickly. My gut instinct screamed yes; it had never steered me wrong before.

Just pick her up and ride together. It doesn’t have to be a big deal. Walk into the event together, smile for the camera, and go your separate ways for all I care. If you don’t want the media to start digging, then you better throw them a bone to chew on.

I replayed that conversation with my publicist in my head and stared through the glass from the back of the town car as we drove across town. That twinge of guilt I felt wouldn’t go away, no matter how hard I tried to shake it.

I leaned forward and set my drink in the holder when we pulled up in front of Della’s townhouse. I stepped out of the car and wiped a bead of sweat off my brow as I approached the door.

“Don’t you look handsome.” Della stepped forward to adjust my black tie. She knew how much I hated wearing these monkey suits.

“Thanks. You look great too.”

Della was stunning, as usual, in her floor-length black evening gown. Her hair and makeup looked a little overdone, but then again, she always went all out for these functions. She looked perfect for what I needed tonight, but I still wished I had Kinley on my arm to show off instead.

I took her coat and helped her into it. “Shall we?” I gestured to the waiting car idling at the curb. She pressed her lips to the corner of my mouth, making the situation tonight weigh more heavily on me.

We made small talk on the way to the event. Once we arrived, we stepped out of the limo and were greeted with camera flashes. I nodded politely and ignored the questions that were thrown my way. Unless I was forced to answer, I didn’t give them a second of my time. I tried to quicken my pace, but Della seemed to enjoy the attention.

The woman was in her element, smiling and chatting away with all the players and staff as we entered the ballroom. She was taking the attention off of me, which was another reason I didn’t mind having her tag along.

After retrieving our drinks from the bar, we checked out the auction items and made a few generous bids. I spotted JP immediately and headed in that direction, but my steps faltered as I got closer. I blinked twice when I noticed the woman on his arm. Carrie Nolan was the soon-to-be ex-wife of our teammate Beckett Nolan. What the hell were they doing here together?

A waiter came by with a tray of hors d’oeuvres. I plopped a shrimp in my mouth and made my way over to the group. We all bumped fists in greeting. I usually dreaded these types of events, but this party raised money for the Make-A-Wish Foundation. JP’s younger brother died from leukemia when he was fourteen. This was a cause near and dear to his heart and one I didn’t mind supporting. Neither did the NFL, who was a generous benefactor to the event tonight.

“Mav,” JP boomed and slapped me on the back. Beckett glanced our way, and his eyes shifted from Carrie’s to mine. He took a deep swallow of whatever he was drinking and turned away. Beckett and I weren’t close, but I felt bad for the guy.

“How you doing, Carrie?” I gave her a casual hug and exchanged a glance with JP. As team captain, we would be having words later. He wasn’t an asshole, so I wasn’t sure what he was doing bringing her here.

“I’m good.” She smiled, but her lips flattened when her gaze moved over to my date. There seemed to be a lot of negative energy between the two ladies. “Della.” Carrie took a sip of her wine. “I didn’t expect to see you here, especially with clothes on.”

JP’s drink sprayed out through his nose. My gaze flew to Della’s in alarm. She shifted nervously on her feet and pulled down tightly on her dress. Tonight was going downhill, faster than a bike with missing brakes.

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