Page 66 of Fumbled Love

“I had no idea.” Melissa’s eyes lit up as if she had just stumbled upon one hell of a story. “Do you mind if I ask…” she started to say, but I shot a hand out, putting a stop to this shit.

“Will you excuse us for a minute, Melissa?”

Yanking Della by the arm, I led her out of the room to a small corner at the end of the hallway. The woman had lost her damn mind. Either that or this was some sick joke.

“What the hell were you thinking?” I seethed, feeling my face harden into granite. My six-foot-two frame towered over her. I’ve sent men three times her size running in the opposite direction with this look, but she looked ready to go toe to toe with me without batting an eye. “You basically told her we were a couple.”

“And that’s a bad thing?” She scoffed at my reaction. Never in a million years would I ever have thought she could have been so conniving.

How did we get from me consoling her over having an affair with my married teammate to this bullshit?

“Della, I don’t have those kinds of feelings for you. We tried years ago, and it didn’t work.”

“It did work. You just weren’t ready for that type of commitment.”

I stood a few feet away from her. My chest rose and fell with heavy breaths. I looked at the empty glass in her hands, wondering exactly how much she had to drink tonight.

“Whatever it was you think we had, it was a long time ago.”

“Excuse me?What I think we had?” She jerked back as if my words had knocked the wind right out of her. “We had a relationship. We were committed to each other.”

I sighed, feeling frustrated over this conversation. “We were young kids. Barely out of high school. The only thing I was committed to back then was playing ball and making the big leagues.”

Della and I dated for less than a year. During that time, I spent most of it trying to please her and do things I thought she would enjoy. It was a period when I was still learning a lot about myself. What we had was more infatuation; it was never meant to last. Football was my focus, and she was an afterthought. I was a shitty boyfriend. After things ended, we realized we were better off as friends. Or at least she tricked me into thinking that’s how she felt.

“What’s so special about her?” She raised her voice, and I glanced around to ensure we were alone. “You’ve never been serious about anyone before.”

I gripped the back of my neck in frustration. “I don’t owe you an explanation. What Kinley and I have is between us. If you can’t respect my relationship, then you and I can’t be friends.”

I watched as the look of hurt settled in. What little grip she had on her temper, was about to boil over. “Whatever you think it is you have with her isn’t worth it. And when she’s done spreading her legs, you’ll realize that she is just one of many.” She sneered, and I felt a chill rush through my bones. “If you’re stupid enough to give up what we have, then I guess you deserve the little slut.”

My body stiffened. She had officially crossed a line. Suddenly, I didn’t give a fuck about her feelings anymore.

“You’ve got some pretty big balls on you, you know that? First, you lie to that reporter and insinuate that we are in a relationship. Which. We. Are. Not,” I stressed, in case she was still confused. “Then you practically admit that you set me up tonight. Now, you’re insulting my girlfriend, who has done nothing to you other than breathe the same air. That’s three strikes,my friend. We’re done.”

She looked away, as if she were processing the gravity of the situation. Probably finally realizing how bad she fucked up tonight. “I didn’t plan for that reporter to be here. She asked the questions, and I answered them for you.”

I leaned forward, putting my face in hers. “You don’t fucking speak for me.”

“This is all overher!”

“She has a goddamned name and this little conversation has nothing to do with Kinley and everything to do with the stunt you just pulled.”

Her face twisted, and she squared her shoulders as if she were ready to go to battle with me. “You can be pissed all you want. We both know this never would have happened tonight if she wasn’t in the way. I hope she’s worth it.”

I shook my head at what a fucking epic mess she was. “We’re done! From here on out, you are on your own. We are not friends. We are nothing. I will request a new physical therapist first thing on Monday morning. If you see me, walk the other way. Delete my number from your phone.” My body was raging. “If you even think about fucking with me again, you can kiss your job goodbye. Get that through your thick head and leave me the fuck alone.”

She blinked at me. “You’re done with me? Just like that?” she hissed out. “If she’s so special, then where is she tonight? Why am I here?”

“You’re here for the same reason you always are, for appearances. Something you agreed to because it benefits you too. You like the attention and I need to be seen. It’s been our arrangement for years.”

“Arrangement?” She let out a hard laugh. “I’ve stood by and supported you throughout your entire career and this is how you repay me? You are right about one thing.” She stepped forward and pointed her finger at my chest. “I do love the spotlight. So, watch me turn it on your precious little Kinley. Let’s see how long she lasts once I tell the whole world how you left me for her!”

I clenched my fists at my sides. It took every ounce of control I had to keep them there. I’ve never wanted to punch a female so badly in my life.

“If I were you, I’d think twice about that little plan. You have no idea what I’m capable of when someone I care about is threatened.”

“You don’t scare me.” She darted an angry tear away. “I’ve been a part of your life for years. I know exactly what you’re capable of.”

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