Page 47 of Loving the Legend
The text with his address comes in, and I jump up to change. I throw on jeans, a T-shirt, a beanie, and shades. I slide my phone and wallet into my jeans and lace up my Jordans.
I ask the cabbie to let me out a few blocks from his house. Except for an older man walking his dog, the streets are empty. I text him when I arrive, and I’m immediately buzzed in. My hamstrings burn as I make my way up the long, windy driveway.
Sid leans against his door in light gray sweats, a black T-shirt, and socks. Hands in his pockets, eyes gleaming, though rimmed red with exhaustion. “Thanks for coming.”
I shrug and slide my hands into my pockets, matching his posture. “Your house is more comfortable than the hotel room.”
“Uh-huh,” he says with a wry smile, stepping back to allow me entry. I somehow overlooked the missing holiday decor until now. The house is dimly lit.
“This place doesn’t feel massive with just you in it?”
He waits for me as I kneel to remove my shoes. “I have you tonight,” he replies.
My gaze snaps up to meet his, searching for a sign that he meant for it to sound as seductive as I heard it. His expression is neutral. Fuck, I can’t read him.
“You know what I mean,” I grumble.
“Honestly, I am rarely alone.”
I think of Katrina and all the other women he’s been linked with and swallow hard.
“Yeah, I’ve seen the pictures.”
“Wait, I didn’t mean it like that. My mom is here more than me. Kieran and Tommy fly out often. They have their own set of keys. Not to mention, my teammates are always rolling through.”
I nod and shrug.
This thing between us, whatever it is, is slippery, and I don’t have the energy to tread it carefully.
“Help yourself to anything in the kitchen.” His gaze hasn’t left my face since the driveway, and for some reason, it’s easier to look everywhere but him.
“You hate losing, don’t you?”
I shrug. “Doesn’t everyone?”
“Yeah, I suppose. But you, like, really hate it. You played well. It’s not easy going up against the greatest to ever do it.”
“Oh, fuck off,” I fire back, wanting to knock that shit-eating grin off of his face.
His head snaps back like he’s been slapped. “Such ugly words out of that pretty mouth.”
So corny. I shake my head despite the dumb grin breaking through my face.
“So much fire,” he mutters.
“What?” I squint at him.
“You come off chill and unaffected, but deep inside, a wildfire rages…I saw it tonight.”
“What is this? You’re analyzing me now?”
“Just trying to figure you out.”
“Why?” I ask, crossing my arms across my chest.
He opens his mouth but hesitates.
“Careful.”
