Page 87 of My Secret Bandit

I only felt him. Like his love created a barrier that protected us from everyone else.

Kyle leaned closer to me, whispering, “I think I see the appeal now. He’s good for you.”

“He definitely is.”

Neither Mateo nor I broke our eye contact or dropped our smiles even as someone asked the next question.

“I don’t think anyone will be able to follow that up, but um… What happened this week that allowed the team to come back from the loss against Atlanta?”

Reluctantly he shifted, answering the question with proficiency. “The week after a loss is always a learning experience. We tweaked plays and strategies that needed reworking and spent the week regaining the focus and motivation we started the season with.”

“Mateo, it’s been a few weeks since I last asked. How does it feel knowing that you’ll soon edge into that second-place spot for most tackles?”

“Holding a record like that, while cool, isn’t something I’m focused on. We still have more than half the season to go. All my focus is on helping my team get where we want to be, and that’s in the playoffs. Now if you don’t mind, I need to get going. I’ve got a lot of groveling to do for putting my girl on the spot like that.” He winked at me when he rose from his chair and disappeared behind the corner.

Not waiting to follow the herd out, I stood and turned for the door. My field of vision became consumed by recorders shoved in my face while reporters threw out questions.

“How do you feel about the article?”

“Do you have anything to say?”

“How long have you and Mateo been dating?”

“What happened that night at The Cove?”

The more questions that came, the more they jumbled together to where they didn’t even register in my ears. Pushing through the crowd proved difficult. Tucked low, I dodged recorders and phones and cameras.

My head jerked sideways when an arm draped across my back. Kyle gave a sympathetic smile and continued pushing his feet forward while mine followed.

When we broke through the door, he didn’t lessen his speed. He kept going until we lost the trail of folks chomping at the bit for their next headline.

“Thank you,” I said, a sigh of relief falling from my lips.

“Damn. I guess Jeffrey wasn’t lying about the whole “vulture” thing. Go on. Before they come swooping in for more.”

Out in the parking lot, I made my way to Mateo’s car and found him with a tiny toddler riding on his shoulders while he drifted around his car.

“Hey, baby!” Mateo smiled, lifting the boy off his shoulders and handing him back over to his dad. “Tytus, you know I love being your airplane buddy, but I need to take Jamie for her surprise.”

The two shared another fist bump.

“Later, guys, y’all have a good night,” Alec called over his shoulder as he walked away with Tytus waving at us.

“A surprise?” I asked, wrapping my arms around Mateo.

“Yep.”

“That’s it? That’s all you’re giving me? I deserve a lot more considering the shitshow I maneuvered through to even leave the building.”

He winced, realizing his mistake of leaving me to fend off the wild horde of reporters alone. “Sorry.But it wouldn’t be a surprise if I told you. Come on. It’s already waiting for us.“ He smiled, leaning down to kiss me.

Mateo drove us to his house. He patted my thigh twice and glanced over. “So, Kyle?” he asked with raised eyebrows.

“Yep.” A surprising whiff of unease settled in my stomach. My eyes shifted toward my hands, anxiously fiddling with my clothes.

Noticing my nerves, Mateo reached over, giving one hand a gentle squeeze. “He apologized?”

“Yeah, and I feel bad for him. He thought he found someone who understood him better than Jeffrey… or me. But Ariel just used him for a story. I’m glad we’re done with the whole thing, though.”

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