Page 41 of Love Blitz

The whole time I felt Jenna’s eyes boring a hole into my forehead. Maybe she expected me to stake claims to Angelo, or pronounce he wasmy man.But I didn’t have that right. Not yet anyway.

When Ms. Ward was out of the chair, and before I could make it to my office, Jenna reached for my forearm. “Okay, Dr. Hayes.” She eyed me. “I know I told you not to spread your business. But you didn’t want to let her know that man is spoken for?”

“I mean.” I laughed. “Not really. Because what does that look like? I can’t deny he’s fine. Who am I to deny her the right to do the same?”

She smirked. “Hmm… If I were you, I’d have my claws dug down into that man so deep.”

“You would?” I laughed at the look on her face that told me she absolutely would. “I’ll keep that in mind next time someone tells me he’s fine.”

I walked to my office and grabbed my phone. More than staking claims on the man, I wanted to do something else to him. More than anything, I didn’t want him to fumble his opportunity. I did want to congratulate him though. He deserved that much.

Gigi: What’s your favorite snack?

I pulled my coat off and hung it behind the door. With my purse in hand, I made my way to the closest grocery store and prayed I’d have a reply by the time I arrived.

I smiled when my phone dinged as I pulled into the grocery store parking lot.

Angelo: Gigi pie.

Laughing, I climbed out of my car and walked inside. I found the Little Debbie snack cakes and stood beside them, snapping a picture to send to him. “And what else?”

My phone vibrated, this time he was calling. “Make sure to snatch up that last Gigi pie, it’s not available for anyone else.” His deep voice rattled my spine.

“What else onthe shelvesdo you enjoy?”

He wasn’t amused by the change of direction, and answered, “I mean, those oatmeal cream pies are good too.” He chuckled, “Might have to try eating one from your body.”

I swiped up a box of pies from the shelf and said, “I’ll keep a few around the house.”

“That’s a bet.” Then he said, “Damn, I wish I could make it over there tonight.” He groaned.

“Are you leaving now?” We usually talked until he got to the hotel.

I could hear the exhaustion in his voice as he said, “Yeah.”

“How was practice?” I made my way to the register, then back to my car as he explained different plays. I never told him I had no idea what he was talking about. I listened with enthusiasm as I imagined him on the field.

“The team is starting to come together.” He said, “Think by the first game we’ll be in sync.”

I drove across the city, hoping I’d reach the hotel before he did. I kept him talking but listened harder for the moment he thanked the valet. Still hadn’t happened yet. I parked my car and made my way into the lobby. By the time he arrived, thanked the valet, I held my breath and waited inside the doors.

He walked through. And I said, “Congratulations,” into the phone, but his eyes met mine.

“You’re here?” He looked down at the pies in my hand. “With these?”

I nodded. “I am.” I wrapped my arms around his neck and said, “I saw you on TV today. Didn’t realize you were taking the number one spot.”

His eyes left mine. “I didn’t want to tell you in case something changed.”

I slapped his arm. “For now, we celebrate. This is big.”

He nodded. “Huge.”

I stood on my tippy toes and leaned into his ear. “Given the opportunity, you are going to be amazing.”

“Man, what I wouldn’t do to eat these off you right now.”

I reminded him, “Don’t forget, you still stay in a hotel.” I snickered. “And this is the lobby.” I eased out of his arms and said, “Besides, I didn’t come here for that. I wanted you to know I’m proud of you and want you to do well.”

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