Page 83 of Full Court Press

I want to see you. Dinner tomorrow night?

947-333-2223:

I’ll be in NY. I’ll be back on Tuesday. We can link then.

“New York. Hmm,” I said aloud.

Me:

Sounds good. I’ll see you then.

He hearted my message, then I went online to see what time they were playing the New York Guardians tomorrow. I then contacted my source to find out what time Khalil would be arriving tomorrow and what hotel he’d be staying in.

The phone rang four times before he finally picked up.

“Ms. Piper. What you need now, ma’am?” Aaron, the VP of the Detroit Vipers asked as I chuckled. I met Aaron when I transferred to Saginaw Valley State University. He was one of the many people I’d met who quickly became my favorite person. When I learned that he’d become the vice president of the prominent Detroit Vipers, I knew I would be able to get the scoop on my estranged husband whenever I needed it. I hadn’t needed it until recently, so I was finally utilizing my source.

“Don’t do me like that, Aaron. You know we go way back.”

“Yeah, yeah. After that stunt you pulled at the game, you got the people talking. It’s gon’ cost you this time.” We laughed.

“You know money ain’t a thang over here, sir. Name ya price.”

“It ain’t monetary, sis. I need you to hook me up with your sister.”

“Done.”

“Just like that, huh?”

“Trust me. Shina loves a good front-row seat to a Vipers game.”

“Bet. What you need? I got you.”

“Khalil’s itinerary for tomorrow. I need information on the hotel he’s staying in and his flight departure.”

He sighed. “You’re playing with fire, sis. I don’t know why you’re going so hard for him, but I know you don’t do shit without good intentions. I’ll have that for you before the end of the night.”

“Thank you, bookie. You’re the best. I’ll be sure to set that date up with you and Shina as well.”

“You got it, love.”

“Byyee.” We hung up as another smile crept on my face. His little fiancée may as well move out of the way. There was only room for one queen, and this time, I wasn’t giving up without a fight.

New York City

Butterflies swarmed in my stomach as I waited for Khalil to enter the presidential suite of the Waldorf Astoria hotel. Since I knew discretion was a must for him now, I set everything up inside his room so we wouldn’t have to leave.

Khalil was a simple man—sometimes. When I learned that he only had a regular room here, I had Aaron switch his hotel, and I paid for the upgrade, hired the fashion designers, Leslie Gianni and Kamilla Moring, and they had their team deliver a rack of clothes each, then ordered the best champagne and dinner for when he was ready to eat. I had two more surprises that I was hoping would get me out of the cat house and possibly some dick by the end of the night.

I poured two glasses of champagne and sat outside on the terrace to enjoy the night’s breeze. Just looking out over the city made me feel as though blowing a bag on him could work. If not, then I’d cut my losses and set him free because I was all out of options.

Moments went by before I heard voices, then the door opened. Khalil and Isaiah entered, and I saw him pause, seeing the setup I’d done for him.

I wasn’t expecting Isaiah to be with him.

Shit.

I moved over some so they wouldn’t be able to see me. I was hoping Isaiah would hurry up and leave because I didn’t want him to know I was here and blow our cover.