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“You got it.”
He pressed his warm lips to the exposed sensitive skin between my neck and shoulder. A pleasurable shiver rolled through me. My heart vibrated with longing.
“Good night.”
I bit back words I shouldn’t feel and couldn’t say. But I knew in my heart what this was. My parents had modeled it. Love—even in its early stages—was recognizable. The way just looking at Champion made my heart quicken. The way he made me feel like my strength and survival was what mattered. That I could be the best version of myself, despite my losses.
• • •
I didn’t sleep. I should have, but I gave myself the gift of the last few hours before the morning to savor Champion, his heat, his pine, leather, and mint scent. Us.
As the first hint of dawn arrived, I began the withdrawal process. I loosened my fingers and slipped my hand from his.
I waited a few beats to see if he would wake. He didn’t. Tears building behind my eyes, I scooted my body away from the gravitational force of his.
I climbed out of the bed without disturbing him. Quietly and quickly, I moved around the unfamiliar room, gathering my things. I ducked into the bathroom to get my purse. I didn’t look at him as I crossed the floor and headed to the door. I couldn’t look back and do what I must.
Once I was downstairs, I breathed a little easier, though my chest continued to hurt. I sat on a chair at his dining nook that overlooked his backyard. My lower lip between my teeth, I fought the urge to cry and the desire to go back upstairs. I couldn’t have one last look or sex one more time like I’d practically begged for.
Stop it, E.
I ground my teeth together. Now wasn’t about giving in to temptation. It was about doing what I needed to.
Day by day, hour by hour, breathe in and breathe out, with me in my rightful place on one side of the wall and everyone else on the other side. Even Ally, though she got more glimpses than most. That was my life with dance, my only allowable solace.
Getting myself reoriented, I put on my socks and zipped up the half boots that I had carried downstairs. I went to the kitchen. Finding a pad of paper and a pen by his phone, I leaned against the counter and wrote him a note.
Dear Champion,
I’m glad you chased and caught me, so glad that we had time together in Saint Croix. I don’t regret that we extended that fantasy a little longer here, but it was never meant to be more than it was. It’s time for me to return to my reality and you to yours. But please know, I’ll never forget you or what we shared.
Your Saint Croix Girl always,
Electra
Swiping the wetness from my cheeks, I stood, turned, and jumped backward. So did the woman in the fancy navy suit that I’d almost knocked her over.
“Who the hell are you?” she asked, her long ponytail whipping her shoulders as she gave me a once-over.
“I’m Electra.” I threw back my shoulders and adjusted my purse strap. The way this woman’s stunning features were pinched, it was obvious she found me lacking. “Who the hell are you?”
“I’m Twila Knight.” Her chin went up and she looked down her perfect little nose at me. “I’m Champion’s agent. What the hell kind of name is Electra? Sounds like a stripper.” Her gaze sharpened when I stiffened. “You are a stripper. You work at Fantasy. You’re one of Mercedes’ girls.” She made stripper sound like hooker.
“I’m not a girl.” I stamped a hand to my hip. “And I don’t belong to Mercedes. I work for her.”
“You’re in his house first thing in the morning.” She acted like what I said didn’t matter ... like I didn’t. “You slept with him.” She sucked in a disdainful sniff. “You’re a groupie.”
I knew who he was, and I slept with him. I was a groupie.
Her observation hit me hard. Maybe it was all just a one-sided fantasy.
Twila was his agent. She had a role in Champion’s life, negotiating his two hundred-million-dollar contract, plus endorsements of at least that much. She had a key to his house. She wore clothing that cost more than the tips I’d made last night. She belonged in his world. I didn’t.
“What I am or what I do is none of your business,” I said just as my phone dinged. Thankfully. “That’s my ride.”
I hoped it was my ride. I’d texted Ally before writing the note. Gathering what remained of my dignity, I tossed the end of my scarf behind me and brushed by Twila on my way toward the door.
“He still upstairs?” she asked, and I froze with my hand on the handle. Twila seemed very familiar with the layout of Champion’s house.
