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“Simon lives far from town,” I said.
“Yeah.” Champion had a tight grip on the steering wheel. Traffic inside the city limits had been intense. “As soon as the season ends, he heads out to his country estate.”
“Does he have more than one estate?”
“Oh yeah.” Champion nodded. “Perks of being a multibillionaire.”
“I guess so.” I glanced out the window as he slowed to exit the freeway. “This reminds me of the panhandle. Only without the wind turbines.”
“Do you like it?” he asked. “Living in Dallas?”
“I like it okay,” I said and glanced back at him. “But I like it much better now with you.”
He slowly smiled. The curve of his lips made my own tug upward as if our amusement was connected by a string. “Are you nervous about meeting with Simon?” I asked, wondering why Champion wanted me with him.
“Not really.” He glanced in my direction.
“Are you worried about the press conference?” Was he having second thoughts about announcing to the world that he had a daughter and was involved with a stripper?
“I want everyone to know about Ally and how I feel about you.” He eliminated that concern as if he could read my mind. “But I am nervous about the first planned bit before the press conference.”
“What first bit?” My gaze narrowed.
“I have something planned. A surprise.”
He snagged my hand. Not looking at me, he kissed my knuckles. A warm shiver rolled through me as he intertwined our fingers and set my hand to rest on the center console with his.
“What kind of surprise?” I asked.
“It wouldn’t be a surprise if I told you,” he murmured evasively.
“Champion ...”
“Electra.” He braked the Navigator at a four-way stop that had no other cars and glanced at me. “I’m not going to tell you.” His blue eyes flashed with his stubbornness. “Let’s talk about something else.”
“Okay.” I pressed my lips into thin line.
“I’m not worried about meeting with Simon,” he said, filling the sudden silence with an admission that piqued my curiosity. “But I have concerns. Ones I was hoping to discuss with you. I value your opinion.”
“Oh.” My displeasure receded like a wave from the shore. “What are you concerned about?”
“Mainly how he’ll react when he presses me again, and I confirm that I want to retire.” Slowing the vehicle, Champion glanced at me, his expression inquisitive. “It’s something I’ve given a great deal of thought to, especially lately.”
“But you love playing football.” I threw that out there as a reminder I thought he shouldn’t need, since to me it was obvious that he was as passionate about football as I was about dance.
“It’s something I’m good at,” he said in a neutral tone. “And I currently have an exceptional supportive cast around me.”
“Like Zack?” I asked.
“Yes.” He nodded. His phone rang over the Bluetooth, and we both glanced at the display on the dash. It said ... Dr. Booth calling.
“Should you answer that?” I asked when it rang a second time and he didn’t accept the call.
“Yeah.” He frowned. “I had some tests done. An MRI. I guess I’m a little worried about the results.”
I covered his hand where it rested on the center console with my own and squeezed. “I love you, Champion.”
I swallowed hard. I’d just found him. Just let down the wall. Taken a risk.
