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CHAPTER11
BLAKE
The day had started with a sense of anticipation, but it quickly turned into frustration. Clark hadn't replied to my text—which I guess was a good thing. But I’d also remembered that Ari and I still hadn’t exchanged numbers.
I could still feel him between my legs. I’d cheated on Clark with him.
And I didn’t have his freaking number.
So I may have been panicking this morning.
Charlotte's untimely entrance into our apartment only added to my stress. She stumbled in, disheveled and clearly nursing a hangover from last night's escapades with Soto. I sighed as she barged into my room, holding her phone up like a prized possession.
"Blake, you won't believe what I found," she slurred, thrusting her phone into my face.
I squinted at the screen, trying to make sense of the images she was showing me. At first glance, it appeared to be Ari, my Ari, with a beautiful brunette. Panic washed over me, and I could feel my heart racing. I examined the photo closer, trying not to spiral.
"Charlotte, wait," I said, a slight tremble in my voice. "Look at his hair. It's shorter, right? These pictures aren't recent, are they?"
Charlotte blinked at me, her alcohol-addled brain working in slow motion. She squinted at the phone screen, her brow furrowing. "You're right," she mumbled, her enthusiasm deflating. "I guess they're old photos."
I let out a shaky breath, relieved that my worst fears hadn't been realized. But Charlotte's little stunt had brought something else to the forefront of my mind—the fact that Ari was a famous hockey player.
I was used to powerful men—New York was full of them. Clark was one of them. Most of the women I knew were in relationships where they were required to turn a blind eye to what those men were doing. I hadn’t heard anything that said Thomas and Maura had that kind of arrangement.
But it wouldn’t have surprised me.
An NHL superstar would have even more options than those men. Was Ari like that? Would I be enough for him?
It felt like I’d never been enough for anyone.
And now that the chase was done, and he’d caught his prize…would he lose interest?
Or did I deserve something like that happening to me after what I’d done last night?
After Charlotte stumbled out of my room, I couldn't resist the urge to do some googling. I typed in Ari's name, and my screen was flooded with images of him, always surrounded by an entourage of women. Beautiful, glamorous women who smiled at him as if he were a prize to be won.
I clicked on an article that featured a series of photos of Ari at various events and gatherings. Each picture showed him with a different woman on his arm. They clung to him, obviously well aware they were holding something special. He looked every bit the charming, charismatic athlete that fans adored.
Another picture had the headline:Ari Lancaster's Annual Gala Raises Record-Breaking Funds for Lost Children Organization. In the picture, he was a wet dream in a perfectly fitted tuxedo. I clicked on the article.
Dallas, TX —In a dazzling evening that left attendees spellbound, Ari Lancaster, the celebrated star defenseman of the Dallas Knights, hosted his renowned annual gala to benefit the Lost Children Organization. The event, now in its fourth year, proved to be an extravagant affair that captivated Dallas' elite while breaking previous fundraising records for the charity.
The Lost Children Organization, dedicated to assisting and rehabilitating homeless and at-risk youth, has long been close to Lancaster's heart. Every year, he leverages his star power to gather support and resources for this noble cause. The gala, held at the opulent Grand Dallas Ballroom, saw an impressive turnout of Dallas' most influential figures, philanthropists, and celebrities…
Rehabilitating the homeless and at-risk youth? Why was that close to Ari’s heart? I mean, it was a good cause for anyone to have. But there were a lot of good causes out there. I would know. I’d attended charities for about a million of them.
A thought flickered in my head. But it still seemed so crazy. There was no way…the world was too big.
Shaking my head, I closed the computer and started to get ready for work. I needed to stop stalking Ari and being a stage 5 clinger. If he was really serious about what he’d said last night…I guess he’d stop by at some point.
Either way, everything would be fine.
It was a promise I made myself.
I just wasn’t sure I believed it.
* * *
