Getting a call from Tanya was the last thing I expected. But my job never ends. I pick it up and jokingly state, “Hey, Tanya, to what do I owe this pleasure?”
“Luke, I think we have a problem.” Her tone cuts through me. It’s not one I’ve ever experienced personally, but I’ve witnessed it plenty with guys from the team. Shit, whatever this is, it must be directed at me personally. “Are you aware you’re making headlines on every news outlet, SportsCenter, and entertainment show?”
“What?” No fucking way. “Seriously? Give me a second. I have to pull up my laptop.” I stand and walk to the bedroom where my laptop is stored for our stay. “Hold on.”
It takes for fucking ever for it to boot up. Not being able to wait to find out for myself, I demand, “Give me the lowdown.”
Tanya sighs, clearly exasperated. “Are you by any chance dating Charlotte Ann, the New York Times best-selling romance author?”
“Uh… yeah. What’s going on?” Clearly confused with what Dani has to do anything.
“Did you or did you not pose for a photo of you exposing your abs earlier today at a romance convention?” she states as if I’m suddenly on trial.
“No… I… Fuck. I joked around, trying to demonstrate I wasn’t the cover model. But I didn’t think there’d been any photos.”
“Oh,” Tanya chortles, “there were definitely photos. You know better than this. In fact, they’ve gone viral.”
“When you say viral…” I trail off, trying to think of the ramifications.
“Let’s just say you’re the talk of the town. It’s apparently big news that Luke Leighton is no longer on the market. That is, if the rumors are true.”
“What the hell are you talking about? No one’s ever cared about who I’ve dated before. I’m the friggin coach, not a star player. I haven’t been in the spotlight since I was drafted my first year. You know that.”
“Luke,” Tanya chides. “Are you really this dense?”
I take a moment to calm myself when I reach my favorite news site. There I am, flashing a shit-eating grin across the page with Dani, or should I say Charlotte, at my side. Her arm is around my waist, and we’re posing with her newest release. That isn’t what infuriates me though. It’s the caption at the bottom of the photo. Leighton scores with New York Times bestseller.
“Luke, are you there?” I hear through the phone. My fist clenches at my side as I try to stay calm. I take a breath or two to steady my thoughts and control my sudden frustration.
“I’m here…” I mumble as I click on the next photo. It’s a similar pose but with a different caption. Are Luke Leighton’s bachelor days gone? But the next photo takes the cake. It’s of me lifting my shirt and holding Dani’s book, the caption reads, Is Luke Leighton leaving for modeling career?
“Jesus Christ. These people will stop at nothing to sell a story,” I mumble more to myself than to Tanya.
“Ah, I see you’ve gotten online. How do you want to roll this? I think we should get your side of the story out there, so we can put a rest to the rumors.”
How do I want to roll this? What the fuck am I supposed to say to that?
“Uh… I gotta ask,” Tanya asks sheepishly. “You’ve never been known to date or be a player, so is she the real deal or just something to pass the time?”
“Are you fucking kidding me?” I practically growl. “Since when did my private life become something you need to get out in front of?”
“Um… Luke, you are the head coach for the team that just won the championship. You’re also the youngest coach in history, and no offense, you’re attractive and most importantly, single. The minute the media sniffs out you’re dating anyone, it would be big news. Add the fact that you’re peddling books at a romance conference, and this story is spreading like wildfire.”
“What do I need to do?” I ask, realizing she’s right.
“Well,” she starts but hesitates. “Uh… this is personal, but how serious are you about this… Charlotte Ann?”
“I’m completely fucking serious,” I say before I give it any thought. Dani is everything to me. But she wanted her anonymity. Fuck, is this going to out her?
“Okay, then. I think this can wait until Monday, since we don’t play tomorrow. The story might blow over with it being game day. Let’s meet with Mike and Tony to all be on the same page, first thing.”
“Since when did the head coach’s personal life become a thing for PR to handle?” This is fucking ridiculous.
“Since he’s gone viral,” she deadpans. “I’ll see you Monday, Luke.”
Shaking my head, I can’t believe my life has come to this. I’m just about to say goodbye when Tanya pipes in, “Oh, and, Luke… if Charlotte is a pen name, you may want to warn her. I can’t see the media letting this go. Since she’s famous in her world, now that your paths have crossed, I doubt it will be kept a secret for long.”
“That’s what I was afraid of,” I mumble. Fuck. How could I be so careless? Her privacy is everything. How the hell am I going to tell her this?
“Good luck,” Tanya wishes me before getting off the phone.
After disconnecting the call, I take a moment to gather my thoughts. Leaning my head into my hands, I sit on the edge of the bed and sigh heavily. Dani and I are having the best weekend. How he fuck do I go out there and break this news to her?
Time to man up, Leighton. I sigh as I stand and walk to the door. She’s going to hate me. I’ve fucked up royally.