“If this were progress, I’d be worried. But it’s just your spite.” She watched Gerald disappear from her doorway.
Albert was right. The Empire was the key. How could she use that knowledge to keep the Monarchs in Brooklyn?
DeMarcus stared at Jaclyn’s bedroom ceiling. Shadows danced across its textured white surface as the traffic flowed sluggishly outside.
He flexed his left arm, drawing Jaclyn’s slender nude body closer to his side. He inhaled her soft lilac fragrance. DeMarcus wanted to hold on to her warmth and this moment for a just a while longer. Then he’d leave her bed to work on the Monarchs’ game plan for Tuesday’s home game against the Sacramento Kings. Jaclyn’s head rested on his shoulder. Her soft breaths stroked the side of his neck. Her smooth leg nestled between his. The bedsheets were still tangled around them. DeMarcus used his free arm to pull the comforter over Jaclyn’s shoulder to protect her from the February evening’s chill.
Jaclyn tangled her fingers in the hair on his chest. “I’m taking out a mortgage on my grandfather’s house.”
DeMarcus jerked his head toward her. “Why?”
“The Gandy brothers are selling the Empire. That’s one of the reasons they’re unwilling to extend our contract.”
“You’re mortgaging your home to buy the arena? Isn’t that drastic?”
Jaclyn rolled over to lie on her back. “The team is more important to me than this house.”
DeMarcus turned onto his side and propped himself on his left elbow. He looked down at her, missing her warmth, her touch. “Let me help you buy the arena.”
Jaclyn smiled up at him. “Thank you for the offer. But I think that would only complicate things. Besides, this is something I need to do for myself.”
DeMarcus knitted his brow. “It’s a big financial commitment. Have you thought this through?”
“Yes, I have.”
He stilled beside her. Cold air cut into the space between them. “When did you talk to the Gandy brothers?”
“Three months ago—before Thanksgiving. They said the Empire looked more attractive to prospective buyers without the Monarchs on their books.”
DeMarcus’s brows flew upward. “You found out about this months ago, but you’re only telling me now?”
Jaclyn frowned. “What’s wrong?”
“Why did you wait so long to share with me something this important to you?”
Jaclyn still looked confused. “I didn’t want you to worry about the Empire. You have enough on your mind trying to take the team to the play-offs.”
DeMarcus rolled out of bed and paced the room. With his spiking temper, he was barely aware of the chill wrapping around his naked body or the plush carpet beneath his bare feet. “So I’m good enough to coach your team and good enough to take to your bed, but I’m not good enough to discuss what’s important to you.”
“That’s not what I meant at all.” Jaclyn sat up, shielding her breasts with the black and silver abstract comforter. Her lips parted in shock. “You matter to me. A lot. I guess our relationship is more complicated than I’d thought.”
“I guess it is.” The stricken expression in her eyes hurt him. DeMarcus looked away.
“I’m sorry, Marc. I never meant to hurt you.”
“I know. Just, please, don’t shut me out of your life again. Any part of it.”
“I promise.”
He heard the smile in her voice and faced her again. “Will mortgaging your home give you enough money to buy the Empire?”
Jaclyn sobered. “No. I’ll have to sell some of my stock portfolio.”
DeMarcus studied Jaclyn’s expression. Her thoughts had transported her out of the room. Where was she? She looked determined, like a champion preparing for the finals. “Is it worth it? Is this what your grandfather would have wanted?”
Jaclyn started. “I don’t know. But it’s what I want. Once I own the Empire, Gerry won’t have the money to break the arena contract and move the team.”
“But is it worth mortgaging your home?”