Free TAMING THE BEAST: An Alpha Male by Olivia Cox Page B

couldn't help it.”
    “You feel that strongly for him?”
    She nodded. “Yeah. Yeah, I do.”
    He reached over and patted her on the knee. “Well, then. You make sure to keep a hold of him then. No use getting into such a mess over a man if you let him get away.”
     
    * * *
     

A few weeks passed without any word about Jake's suspension. Jake and Chanise continued seeing each other each week, and they even had dinner one night with Chanise's father, making Chanise feel like maybe her dad actually approved of the relationship. Some nights, Jake came over to Chanise's apartment and spent time with her and Deena. He even brought some Pixar videos with him when he visited so that they could all do a movie night together with something Deena would enjoy. Other nights, Deena spent the night with her Grandpa so that Jake and Chanise could get some much-needed alone time together.
    One night, when Chanise arrived at Jake's place for a private dinner date, he greeted her at the door with a bottle of champagne in his hand. “Great news, babe,” he said, popping the cork. Foam poured out of the tip of the bottle, spilling all over the hardwood floors.
    Chanise stepped back to avoid getting any champagne on her dress. “Careful with that, sweetie,” she said.
    “Oops.” Jake set the champagne bottle down on the coffee table, then ran into the kitchen to get some towels. He came back and knelt down, sopping up the champagne. “But like I was saying, great news.”
    “Is it about your suspension?”
    Jake looked up at her and grinned. “I just got the official notice today. I'm off suspension. I'll be able to start playing again by mid-season.”
    “Oh, that's wonderful.”
    Jake rose to his feet and she gave him a hug, squeezing him tight. “I'm sorry about almost getting you into more trouble,” Chanise said.
    “Nah, it's okay,” Jake said. He tossed the towel into the kitchen, barely getting it to land on the kitchen table. “I was the one who went after you, even when I knew it could get me into trouble. I knew what I was doing.”
    He poured the champagne and they sat on the couch together, sharing a toast. “So, what now?” Chanise asked.
    “What do you mean?”
    “I mean, you've got your career back,” Chanise said. “But what about the rest of it? What about us?”
    “What about us?” Jake asked. “I mean, I thought everything was going great.”
    “Is that enough for you?” She frowned at him, toying with the stem of her champagne glass. “Just to be dating, and having things going great?”
    “Do you want something more?” Jake set down his champagne glass, giving her a serious look.
    “Eventually, yes. I'm not asking you for a proposal. But I want to know where this relationship is heading. I've got my daughter to consider.”
    “And Deena's great,” Jake said. “I love her. She's an awesome kid.”
    “She's a kid who needs stability in her life. I need to make sure I can provide that for her.”
    “Well, I've been thinking about that,” Jake said.
    “You have?” Chanise's eyebrows rose.
    “Yeah, sort of. I mean, about us, and all. I've been thinking that maybe I should look into getting a place outside the city. I mean, living in the city is great and all. It's an amazing view.” He gestured to the floor to ceiling windows that looked out over the city. “But it's not really the best place for settling down or anything. Not that I'm ready to settle down yet, exactly. Just, you know, I want to get myself into that place. Where I'm ready to.”
    “So you want to move?” Chanise frowned, not sure where he was going with this.
    “Yeah. And I was thinking.” He took her hands in his, looking deep into her eyes. “I was thinking, maybe if I move, maybe you could move, too. With me, I mean. Move in with me.”
    Chanise froze, her hands trembling. “Are you serious? Is that what you want?”
    “Yeah. And then down the line, who knows.” He smirked, giving a little shrug. “It's