Rennen kept his eyes fixed on Ariana who was climbing like a cat up the wall. When they arrived at the climbing wall, he and Ariana changed into athletic clothes. Ariana had her own climbing shoes, but Rennen rented a pair. Rennen tightened his grip on the rope as he pulled down. Ariana climbed so quickly that it was a challenge to keep the slack out of the rope as he belayed her. Rennen wasn’t an expert at climbing but he’d done it enough to know that the key to belaying was to make sure the rope stayed taut, so the harness would catch the climber in the event of a fall. Of course, with Ariana that was unlikely. She could’ve climbed without the harness and been just fine.

Rennen marveled that someone so petite could be so tough and feisty. Ariana had been shocked and outraged when she realized her date was with him. And yet, he’d caught the longing in her eyes when he invited her to go with him to Austin. Ariana was definitely battling some demons where he and Ace were concerned. Rennen liked Ace and hadn’t set out to do him harm. When Rennen was traded to the Titans, he felt honored to play second string to such a great player, never dreaming that he’d get the opportunity to take Ace’s place. From what Rennen could tell, Ace seemed level-headed—a realist who understood the nature of the game. Sure it was awkward for Rennen and Ariana to be together, considering the circumstance, but life rarely worked out neatly. It was hard and messy and you just had to keep fighting your way through it to get to the top. And then when you reached the top, it still wasn’t over. Because then you had to fight tooth and nail to stay there.

Everything Rennen had told Ariana earlier about the NFL was true. His neck was on the chopping block and the axe would fall if he couldn’t perform. Monroe, his agent, had fought for as much up-front money as they could get. But like many contracts with unknown players, Rennen’s two-year contract was predominantly performance based. Which is why he needed to remain focused on his training rather than getting too caught up in his feelings for Ariana. He sighed. Who was he kidding? Ariana was all he could think about. He’d not planned on inviting her to Austin, mostly because he knew he didn’t have a prayer of her going. Still, the words had come out. And now, he was hopeful that she might actually go. He would love to show her off to the Boyds, get Warren’s take on her. Ariana was warming up to Rennen, slowly but surely. He’d nearly wet his pants when she linked her fingers through his at the restaurant, but he acted like it was no big deal because he didn’t want to scare her away.

Rennen wondered if he should pay Ace a visit. Once Ace realized how much Rennen cared about his sister, he was sure to come around. It was crazy how hard and fast Rennen had fallen for Ariana. Aside from her stunning beauty and feisty nature, she was a good person … loyal to those she loved. And loyalty was everything to Rennen. Plus, she wasn’t some cleat chaser after Rennen for his status or money. Rennen had lost count of the number of girls that had only been after him because he was an NFL Player. He couldn’t help but chuckle at the irony. His football status was what was keeping Ariana from him.

Ariana reached the top and rappelled down. Rennen glanced over and noticed two twenty-something girls giving him the eye from across the room. When they realized he’d noticed them, they smiled and waved. He could tell from the looks on their faces that they recognized him. Sheesh. He wasn’t used to all the attention. It was getting old … fast! He gave them a courtesy nod, then turned back to Ariana.

Her dark eyes sparked mischief as she laughed, casting a glance toward the girls. “The minute I leave your side, you get a collection of women falling at your feet.” Casually, she touched his arm, the warmth from her fingertips seeping into his skin.

He leaned in, wiggling his eyebrows. “Then maybe you should never leave my side.”

An impish grin tugged at her lips. “Maybe.”

Was she saying what he thought she was? A thrill shot through him as his eyes held hers. “That was some climbing. Is there anything you can’t do?”

She wrinkled her nose. “Well, according to my mom, I’m not the greatest at making tamales or tortillas.”

He laughed. “I suppose it wouldn’t be fair for one woman to have all of the talents.”

She shook her head. “You’re quite the charmer, Goldie Locks.” She touched one of his curls, then blinked like she’d realized what she’d done. Her hand dropped down by her side as she looked up the length of the wall. “Your turn.”

He grimaced. “After your flawless climb?” He shook his head. “I’m afraid I may never hear the end of the teasing after you see how bad I am at climbing.”

“It’s okay. I’ll give you a free pass since it’s your birthday. I won’t be too critical of you.”

He laughed. “Too critical, huh?”

She winked. “Yeah.” She motioned with her head. “Go for it, big guy. Vamanos.”

“I hear ya.” He dipped his hands in chalk and rubbed them together. His pulse drummed against his neck, and he felt like he did right before the kick-off at the beginning of a game. He looked up the wall. The top seemed impossibly far away. He reached for the knobs at his eye level and used his arms to heave himself up.

“Remember,” Ariana said, “you don’t pull with your hands, but push with your feet.”

“Oh, yeah. Thanks,” he mumbled offhandedly. He’d forgotten that little tidbit of information. But Ariana was right. It was much easier to push with his legs. And as it happened, his legs were used to carrying the brunt of the work. Once Rennen got past the first few handholds, he got in a good rhythm. He was pleasantly surprised at how easy it was to ascend the wall. He’d not climbed since high school, but it was like riding a bike. It all came flooding back. He reached the top in record time. When he rappelled back down and his feet touched the ground, he felt a burst of pride when he saw the look of admiration in Ariana’s eyes.

“Bad at climbing, huh?” she mused. She clucked her tongue. “Tell me, Rennen Bradley. Is there anything you can’t do?”

He loved the playful glint in her eyes. “Tamales and tortillas. I’m terrible at making those.” He stepped out of the harness and handed it to the teenage boy, manning the wall. “Thanks.”

The guy nodded, turning his attention to the next person in line.

Ariana’s eyes rounded as she laughed. “You’re terrible.” She gave him a playful shove.

“Hey now,” he growled. He tried to grab her arm, but she darted out of his reach. “You’re quick.” He chuckled. “But not quick enough.” He caught her, encircling her waist with his arm. A broad smile split his lips. “I’ve got you now,” he murmured, looking into her eyes.

She laughed. “Yes, you do. What now?”

He began to sway. “Well, we could dance.”

She wrinkled her nose. “Here, in the middle of the climbing gym?”

“Why not?”

She threw back her head, adventure twinkling in her deep chocolate eyes. “Yeah, why not.”

He leaned down. “Or I could just kiss you.”

Her eyes widened, and he feared he’d pushed her too far. But then she smiled. “Why don’t you?”

He jerked slightly, happiness tumbling through him. He didn’t have to be asked twice. He leaned in and gave her a slow, searching kiss. A tender ache swept over him as he drank her in. He got the feeling that he could never get enough of her. She responded by slipping her arms around his neck and threading her fingers through his hair. When they pulled away, Ariana glanced around, her cheeks flaming.

“I’m sure we’re causing quite a spectacle,” she said with a half-laugh.

“Yeah, I guess so.” Rennen didn’t care. All he cared about was the woman standing in front of him—part warrior, part fairy. Tender, yet tough. All he knew in this moment was that Ariana Sanchez was consuming every last inch of him. “Go with me to Austin,” he implored.

“Okay.”

He swallowed. Had he heard her correctly? He searched her face, saw her hesitation, felt her longing. “You will?”

The hesitation gave way to certainty as she smiled, sending a beam of sunlight shooting into his heart. “Yes.”

A feeling of exultation sang through to his toes and he felt like he could fly. He didn’t try to hide the Texas-sized grin that spilled over his lips. “I’m crazy about you, Ariana,” he said softly.

“I’m crazy about you too,” she admitted.

He let out a whoop and picked her up, spinning her around.

A rich and lusty unbridled laugh sounded in her throat, sending his heart soaring.

“You’re gonna love Austin. And the other surprise I have in store for you.”

Interest lit her eyes, making her look like a young girl. “Surprise? What kind of surprise?”

He pumped his eyebrows. “Oh, no. I can’t tell you that. You’ll have to wait and see.”

She chuckled. “All right.” She studied his face. “Dinner … climbing … what’s next, birthday boy?”

He grinned. “I thought we’d take Red for a spin, let her stretch her legs a little. Whaddaya say? You game?”

Her eyes danced. “My mama warned me about guys like you. Fast cars … fast guys.” She clucked her tongue. “Hmm … what’s a girl to do?” She cocked her head. “I’ll go under one condition.”

“Oh, yeah? What’s that?”

A smile broke over her face. “I get to drive.”

“I think we can arrange that,” he laughed.

* * *

Ariana threw back the covers and dragged herself out of bed. She needed a very large and very strong cup of coffee. She padded to the kitchen, stifling a yawn. After she and Rennen took his car for a spin, they went dancing at the karaoke club until two in the morning. She’d fallen asleep the minute her head hit the pillow, drifting off to a blissful slumber, secure in the knowledge that she and Rennen would find a way to be together. In the cold light of day, however, things weren’t so clear.

A trickle of anxiety ran down her spine, but she pushed it away. Her mind ran back through the events of the night before. One minute, she and Rennen were joking around. He was trying to catch her and she darted out of his reach. The next minute, his arms were around her, and they were kissing. She’d lost all reason at that point, promising him she’d go to Austin. Her hand went to her mouth. She could still feel the burn from Rennen’s lips. No doubt she was crazy about him. Maybe even loved him, a little. Last night was magical.

When the coffee was done, she poured herself a cup and took a long sip. She’d have to find a way to break the news to Ace. Surely he’d understand. Ace was so madly in love with Silver he couldn’t see straight. He’d pursued Silver despite all the obstacles that were against them. He’d understand that she felt the same way about Rennen … wouldn’t he? She needed to talk to Ace today, before things got too far out of control.

She wrapped her fingers around the coffee mug appreciating the warmth, as she sat down at the table. She heard her phone ringing from her bedroom. Oh, well. She’d let it go to voicemail. It was good to just sit here and relax. She tucked a leg underneath her as she lifted the mug to her lips and took another drink. How in the heck was she going to explain this to Ace? Her phone rang again. She ignored it, running the hypothetical conversation through her mind. Like Rennen said, Ace knew the stakes … knew that his time in the NFL would eventually come to an end. If Rennen hadn’t taken his place, someone else would have.

She let out a deflated breath. Even in her own ears, her defense came out flat. She felt like such a traitor. Could she really follow her heart at the expense of her brother? It was so unfair to be put in his situation. In fact, it made her fighting mad. She scowled, taking another swig of coffee. She’d tried to resist Rennen—put up a good fight. But she couldn’t deny her feelings for him. No one had ever made her feel this way before. At first, she’d chalked the whole thing up to an intense attraction. But that was only the tip of the iceberg. Her phone rang again. The caller wasn’t giving up. She hurried to her bedroom and grabbed the phone from her dresser. It was her mother.

“Hello?” she answered the instant before the call dropped.

“Ariana, where’ve you been? I’ve been calling all morning.”

Ariana’s head throbbed dully across the bridge of her nose. “I slept in.” She sat down on the edge of the bed, running a hand through her hair. She needed to shower and get ready. Thankfully, she didn’t have to teach any classes today, but she still needed to stop by the gym to check on everything. Poor Rennen had training this morning. She could only imagine how tired he must be. She smiled thinking of how he’d pouted a little when he told her how early he’d have to get up this morning. She’d rubbed it in, saying that she could sleep in.

“You and that NFL player are all over the news.”

Ariana’s heart jumped in her throat. “What?”

Her mom’s mouth started going a mile a minute. “Que pasa with you and that chico? How could you do this to Ace? Increíble! I never thought I’d see the day when my own hija would throw her hermano under the bus. Aye, yai, yai.” She let out several long strings of English and Spanish curses mixed together.

Ariana stumbled to her feet, her mind spinning. “Where’s the article?” she barked. She grabbed her laptop and slumped back down on the bed.

“The Dallas Star.”

She opened the computer, her fingers flying over the keyboard as she went to the newspaper website. Her heart sank. There it was, the first article. A picture of her and Rennen, lips locked at the climbing gym. Tears stung her eyes as she read the headline, The Ghost Takes It All. She skimmed through the article, a venomous fire simmering in her veins.

“Rennen Bradley, A.K.A. the Ghost didn’t stop at taking Ace Sanchez’s spot on team, he’s going for his sister as well. What’s next? Ace’s palatial home in The Reserve?”

“W-hat?” she spat. “The Reserve? Really?” Hot prickles covered Ariana and she had the surreal feeling of being separate from her body, watching the scene unfold from a distance.

There were several pictures of her and Rennen. Photos of them getting in Rennen’s car. Photos at the karaoke club. The end of the article talked about their upcoming rematch, with the reporter speculating that the whole thing was a big publicity stunt cooked up by James Knight to take attention away from his daughter and team trainer Hailey Knight and her marriage to Brady Giles, new Titan cornerback who transferred from New England.

Ariana realized her mother was speaking. “Why did you go out with him?” Her voice escalated. “Kiss him? I thought you were gonna stay away from him.”

The accusations cut holes in Ariana’s heart as a wave of nausea pummeled over her. She’d been so stupid and naïve to think she and Rennen could somehow work this out. “Mom,” she croaked. “I’ve gotta let you go.”

Fabiana belted out a few more paragraphs, but Ariana couldn’t process a word of it.

“I’ll talk to you later,” she said, ending the call in the middle of Fabiana’s sentence.

Ariana sat on the bed, looking straight ahead. A curious numbness settled over her and then came the waterfall of hurt. Her face caved as she gave way to the sobs rising in her chest. She curled up on her bed and let the grief overtake her.