“I’m sorry.” His deep voice brought her back to the present. “I get it. Well kind of. It’s not exactly the same, but my whole life, when people hear athlete, they tend to automatically think ‘dumb jock,’ even some of the coaches, who regard us as muscled game pieces they can move around at will on the chessboard known as the football field. I got a degree in business admin even though my college coaches didn’t want me to.”
“What did they want you to major in?” Yes, she was happy to move on, but mostly, she wanted every piece of info she could about him. She wanted to know everything. She wanted to know him.
He lifted his wide shoulders. “Basket weaving. I don’t know. Whatever wouldn’t take away from my focus on the field. Business economics requires a much too strenuous workload for student-athletes.”
Jada harrumphed. “Student-athletes? Seem like they didn’t care too much about the student part of that phrase.”
“Nope. That’s not what they’re paid to care about. It wouldn’t have been so bad if one of my coaches hadn’t told me he didn’t think I was smart enough to pass the classes.”
Her jaw dropped. “Are you serious?”
“Oh, yeah. His so-called concern backfired. I became even more determined to be a business major.”
Jada nodded. “People judging and underestimating you. I totally understand that.”
She met his eyes. He did understand what she’d gone through. Warmth spread from her heart through her veins.
“I know you do, and I appreciate it. Seriously though, it’s hard, I know, but try not to let your parents get into your head or stay there.”
“Thanks. And not that it matters, but I know you’re not dumb. No one is. You are a little uptight.” She wrinkled her nose. “A lot uptight.”
Donovan chuckled as he pulled up to a red light. “You’re right.”
Jada perked up. “I am?”
“Yes, about no one being dumb. But that’s not all. You’re also impulsive. A lot impulsive, actually. A regular troublemaker who creates mayhem wherever you go.”
He didn’t say it like he was annoyed by that fact. He sounded almost okay with her state of being. Dare she say he sounded almost … impressed? She grinned. “Thank you.”
He raised his hand for a high five. With a laugh, she slapped palms with him and did her best to ignore the zap of electricity that traveled up her arm.
* * *
“If it isn’t the conquering hero and heroine returning,” Nicholas called out when Jada and Donovan stepped into the shop.
“You’re ridiculous,” Donovan said, shaking his head.
“I’m right.” Nicholas spread his arms wide. “Most of the people here saw the lovebirds on Good Day, San Diego and came to see y’all in person. Or at least that’s the word on the street.”
And since Nicholas was the head gossip, Donovan didn’t doubt the veracity of his statement.
“Y’all did a great job,” Ella said. “Everyone’s been asking when you would get back. I think it’s going to be a selfie parade.”
Jada looked slightly panicked, like she was having a hard time believing the customers had actually come in peace.
Right. “Before we do that, Jada, can I talk to you for a second in my office?”
Her brow furrowed. “Um, yeah. Sure.”
“We’ll be back in a few minutes,” he called out to the room at large. He placed a hand at the small of Jada’s back and reluctantly dropped it when they reached his office door. Which was ridiculous. They were friends. Nothing more. They’d agreed less than two hours ago.
He opened the door and followed her inside.
“What’s up?” she asked, taking a seat.
He sat in the other chair next to her. “You looked worried out there, so I’m thinking we should check social media. Or at least text messages to see how our appearance was received.”
Jada rubbed her forehead. “I guess I need to work on my acting skills.”
“Not with me you don’t.”
Her lips stretched into a brief smile. “Thanks. You’re right. Social media and I don’t have the best relationship right now, so I’ve been keeping my distance.”
Anger welled up inside him. He wished he could obliterate the hurt she’d endured from people hiding behind their keyboard through the sheer force of his will alone. “I’m sorry.”
Jada blew out a breath. “It’s not your fault. Social media giveth and taketh away. If I’m looking on the bright side, all that hate led me straight to you. I wouldn’t have panicked and kissed you and introduced you as my boyfriend.”