Page 13 of Platinum Pressure

“Fuck ’em all. You’ve given the league, your family, your team, the world all of you for . . . how long have you been in the league?”

“Six years.”

“Exactly. Six long, tiresome years of turning America’s worst team into Super Bowl champions. That shit is no small feat. To carry so much on your back for so long and the world still treats you like an asshole is a lot. You deserve the chance to prioritize your health, your healing, and your well-being without feeling guilty. You deserve to give your body, your mind, and your soul a rest.”

“It’s easier said than done. I feel like I owe folks a fast recovery . . .”

“You don’t owe shit to nobody. Do you know the GMs of these teams do not give a damn about you? I won’t say what I really think about sports drafting, but know it would have a lot of folk’s side-eyeing me because all these billionaires care about is getting the most talented person who can get them the most bang for their buck, which is resemblant of the foundation of American history. They will not bat an eye to replace you when you no longer feed their pockets.” Meadow hummed and crossed her arms over her chest.

A soft snort slid from my nose as she finished her rant. Words couldn’t describe how amused I was to hear how she felt about the situation.

“I needed that laugh. Thank you.”

“Ain’t shit funny, Platinum. I’m serious.”

“I know you are, Meadow. That’s why it’s so funny.”

She rolled her eyes while fighting a goofy grin on her face. “No, but seriously, . . . please put your needs ahead of everybody else’s. Set small goals you know you can achieve to help make recovery easier. You will have highs and lows, but don’t give up, because it’s what you want to do. Okay?”

“Okay.”

“I think that concludes our first official day together. You made a great turnaround in just one day. I thought it would take weeks for us to have a good day and make a breakthrough like this. You’ve exceeded my expectations.”

A laugh erupted from deep within my belly. “I'm really a cool-ass dude. Don’t let what you see on social media define who you think I am. Thank you for getting to know the unfiltered me.”

“I’m glad I get to see the real you.”

Her smile rivaled the stars as she stood up and gathered her things. I could feel the genuine smile tug at my lips as well.

“I'll be back same time tomorrow. I'm going to check your pill count and adjust the logs before I go, though.”

I nodded and leaned my head back on the couch. The first strength training with Meadow had me exhausted. As soon as she left, I’d catch a good nap on the couch.

Seddrick finally returned to the living room at the same time Meadow finished packing up.

“How was it?” he asked as he placed his phone in his pocket.

“She beat me with a bat and stole all the money in my wallet. Where were you when I needed you the most?” I asked in a bored tone.

Meadow giggled softly to herself. “And I'll do it again too.”

“I can tell the two of y’all are going to stress me out.” Seddrick shook his head and walked toward the kitchen.

Our laughs danced around the room together like a synchronized flash mob. The joy in her face as she played along with me sent a shiver down my spine in the best way. Meadow attracted me, and I toyed with the idea of what type of entertainment she could bring me while I went through the long recovery. Would I cross the line if I flirted with my nurse?

Nah. Fuck that.

My attraction to her was like a drawer full of magnets, an inevitable connection. I wanted her and her feisty attitude all to myself. I wanted to throw caution to the wind and see what she tasted like. I wanted to learn all the ways she liked to be loved and pleasured—even if just for the time being while I recovered.

Would she let me do that?

A few days later

Platinum’s mansion struck me with awe every time I pulled up to it. Every time I parked my car next to a row of luxury vehicles that put my little sedan to shame made me self-conscious—not because I was obsessed with material things, but because it put into perspective just how different we were.

Platinum was worth well over nine figures and had recently signed another eight-figure deal two or three years ago. I’d made decent money to remain comfortable, but never anything more than a couple hundred thousand a year. Granted, more than half of the population in the country never touched my salary, either.

When I walked in, I caught Platinum hobbling across the kitchen without his crutches. I shook my head.