Page 3 of Announcing Love (Sporting Pride #5)

Artem lived with his family in a nice red-brick townhouse squashed between two identical townhomes.

Still, his building stood out due to the gorgeous flowers that sat at the top of the steps and on either side of the door.

While it was a nice place, it wasn’t the type of house people would picture when they thought of one of the highest paid soccer players in the country.

Yet, Bandit had chosen to sell his multi-million-dollar home to live here with Sacha’s entire family.

Granted, that was only Baba and Artem, but Tip couldn’t imagine basically walking away from his lifestyle to be with some guy, much less to care for that guy’s family.

Sacha was hot, but so were a lot of men. Bandit was definitely one of a kind.

He wasn’t sure if he should ring the doorbell since it was late, and Baba likely slept.

Tip’s moment of hesitation saved him from deciding.

The door opened and a happy-looking Artem stepped out.

Tip realized something. Artem’s upbeat personality was one reason Tip liked him.

His every emotion showed on his face. Artem was genuinely happy to see him, and he didn’t hide it.

That was refreshing. Tip was used to fans who pretended they weren’t excited to be dating someone famous. Artem wasn’t like that.

“I’m glad you met me outside. I was just debating if I should ring the bell and wake everyone.”

Artem nodded. “Yeah.” He pointed up. “That’s my bedroom window on the third floor. I kept an eye out for you for just that reason.”

Tip glanced toward the window Artem indicated. There were no blinds. A soft light glowed through the open curtains. “You can probably see a lot from there.”

Tip headed down the steps with Artem at his side.

“That’s why I chose that room. No one else wanted to climb that many stairs, but it has the best light to paint by. Plus, great sunrises.”

Tip thought all that bright-ass light first thing in the morning would drive him crazy. Artem wasn’t him, though, so whatever.

They walked to where Tip’s car was parallel parked. “So, how was work?”

Artem answered as they climbed inside. “It was good, actually. I’ve been there four years today, so I got my annual raise, which means I still make less than everyone.

Still, it’s a little more toward my crazy high SUV payment.

” Artem made the claim with laughter lacing his words and dancing in his eyes.

He confused Tip. “Oh. I thought maybe you just worked there as an extension of what you love. Why do you have any bills? Bandit can afford that.”

A line appeared between Artem’s eyebrows. “I’m not Bandit’s responsibility. His money isn’t my money. I’m sure he would gladly help if I asked, but I’m not that guy.”

Tip shook his head as he pulled away from the curb. Bandit’s situation got stranger by the minute. He gave up his house and wasn’t supporting everyone?

“Don’t get me wrong. I obviously don’t have a house payment or anything at all.

Just my vehicle and insurance. Plus, you know, maintenance and whatnot.

Otherwise, Bandit takes care of everything.

I guess I don’t have that much pride after all.

” Artem laughed—the way he always did, as if blowing off struggling.

He was still in college, for fuck’s sake.

Artem shouldn’t have to pay for anything. He shouldn’t have to work.

Tip kept his thoughts to himself. “How do you feel about The Tavern downtown? There’s not much open this late.”

“That’s fine. I’m not a picky eater, so whatever you want is good. Plus, that’s actually in my price range, so I’m a little relieved.”

Tip nearly slammed on his brakes in the middle of the road.

He couldn’t believe Artem thought he would ask him on a date and expect him to pay.

“Are you joking? I asked you to dinner. That means I pay.” He thought about it for a second.

“Actually, I’d pay even if you asked. What kind of person would I be if I let you buy my dinner? ”

Artem didn’t speak.

Tip looked his way as they came to a red light.

Artem watched him as if studying for a test. “Has no one ever bought you dinner?”

Tip blinked several times. For a moment, the question broke his brain.

Tip was worth hundreds of millions of dollars.

Maybe a lot of that was tied up in land and similar investments, but he still had more money than he could spend in one lifetime.

The idea that a kid who likely made just over minimum wage would buy him anything was… he didn’t know, but it was bad.

“Did you malfunction or are you searching your mind for anytime anyone has ever done anything for you?”

The light turned green, saving him. When Artem put it that way, his chest hurt. He honestly couldn’t recall the last time anyone did anything for him or gave him anything. Obviously, he didn’t need anything, but damn. Artem was right. No one thought about him.

“I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to insult you.”

Artem’s quiet apology pulled Tip from his thoughts. “No. You didn’t. You’re right. I can’t recall the last time I wasn’t the one who paid.” Tip shook it off. “That’s what’s right, though. It’s crazy for anyone to cover me.”

“No, it’s not.” The happiness was back in his voice. “It’s the intent behind paying. I know when I’m buying, it’s because I care and want to spend time with someone. I get to know the meal isn’t an expected exchange for sex. That’s just not who I am.”

A bark of unexpected laughter burst from Tip. “When I was your age, that was exactly my intent. Now everything is on me because I can afford to be that way.”

“I’d say that’s sad, but if I could afford it, I’d take care of everyone I love.”

“That’s great until they start to expect it, and the demands get bigger and bigger.” There was no masking the bitterness in Tip’s voice.

Artem didn’t acknowledge it. “Meh. It’s just Baba, Sacha, and me. Bandit now too, I suppose. But that’s it. I can’t imagine their demands ever being huge. Maybe Baba. She’d likely ask for a full-time half naked dude to massage her all hours of the day.”

Tip’s mood lightened. Artem made it impossible to stay down for long.

He pulled into the parking lot of the restaurant.

It was—thankfully—nearly dead. “Since you brought it up, how did you end up living with your grandmother and brother? Where are your parents? You can tell me it’s none of my business. I just want to know you.”

Artem opened the door. He didn’t look Tip’s way.

“They were all killed.” He stepped from the car as if he hadn’t just made Tip feel like a complete ass.

Tip climbed from the car. Well, he had wanted to get to know him.

Maybe Tip could stop acting like a dick at every turn now.

He really wasn’t doing so great at impressing Artem.

Artem loved talking to Tip. Tip was open, even in his irritation.

It was nice. Artem was used to being around people who tiptoed so no one’s feelings got hurt.

They hid their faults and quirks. Artem wanted to see all those things.

There was beauty in everything, even the darkness.

Whether Tip realized it or not, he had told so much about himself without saying much.

People used him and had—somehow—convinced him that was the way it should be. Artem was fascinated.

All through dinner, he dug for more without trying to seem as if he did.

He gathered Tip supported his entire family—like entire.

He owned hundreds of acres of farmland in upstate New York where his parents, siblings, and even a few cousins had houses built and paid for by Tip.

Thankfully, there was an actual working farm that returned on the investment, but damn.

Artem felt bled dry just listening to him.

“Is that the only land you own? Oh. Do you have horses?”

A sexy chuckle rumbled from Tip, and Artem nearly melted.

He was so gorgeous and responsible. Artem didn’t know why Tip sat there, wasting his time with him.

“Yes, and yes. My younger brother is a professional polo player. There are plenty of horses on the farm. As for the land, I also own a vineyard in California, a few more things here and there. I haven’t decided what to do next. ”

“A professional polo player and you still support him?”

“Nah. I did until about two years ago and he got picked up by the Southeastern Polo League. He lives most of the time in Miami now. I’m proud of him.”

Artem could listen all night, but they had already kept some poor server’s booth hostage for too long. He glanced around. “I’m going to hit the restroom before we go.”

Tip nodded. “I’ll try to find our waitress so I can pay, and we can head out when you get back.”

Artem carefully kept his expression blank as he slid from the booth. He had his sights set on their server.

Artem pulled her aside before Tip spotted her. “Hey. Can I go ahead and take care of the bill before my friend gets ahold of it?”

“Sure thing.” She waved him over to a computer at the bar.

Artem kept an eye out for Tip as he paid and left her a nice tip. Then he hit the restroom before heading back to the table.

“Are you ready?”

Tip glanced up from playing on his phone. “Hey. Yeah, but I still haven’t seen our server:”

“Don’t worry about it. I took care of it.”

Tip’s eyebrows shot up. “Are you joking?”

Artem rolled his eyes. He wouldn’t let Tip get all pissy. “Come on.” Artem grabbed Tip’s arm and tugged. “You can buy me every single dinner from now on, if you want. But this one time, someone took care of you. Suck it up.”

Tip shook his head as he stood, but his eyes swam with laughter. “Okay. As long as you don’t let it happen again.”

Artem chuckled under his breath as they headed for the door. He really was having the best time.

“Is it okay if I get a selfie?”

Artem turned at the question. Some guy held a phone out trying to pet a picture with Tip and him in it.

“I can do that, if you’d like?”