Saturday, December 23rd, 2019

Kina's POV

My security team is coming to my house today. I can't wait to see who is coming. Dario, Jayce, and his dad are fixing lunch while Mama Maddy and I are relaxing by the pool.

"Kina, honey we need to have our boys cook for us like this all the time."

"Mama Maddy, Dario, and I do cook for each other. Dario fixes the best Italian ever, and I fix Jamaican dishes. Since Jayce has been here, he has cooked too. And I have been quite surprised."

"He better be helping you too. That son of mine can be a pain in the butt sometimes, just like his father. But, he is all that we have. My husband and I really are grateful for you being his bodyguard."

"Trust me, I saw the 'pain in the butt' part the first time. But, this time Jayce has been sweet. I believe he feels bad that I was shot. This may sound repetitive, but it's my responsibility to protect him any way I can. If it means getting shot, then I'll do it."

"Jayce has the perfect bodyguard for him."

"Thank you, Mama Maddy."

"Lunch is ready," Jayce came over to say. His mom started clearing her throat.

"Boy, where are your manners? Aren't you going to help us up?"

His mom is a trip! Mama Maddy rolled her eyes as she walked over to the table. After Jayce helped his mom, he helped me stand up from the lounger. "I love my mom, but sometimes she is annoying."

"Jayce, that's parents for you. My parents can be annoying too. But, she's really concerned about you because you are all she has. I know you don't have any siblings, but you can borrow mine. They are just as annoying at times too. But we love each other very much. They will do anything for me, and I will do the same for them. And, think of me as your younger bossy sister. I can be bossy at times, but I do it because I care."

"Okay bossy sister, I understand."

"I'll be back. I need to wash my hands." After Jayce helped me up, I walked inside the house and to the bathroom to wash my hands. Once I finished, I intended to walk back outside, but I heard the doorbell, so I went to answer it.

I looked through the peephole first and screamed with joy. Dario and Jayce must have heard me because they ran into the house.

"Are you okay?"

"Oops, sorry. I'm okay." I opened the door and saw my crew!

"Oh my gosh, get in this house and hug me. I missed having you guys around!" It was David, Mike, Josh, Kevin, and Rick! The guys all hugged me but not tight.

"We missed you too. When Pops called us and told us who we would be working with, there was no doubt about us coming back. Pops already has a replacement for me in Italy," David says.

"We are staying up tonight and catching up. There is plenty of room for everyone to stay here. Dario, Jayce, and his dad just finished fixing lunch, so come join us in the back yard."

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Jayce's POV

Now that Kina has her crew, I'll be going back to my house soon. I know it's only been a short time, but I will miss being here. Once I go back home, it will be just me and Nathan.

"Jayce, are you okay? You're sitting outside in the dark on the patio couch." Kina sat down beside me.

"I know it's been a short time, but I'm really going to miss being here at your house when my parents leave. The atmosphere here is totally what I want - full of warmth and happiness."

"Jayce, you can have that too. Don't you have an event coming up soon?"

"Well, yeah I do."

"Use this event to show everyone that Jayce Sterling is no longer a jerk and entitled brat."

"Seriously, Kina?"

"Yes. Jayce, you were a pain in the butt. That was nothing I couldn't handle because I have twin brothers. And, three sisters. I'm sure I was a pain to them. Someone will always be with you. You can even have chats with my crew. You're never going to be alone. Always remember that."

"I can have three guests sit with me at the awards program, so will you and Dario sit with me? One of the other bodyguards can take the other seat."

"Heck yeah. I'm going to be surrounded by some of the hottest pro athletes on the planet. Not to mention some of the presenters. As for transportation, we can use my Cullinan. We can travel by yacht or plane to California. Just let me know and I can make a phone call for the plane."

"Plane may be faster. I'm no wimp but the Jamaica trip is kind of making me one."

Kina slapped my arm. It hurt her more than me. "Okay, ouch. You definitely have been working out. Jayce, you are not a wimp. Whoever is trying to put fear in you is sick. And, when we find out who is doing this, they are in big trouble. How old are you?"

"I turned 36 this year. Next year, in 2020, I will be 37 years old."

"Consider yourself an honorary Padmore kid. You're definitely the oldest. And, I know my mom said so herself."

"Uh, yeah and she threatened to beat me too."

"See, you fit right in. No more wimpy talk, understand? Now, we are playing games inside. Well, I'm watching it. Your mom is whipping Dario at playing pool."

"This I have to see."

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Friday, January 3rd, 2020

Kina's POV

What a way to start 2020 - on a plane and about to meet and greet some of the sexiest male athletes and presenters in the United States. Dario won't mind if I drool because I come home to him.

Rather than stay at a hotel, we rented a mansion for our stay. It has rooms for everyone and space for pups to roam. That's right. Dario and I are the proud parents of three dogs - a Siberian Husky, a Yorkshire Terrier, and a Goldendoodle. They are all boys.

Beau

Bentley

Blaze

They came from the same shelter and already get along with each other. I love all of them.

"Kina, the pilot wants everyone to buckle up. We are about to land."

"Thanks, David."

We had to put them in cages while on the plane. They are whimpering their heads off. "Just a little while longer, babes." The cage bars were wide enough for me to stick my hand inside to pet them.

Within 20 minutes, the plane landed. We brought my Escalade and Cullinan. My crew rode in the Escalade. Me, Dario, Jayce, and my pups rode in the Cullinan. Once the airplane ramp was let down, we drove off the plane and to our mansion for the week.

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I'm quite impressed. I saw a sports car parked in front of the house. A gentleman stepped out as soon as we pulled up in the driveway.

"Jayce, stay inside." Dario and I stepped out and walked over to the man.

"You must be Dario and Kina Ginnetti. I'm Jack Davidson. I have the keys here for you." He handed me two sets of house keys.

"Thank you, Mr. Davidson. The day we pack up and leave, where do we leave the keys?"

"I'll come by next Saturday morning."

"Okay. Thank you so much."

"You're welcome. Enjoy your stay in L.A." He got in his Lamborghini and pulled out of the driveway.

"You go inside. I'll get the luggage and dogs," Dario then said.

Don't have to tell me twice. I opened the front door and was amazed. It has a spacious living room and a large kitchen, with large windows. I'll see the rest of the house later. I went straight to the back yard.

I scanned over the yard and saw where I was going to be most of the week while we are here.

Jayce will be hosting a party here on Sunday, and for sure it is going to be catered. I can't wait. My puppies came charging into the backyard.

"Arf! Arf! Arf!" My Yorkie baby spotted me in one of the lounge chairs near the fireplace and jumped in my lap.

"Bentley, how can I say no to the cutest face ever? Wait until your aunt and uncles in New York see you." He looked at me like I was crazy.

My arm is starting to bother me. We ran into turbulence on the plane and got shook around a little. "Bentley, babe mommy has to get up for a minute." As soon as I started standing up, he got down and joined Beau and Blaze. I went into the kitchen for some water.

After getting a glass of water, I took some of my pain pills. I saw Jayce coming my way. "Hey, Jayce, I'm going to lay down. If you want to go out, make sure you take at least two of the guys with you."

"Okay."

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Saturday, January 4th, 2020

It's party time. Dario, David, Jayce, and I are going to the awards presentation. Rick, Josh, and Mike are going to guard the house to make sure no one makes any break-in attempts. Dario had to help me put on my dress.

When I tried the dress on in the store, let's just say we were in the dressing room booth for a while. Hey, we are still newlyweds. Thankfully, we did not get thrown out of the boutique.

As soon as I hit the bottom step, they all whistled. "Thanks, guys. Okay, here is how the ride is going to go - Dario is driving. Jayce, you are sitting in the back with David. Once we arrive at the red carpet, Jayce, you, and I are walking side by side while Dario will take the lead and David will walk behind us. Wait until I open the door to get out. Got it?"

"Got it."

"Now, let's go meet some hot pro athletes." Dario rolled his eyes and chuckled at the same time as we left the house.

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While we waited to pull up to the red carpet, a valet attendant walked up to my Cullinan and handed Dario an ID and number. Dario then moved to the back seat and the valet sat in the driver's seat.

Five vehicles later, it was our turn. As we stated before leaving the house, Dario got out and walked around to help me out first. I opened the passenger door for Jayce to get out. David got out right behind us and shut the door. The valet pulled off with my Cullinan.

As we walked the red carpet, Jayce waved to the sea of fans on both sides. Several reporters tried to shove a mic in his face, but I sure did give them a death stare. "Get that microphone out of his face!!"

"Jayce! Jayce! Who is the beautiful young lady by your side?!" One reporter screamed. We did stop so Jayce could answer.

"This beautiful woman by my side is my bodyguard," he answered proudly.

"You heard it here, ladies and gentlemen. Jayce Sterling has a female bodyguard - a very beautiful bodyguard indeed."

We heard whistling as we walked into the arena. An usher approached Jayce and asked where his seats were. As we were ushered to our seats, we heard someone scream Jayce's name. We turned towards the scream and saw Mason Myles. The woman he brought as a date had her nose all scrunched up, looking at me while they walked our way. I could care less. I don't want him, but I sure can dream about him.

"Hey, Jayce it's good to see you again. Looking forward to the party tomorrow. I will definitely be there. Kina, good to see you too. How is your arm?" I inwardly giggled when he said my name. I heard Dario mumbling something in Italian, meaning he was a little irritated.

"We had a little turbulence yesterday on our plane that had me in pain. Other than that, I'm fine now."

"That you absolutely are. And, you are Kina's husband, Dario, right?" He extended his hand to shake Dario's hand. Dario nicely shook it. I'm sure Dario wanted to break it.

"We'll see you guys later." The usher escorted us to our seats, which were not too far from the stage. I sat in between Jayce and Dario. Jayce sat on the end.

"Jayce, let me know when it is your turn to present an award. Dario and I are going behind the stage with you. Who is presenting with you?"

"I believe it is Maddox Walker."

I choked on my spit. "Did you just say, Maddox Walker?! The Maddox Walker that plays for my New York team?! Talk about super hot!!" Dario looked at me and rolled his eyes.

Within the next twenty minutes, the program started. A voice came over a loudspeaker.

"Ladies and gentlemen, welcome to the 15th annual Global Illustrated Magazine Awards ceremony for the world's brightest and biggest stars in professional sports!! Our first presenters are Mason Myles, and from the soccer world, Juan Pablo Carballal!!"

He's here?! He is the best soccer player in the world. My female senses are at an all-time high right now. Dario is going to be extremely busy tonight.

*******************

An usher leaned down and whispered to Jayce. Then, Jayce leaned over and whispered to me, "It's time for me to make my way backstage."

Dario, Jayce, and I then got up and followed the usher. The usher then took us backstage.

We waited for a few minutes, then we saw him - Maddox Walker.

This man screams sexy, hot, and fine all in one. If I wasn't married to Dario, Maddox Walker would be mine - tonight. The view from behind is amazing. He is well over six feet. Dario caught me licking my lips.

"You're Jayce Sterling, right? It's nice to meet you." Jayce and Maddox shook hands.

"Nice to meet you too, Maddox. These are my bodyguards - Kina and Dario."

"Nice to meet you both." He just shook my hand! OH MY GOSH!! Jayce better asks him to come to the party tomorrow. I can't wait to tell Kalisa, Kia, and Keandra. They are going to be jealous!

The loudspeaker voice came on again. "Presenting The Gold Performer Award for excellence, actor Jayce Sterling! And, pro football's own Maddox 'The Hammer' Walker!!"

"He can hammer me all night." Dang. I think Dario heard what I just mumbled. He just shook his head. Jayce and Maddox waved to the crowd as they walked on stage to the microphones that were set up.

Jayce's POV

Maddox is announcing the nominees and I get to present the award.

"The nominees for The Gold Performer Award are Sidney Rose, myself, Juan Pablo Carballal, and Chaquille Whitaker."

Well, this is a surprise - Kina walking on stage with the award and envelope with the winner. I can tell she is a nervous wreck. I'm clowning her at the after-party.

We heard a chorus of whistles from the crowd as she handed me the envelope. What man isn't whistling? I mean look at her in that dress. I even accidentally saw her naked. Let me open this envelope fast.

"The winner of the award is...... already on stage - Maddox Walker!!!"

I knew Kina would like this. "Hand Maddox the award," I whispered to her.

Once Kina handed Maddox the award, he gave a little speech.

"Wow! This was a complete surprise. I want to thank my family and my teammates for their support. And, I can't forget you, the fans. I couldn't have won this award without everyone's encouragement and support." Maddox waved his hands to the crowd, then the three of us walked off the stage.

Kina's POV

I just knew I was gonna trip on my dress as I walked onto the stage. Thankfully, I didn't trip. Talk about nervous! I saw Jayce with a small smile on his face, trying not to laugh at me.

"I'll see you guys at the party," Maddox says as he was ushered back to his seat. I watched him walk away the whole time.

"After you are done staring at Maddox's rearview, we can go back to our seats," Jayce said, no longer holding in his laughter.

"Boy, hush." Dario is going to have me walking funny. He has not said a word, but he sure is smirking which means trouble for me. Back to our seats we go.

*****************

The awards ceremony just ended, so now everyone is mingling and talking to each other.

"We have assigned seats at the party. I'm ready to go. We can chat later at the party."

"I agree." We followed behind Dario and the usher as we walked towards the exit. Dario asked the usher, "We need to have our SUV driven to the entrance."

"I can do that sir. Where is your ID and number from the valet attendant?"

Dario handed the usher what he asked for. The usher used his walkie talkie to communicate with the valet attendant.

"Once you walk the red carpet, it should be there parked in front."

"Thank you." We exited the arena the same way we entered. There was still plenty of fans left on both sides. Jayce waved the whole way to the Cullinan.

Just as we were about to open the passenger door, some crazy chick jumped over the barrier and ran towards Jayce.

"I wouldn't take another step if I was you. Jayce, get in the truck now."

"Try and stop me," the crazy chick foolishly said as Jayce got in the truck. I sure did grab her arm and tried to be nice. "I said don't take another step."

This time, she popped me on my hurt shoulder and tried to open the passenger door. My shoulder hurts like crazy but this chick is going to learn to never test me.

"I warned you twice to leave Jayce Sterling alone." I sure did pull on her dress, which ripped, and punched her in the face. Not my fault her dress was cheaply made. Security guards came and escorted her away.

Dario and David came to check on me. "Are you okay?" Dario asked.

"I will be later. Let's get out of here and go to the party."

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Picture portrayal of Maddox Walker is courtesy of Can Stock Photos - © Can
Stock Photo / artofphoto