Page 94 of The Check Down
Jack and another suit wait near the mouth of the hall that leads to the coaches’ offices. Players file by, heading to the exit, and I keeppace. Muscles tensed, I’m determined to avoid eye contact with the jerk as I pass him, but he has the balls to speak up.
“Tough game, Racy.”
I freeze, and to my left Beau mutters, “Keep moving.” But I refuse to let this douche get the last word.
He juts his chin and slips his phone into his shirt pocket as I step closer. Even though I’ve got over half a foot and at least sixty pounds on him, he doesn’t flinch or back down. If anything, my attention makes him bolder.
He narrows ice-blue eyes and sneers. “You know what they say: women weaken legs.”
My anger flares.Women weaken legs.Athletes hear that bullshit all the time. Coaches recite that line to make players think twice about partying and hooking up.
Behind me, a small audience has gathered. I can feel them. I should be the bigger person and walk away.
I’ve won the girl, after all.
But I don’t fucking have it in me tonight.
“The only legs that are weak are my woman’s when I make her come.”
His face grows red and his jaw goes rigid as the crowd erupts inoohsanddamns, and before I can even smirk, he slams his fist into my cheekbone.
As I register his reaction, Beau steps between us and gently pushes me back. “Don’t,” he warns, his voice low, while our teammates shout, encouraging me to retaliate.
Behind Beau, Jack shakes and unclenches his fist. I can’t help but grin as I watch. That punch hurt him more than it hurt me. Physically, yes. But also professionally.
When he notices my smile, he lunges for me again, but his buddy restrains him. “Let him go, Jack. He’s not worth it.” I’ve never seen this dude before, which tells me he must not be high up in the organization or he’s a new hire. But he has the audacity to curl his lip and grate out, “Everyone knows his reputation. He’ll move on to the next one soon.” Then he lifts his chin, raises hisvoice, addressing the gathered group, and says, “Watch out for Mr. Steal Your Girl here.”
I give Beau’s bicep a slap, and he releases me. I stretch my spine and use my bulk to intimidate the two wusses who now eye me with concern.
“Nah. I didn’t steal her.Helost her. But I’m damn sure keeping her, because she is a fucking treasure.”
With that, I walk away to a smattering of applause.
Beau is on my heels. “Shit, Griff, that could’ve gone south real quick.”
“Thanks for having my back.”
As we step out into the cold night, the icy air does wonders to cool me down.
Beau reaches his vehicle first, but before he gets in, he spins my way. “Losing sucks, but being your teammate definitely does not. Brynn’s a lucky woman, Lacey.”
“Aw, Dempsey, that was fucking beautiful.” I place a hand on my heart.
He rolls his eyes, but his smile is clear, even in the dim parking lot.
“Love you, too, Cap. See you tomorrow.”
The Memphis streets are all but deserted at this time of night. As I drive, I scrub a hand over my face, eager for the warmth waiting for me in my bed.Ourbed. We’ve shared it every night since I made her mine, and I’ve begun bringing random items of hers downstairs when she’s not home. Her toothbrush is slotted next to mine in the cabinet, her bras and panties have their own drawer in the dresser, and Barnaby is right at home against her pillow.
Her plan was to move out after the holidays, but there’s no way I’ll let that happen. We haven’t discussed it yet, but we will. Soon. I’m ready to lock this woman down in every way.
When I step into the apartment, the old-timey musical Brynn loves floats through the air, and the brightly dressed actors on the TV are lining up for a barn dance. Other than the faint strains of music from the movie, the apartment is still. Brynn’s a lump on the couch, curled up in a soft blanket with Barnaby in her arms. When I catch sight of the Oklahoma T-shirt she’s wearing, my favorite, I swallow the burn in my throat.
I lower to the coffee table, rest my elbows on my knees, and exhale. The pressure and unsteadiness of the day melt away as I watch her chest rise and fall in steady breaths. I’m overwhelmed by her. By how much I love her.
I’m also overwhelmed with exhaustion, so I curve my hand over her hip and give her a gentle shake.
“Baby. Wake up.”