Page 22 of Taming Drew

“No, Lily has the attorney on it. The guy started it. Luckily the bar had video, so he won’t win, but it’s dragging my already sullied name through the tabloids. I hope that after a few weeks, it will die down.”

She nodded. “And the team owners?”

“They aren’t happy. The coach mentioned last season I was on ‘rocky ground’ with my behavior.” I use air quotes. “Lily spoke with the managing owner, Alex Brennan, and they scheduled a meeting for the week after next when he’s back in town.”

“Okay.” She opens the oven door and the room fills with the heartwarming scent of fresh bread.

“Wow. Did you make that?”

“Yes. I rarely make it because I’ll eat it all, and we all know it goes straight to my fat ass.”

I growl. “Your ass is awesome. Don’t talk about yourself like that. I like you for you, just the way you are.”

Her brows raise, and she scoffs, pulling the loaf off the rack. “I hope you like steak.”

“I do.” I flick my head. “Where do you grill this steak?”

“I’ve got a barbeque on the balcony.”

The arcadia door is spotless, and I step to it and stare out. I can’t remember the last time I slid open an arcadia door.My parents’ house had upgraded to French doors. I remember my mother yelling at me about my hands on the glass.

Chloe calls from the kitchen. “What would you like to drink?”

“Water is good.”

“I’ve got beer.”

“Nah. Training camp starts up in a few weeks. No more alcohol.” Her inquisitive raised brow catches me off guard.She still thinks I’ve got a problem with alcohol.“Really. I don’t have to drink alcohol. I told you that.”

“Okay.”

“I could grill those for us.”

“Really?”

“Yes, really. Let me help.”

She walks over the platter with the steaks and thrusts it into my hand. “The tools are already on the grill, and the barbeque should be at temperature.” I take the platter and step onto the balcony, remembering Lily’s conversation from earlier in the day.

“The Mustangs contacted me about trading you this morning.” Lily’s voice resonates around my kitchen through the speaker.

I stare at my phone. “Wait, a minute. That fight wasn’t my fault.”

“True, but it’s the straw that broke the camel’s back. You’re considered the bad boy of the league right now. They’re just waiting for one more thing, and they’ll initiate a trade.”

“I don’t want to leave Dallas.”

Lily’s voice grates with irritation. “What you want doesn’t matter at this point. You’re the highest paid tight end in the league.”

I interrupt. “I have the best numbers: more yards and touchdowns than anyone else.”

“I get that, but your antics piss off the owners. There’s a big question whether you’re going to be able to perform to the same level as last year. Brennan mentioned he thinks you should go to rehab for your drinking.”

Gritting my teeth as my blood boils, I blurt out. “I’m not a drunk. I’ve stopped drinking.” Well, I have as of now. “You have to tell them I don’t have a problem.”

“I can’t tell them anything, Drew. Your behavior is giving them all the ammunition they need. No more incidents. Please.”

“I won’t. I’m committed to Chloe, and I’m behaving. I promise.”

---