Page 22 of Brodie

“Shit,” she whispers, turning toward me and bumping into mychest.

“Shit, what?” I ask as she steps around me, grabs my hand,and starts dragging me away in the opposite direction of the guy.

“That’s my best friend, Kirk. Or he was my bestfriend.”

I frown, and she glances up at me, rolling her eyes.

“My ex-boyfriend?”

“The one that fucked your sister?” I stop allowing her topull me along, and she comes to a halt with me.

“She’s not my sister. She’s my mom’s fiancé’s daughter.But…yes.”

“Why the fuck is he here?”

“I don’t know. I haven’t talked to him. But he did just signwith one of the NFL teams here in New York, so he might be here for the samereason you are.”

I blink at her. “He plays for the NFL?” I glance over myshoulder at him. Shit, now I know why he looks familiar. Kirk Finer is not justa football player; he’s one of the NFL’s top draft picks this year. And he usedto date my girl.

“Does it matter that he plays for the NFL?” No, butalso…fuck yeah. I’d thought her ex would… Well, honestly, I assumed he wouldlook like one of the dudes who used to get straight As in science class back incollege. I didn’t know he was Kirk Finer. I look over her head and see himwalking our way. “He’s coming over here.”

“Great.” She groans, and I almost laugh.

“It’s fine, just play it cool.”

“Uh, Reese?” he says, his tone unsure as he stops a footfrom us.

Her shoulders fall, and her forehead drops to my chest.Then, after a deep breath, she tips her head back and glares at me like this ismy fault before spinning around.

“Kirk.” There is no warmth in the greeting.

“I thought that was you. Then I wasn’t sure because...” Heglances up at me quickly before refocusing on her. “Wow, you look amazing.” Helets his eyes wander over her and her dress, and I want to punch him in hisfucking face so fucking bad. Instead, I wrap my arm around her and tuck hersnugly against my side.

“You are?” I ask, playing stupid. He pulls his eyes off herto meet my gaze.

“Kirk Finer. And you’re Brodie Larsen. I used to watch youwhen you played for Tennessee.”

“How do you know my girlfriend?” I ask, again playing stupidbut also wanting him to know she’s mine. And yes, she is mine, and Idon’t give a fuck that we’ve only shared one kiss or haven’t talked about wherethis is going. I’m claiming her. We’ll figure out the rest with time.

“We were…”

“What we were doesn’t matter.” She cuts him off, and hurtfills his eyes as he looks at her.

“I’ve tried to call and text.”

“Sorry, I’ve been busy.”

“Kirk.” A blonde in a tight red dress walks up to join us,and I feel Ree’s spine stiffen as the female who looks like every sorority girlI’ve ever known slides her arm through Kirk’s. “I’ve been looking for you.” Shesmiles up at him and then looks at us, her plastic smile firmly in place beforeher gaze lands on Ree.

“Reese?” Her smile slides away, and her eyes widen.

Shit, this must be the stepsister.

“I…” Kirk glances at whatever her name is and then looks atReese, remorse slashing through his features. “Can we talk?” He glances at mequickly, while Ree’s nails dig into my side through my tux. “Alone? Just for afew minutes.”

“Sorry,” I cut in before Ree can respond, then look down ather. “We need to go find our table, baby.”

“Of course.” She leans her weight into me and then looks atKirk. “Have a good night, Kirk.” Then she dips her chin toward the woman on hisarm. “Melissa.” Turning her away from the two of them, I start walking herthrough the room, then lean down and whisper, “Are you okay?”

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