Page 35 of Always My Comfort

Everyone wanted to stop and congratulate me, and I tried to avoid being rude. But Richard was already slipping out as the catcher slapped me on the back in congratulations.

I rushed out after him and saw Logan standing there, Scarlett at her side. Logan’s eyes were bouncing around, searching for me in the crowd. I spotted Richard ahead, making his way toward my girl.

I pushed past fans and cleat chasers until I was running past him. Logan saw him and took a step back, but then, her eyes shifted to mine, and she relaxed.

I kept my promises.

I stopped just in front of her, my sneakers squeaking against the concrete. I dropped my bag, cupped her face with both hands, and kissed her in front of everyone.

Her hands wrapped around mine, and she sighed into the kiss. Pulling back, I brushed my nose to hers. “I promised you I wouldn’t let him hurt you.”

“I know. I know,” she whispered.

“Well, that was hot,” Scarlett said from my side.

“You moved on real fast, babe,” Richard’s nasally voice interrupted our moment. “And here I thought you were faithful to me.” He grinned as the paparazzi zero in on us, coming closer like the hungry vultures they were.

Logan melted into my chest, and I held her tightly to me.

“I was faithful to you. You cheated on me!” she cried, hiding her face in my neck.

“Never saw you kiss me like that, Logan,” he spat, anger lacing every venomous word.

“That’s what happens when a real man comes in and shows her what she’s been missin’.” Scarlett giggled and started to speak, but she was pulled away—by Matt, I presumed.

“First, you come for my position, and now, my girl. You’re a dead man walking, Dexter. Your brother might have been some hot-shot, but he doesn’t have the same connections that I do.” There was a glint in his eye—a threat.

“At least I play by the rules. Wonder what the league would think about your relationship with the team manager.” His eyes shot toward Logan, hatred shining in them.

“You keep your fucking mouth shut, whore.” I saw red, but Logan’s grip on my shirt grounded me. I wouldn’t rise to his bait.

“Stay away from us—from Logan—Balmer, or I’ll go straight to the league.” I reached down for my duffle and swung it onto my shoulder. Putting my arm around Logan’s shoulders, I led her out of the stadium toward my truck.

“Holy shit!” Scarlett squealed. “I can see the headlines now!”

“Not now, Scar,” Logan weakly mumbled, and I finally noticed just how pale she looked.

“Do you need some water?” I pulled a bottle from my bag and handed it to her, which she greedily gulped.

“We’re gonna head home. Great game, man!” Matt pulled his wife away, who glared at him.

“Seriously, Matt, I want to stick around. What if there’s more drama?” He shook his head and continued to lead her away.

At my truck, I helped Logan into the passenger seat. She was quiet and ashen, her eyes too big. Dumping my bag into the backseat, I quickly rounded the hood and hopped into the driver’s seat.

After inserting the key and switching the truck on, I turned to her. “I’m sorry. I should have listened to you. I tried to get to you sooner, but I couldn’t.” She shook her head and reached for me with a shaky hand.

“You did get to me, Jax. You protected me. But your name is going to be all over the tabloids, the headlines!” I linked our fingers together and brought her hand to my lips.

“Let them talk, sweetheart. I don’t care.” Her eyes shone in the darkness of the cab, and I swore I saw a lone tear roll down her cheek. But then, I blinked, and it was gone.

“You’re crazy,” she whispered.

“About you,” I replied, and she giggled.

Everything was just the way it was meant to be.

CHAPTER13

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