Page 6 of Love Her

Taken aback by his comment, I freeze with the bottles in my hand. I never talk about my time playing ball or why I stopped playing. Sure, there were nights we were on patrol that I probably mentioned to Taylor and the guys about my childhood dreams but that was years ago.

“I played a bit.”

Coughing, Owen shakes his head. “Taylor says you were headed pro at one point.”

I must have done more than mention my intentions. “That was a long time ago.”

“Well, I’ve somehow been roped into coaching Little League and could use an assistant. This fool says he’s too busy, and I wanted to see if you felt like dusting off your old mitt.”

“Nah man, I haven’t—”

“Look, it’s just helping the local kids learn the basics. I could use the help. Besides, Minnie is a little scary these days, and if one of the single moms flirts with me again, she may scratch her eyes out. Pregnancy hormones are no joke, man.”

We laugh and I try to envision his sweet and funny wife being cruel to anyone. Then, I remember Dakota is her sister and managed to save Grant’s life last year so it’s no surprise she may be a little frightening.

Before I can tell him no, a shriek draws my attention and I turn toward the sound. A large man, scratch that. This dude is huge. And walking my way. The scowl on his face and fire in his eyes has me wondering who the fuck pissed him off.

“Kevin, no. I told you nothing happened. You’re being an asshole.”

That voice. I know that voice. What the fuck?

“You!” His roar is like a bucket of water on a fire, this part of the bar going eerily quiet.

Normally I’d look to the side and smirk at the fool this guy is going after. Dumbass about to get his ass handed to him. Except I have a feeling I’m the dumbass this time. Owen and Landon look from me to the guy and begin to stand when I shake my head, indicating for them to stay put.

Stepping around the bar, I approach the guy, my hands loose in front of me. “Hey man, can I help you?”

Laurie is sniffling behind him, her tiny hand tugging on his arm. Her efforts are for naught because his focus is on one thing only. Me.

“You fucked with the wrong woman, pretty boy.” Pretty boy? That’s new. My beard and tattoos don’t normally qualify as “pretty.”

“I think there’s some sort of misunderstanding.”

“I don’t. You fucked my girlfriend, and now I’m going to have to beat your ass.”

This is when most people would try to talk their way out of a situation like this. Deny all knowledge of any such action, act confused or baffled about such an accusation. Unfortunately for me, I glance at Laurie and that’s all it takes. A split second of recognition, and I don’t even see the hit coming. But I sure as hell feel it.

Stumbling back, I right myself and instinct takes over. I draw back, my fist connecting with his jaw. This guy is big. No, huge. He’s a brick house, and I may be in over my head. I’m no shrinking violet but it’s been a hell of a long time since I’ve been in a fight. The last time flashes in my head and I stop. Chaos and commotion surround us. Screaming and yelling all around us, in a far distance I hear the tell-tale signs of chairs and tables sliding against the floor.

Realization of what is happening distracts me. It only takes seconds for me to take my guard down. Enough time for him to get in one final hit. Losing my balance, I stumble backward, landing on the floor. Laurie’s voice is louder than the rest as she screams “Stop” over and over.

Peering through the legs of the crowd, I watch as Joey and the other bouncers break up the crowd, escorting Laurie and whatever his name is toward the front door. A hand appears in front of me. Looking up at the owner, I note Landon’s smirk. Jerk. Minutes drag on as I right myself and accept the towel of ice from Owen while I settle in one of the abandoned stools. Both guys are laughing, and I attempt to give them a dirty look, but my eye isn’t cooperating. Fuck, my head hurts.

“I’d hate to be you when Taylor gets wind of this.”

“Thanks for the support, Landon.”

“Anytime, buddy. Oh shit,” he says as he looks down at his phone and then barks out a laugh. Before I can ask what happened, my phone buzzes in my back pocket. Fuck my life.

A quick glance at Owen who is tapping away on his phone, a smile on his face. I don’t have to wonder who the biggest gossip here is tonight. Tugging the phone from my pocket, I note the number five above the text message icon. It isn’t only my face that is hurting. My gut is a little sour now. This isn’t good. I bring the screen to life. Five words. All from Taylor.

Are

You

Fucking

Kidding

Me?!

There’s no point in responding, I know what he’s going to say. I brought drama into his bar. I didn’t heed his advice and stop hooking up with customers. I put myself in this position and have nobody to blame but myself. Hopefully he’ll have some sympathy, because if the throbbing in my head is any indication, I’ll have a black eye to go with the humiliation.

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