Page 12 of Once Upon a Fake Date

He nodded, and Audrey and I headed to a booth for two, sliding in on either side. There were plenty of booths that would hold four people, but I didn’t want any of my teammates joining us and teasing me in front of Audrey. They’d probably embarrass her, and I wanted to protect her from that.

Plus, I didn’t want to know if she found any of them attractive. She was my friend, but I didn’t think I could watch her date one of my teammates.

It would break me, and I wasn’t sure if I could come back from that.

Shoveling food in, I ignored the thought as I ate my cheeseburger and fries. Once the season started, I’d have a strict diet and calorie plan, but for now, I’d enjoy something a little more greasy.

A shadow came over our table, and I looked up to find a tall blonde man standing over us.

“Duke.” Audrey stiffened. “What are you doing here?”

“It’s the cafeteria, Aud. Aren’t I allowed to eat?”

But he didn’t have a tray in his hands. And his intense focus on Audrey was unnerving me.

“Well, yeah, but…” She fidgeted, not meeting his eyes. When we’d sat down, she’d shrugged off her coat, leaving her just in a baby pink sweater. Instead of looking up, she played with the hem.

Fuck. She was clearly uncomfortable. Who was this guy?

“Do we have a problem?” I asked, standing up and drawing to my full height. He might have been tall, but I was taller—bigger. All of my lacrosse training had beefed me up, and I used my size to tower over him.

“Why are you eating with my girl?” He sneered.

“Your girl?” I raised an eyebrow. “Are you his girl, Audrey?” She hadn’t even mentioned this guy to me.

“N-no.” She shook her head. “We broke up.”

Ah. So this was an ex. Fuck. I felt a flare of possession run through me. She wasn’t mine, but damn if I wouldn’t protect her. So, of course, I felt protective. That was all this was.

“You heard her,” I said, staring him down. “She’s not yours.”

“Aud, baby. I just want a second chance.” His floppy blonde locks and blue eyes might have been handsome, but he seemed sleazy. I hated guys like that. Ones that would take advantage of females.

I turned to her. “Do you want him to stay, Rosie?”

“Leave, Duke.” She narrowed her eyes at him. “I’m not getting back together with you.”

He rolled his eyes, leaning in close to the table. “You will,” he said, and Audrey’s face was ghostly pale. “Who else is going to want my sloppy seconds?”

My chest rumbled in warning, a low growl slipping out, and he looked at me. “No matter what she says, she’s mine.”

And then he spun on his heel, walking away.

When he finally left, I slid back into the booth, looking at her.

“Are you okay?”

She was shaking, practically seething with anger. But she took a deep breath before nodding.

“Is he always like that?” I asked, furrowing my brow. “Bothering you?”

“Well…” Audrey bit her lip. “Sometimes. Mostly, he leaves me alone.” She shrugged, looking down at her glass. “It’s just when he feels threatened that he lashes out. Or when he drinks and forgets we broke up.”

“Rosie…” I sighed.

“Don’t poke the bear, Parker. He’ll get the hint, eventually.” She shook her head. “I’m sure it was just that he saw me eating with you. He feels ownership over me still. But he should have thought about that before he cheated on me.”

He cheated on her? Fuck. I really wished I’d punched him now. Who the fuck would cheat on a girl that radiated sunshine like she did? She was the most gorgeous girl in any room.

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