Page 49 of Endgame

My feet move accordingly, and I’m planted at her side in seconds. I feel the bartender look my way, shaking his head like he thinks I’m the douche who left her here.

“She’s all yours, man.” And to think, seconds ago, I thought he was being respectful.

I’ll let that slide this once. My anger is palpable. “How much did she have to drink?”

“Sheis right here.” Dakota cuts in, waving an unbalanced arm before plopping it back on the bar top.

The bartender glances her way before darting his eyes back to me. “I lost count hours ago, man. She’s been here since four, ordering nothing but tequila shots.”

Jesus, Dakota.

I glance at my watch, checking the time; my anger doubles. It’s past nine, and she’s been sitting here alone drinking for the last five hours.

But why?

Dakota left the fields at lunchtime and didn’t return. Without thinking too far into it, I figured she was done for the day, but looking back, that wouldn’t make sense. Her job is photographing the team and our games; today’s game started at one with no sight of her.

Something must have happened. Or something has already happened, and she’s spiraling.

“Did you see anyone put anything in her drink?”

Say no. In that case, mercy will be extended to him. If he says yes, I will rampage.

My fists are clenched at my sides, ready to put a beating on his face.

He looks at me intently, “You see this place, man? Take a look around. Aside from that group of girls over there for hours, she’s been my only customer. She did that all on her own.”

Realizing there’s nothing I can do about what happened, I decide to take matters into my own hands. My priority is for her to get home safely.

I slowly lean my head down to hers, doing my best not to scare her. She looks almost asleep.

“Dakota, angel, where’s Navy? She didn’t come with you?” I ask her gently, caressing the hair that’s plastered to her beautiful face.

She’s woozy. “Big…interview…tomorrow. I’m fineeee.”

Her sudden snoring alerts me that she is indeed passed out. She’s tequila drunk and dead to the world.Fabulous.

I guess it’s time to be her keeper for the night.

I locate Dakota’s purse, throw some cash on the bar top for the inadequate and callous bartender and shrug my leather jacket off to offer her some privacy. Her mini pink sundress will be giving the dying crowd a show if she’s not covered. Within seconds, my jacket is covering her backside and I’ve got my girl thrown over my shoulder ready to take her home.

“Callaway? Why am I upside down? Your booty is so pretty!”

She’s drunk and still trying to get in my pants.

“It’s me, angel. I’ve got you. Gonna take you home now.”

I leave my Jeep here with plans to grab it tomorrow; I don’t want to leave her stranded. As I approach her truck, I lean against the side to grab the keys from her purse. Rounding the truck to the passenger side, I unlock the door and place Dakota’s body gently in the seat. As I’m setting herdown, the hands that are now wrapped around my neck are gripping me tightly, causing my body to pause. Her soft body leans against mine like a goddamn tree. I need to alert my dick that this is not the time to notice how incredible her breasts feel against my chest.

Heavy breathing in my ear wakes up my senses. “You came. You said you’d always be here. I miss them so much.”

My heart is demolished. This beautiful, broken, and strong girl. It’s clear life has dealt her an unfortunate hand, yet she still manages to be the brightest one in any room—the one I can’t seem to shake.

I close the door gently before taking my place in the driver's seat.

Before taking off, I lift my hand to drag my thumb across the beautiful freckles on her nose, lost in thought about how to be intentional about my care for her.

“I know, baby. I know.”

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