Page 10 of Running Back

Jakk bit back a sigh. The last thing he wanted to do was go to a nightclub, but what the hell? He had nothing better to do.

Countless screens played various games, catering to anyone there to see their team. Rocky leaned back in his chair, tryingto get a good angle on Jakk’s game. He felt itchy and impatient. Normally, it didn’t bother him to meet with Oakley. Today, he just wanted to get back to Jakk.

“I hate to sound paranoid, but there’s a dude who hasn’t stopped staring at you since you sat down. Not in a good way.”

Rocky focused on Oakley at the comment. His gaze was locked over Rocky’s shoulder.

“I’ll tell you when to look.”

Rocky waited.

“Look now.”

Rocky quickly checked over his shoulder. He couldn’t hold back a groan. “For fuck’s sake.”

“I take it you know that guy?”

Rocky fought not to roll his eyes. “Honestly, I’m starting to think I need a restraining order. That’s the guy I’m dating’s ex. A few thousand miles from home,” he tacked on, sounding bitter and explaining how wild this entire situation was.

Oakley’s eyebrows rose. “You’re dating someone? I hadn’t heard.”

Just the thought of Jakk had a smile snapping to Rocky’s lips. “Yeah. Since I’m his agent—unethical, I know—I guess people haven’t caught on.”

“Who is this mystery man?”

“Jakk Johnson.”

Oakley smiled. “Nice!”

Rocky snorted at his reaction. Oakley was one of those people who could be brooding one minute and a golden retriever the next. It was impossible not to like him.

“Why is his ex hardcore stalking you?”

Rocky made a helpless gesture. “Your guess is as good as mine. If no one else has figured out we’re dating, I’m sure Eric has, or at least suspects.” Rocky’s gaze flickered toward the screen behind Oakley in time to see Jakk score. A shout escaped him before he could call it back. Luckily, it was a sports bar. His reaction wasn’t uncommon.

Oakley glanced over his shoulder. “It looks like you signed a winner.”

Rocky forced himself to focus on Oakley. He couldn’t stop smiling. Jakk made him proud as hell. “Don’t I always? I started with the best.”

A wry smile touched Oakley’s lips. “That was a long time ago. Now I’m old and slow. Not to mention in pain all the goddamn time.”

Oakley wasn’t old. Admittedly, he was past the prime for baseball, but age-wise, he wasn’t old. “I can’t imagine what you must think of me, then.”

A bark of laughter burst from Oakley. He motioned for Rocky to get started. “Show me why we’re meeting.”

Rocky dug out his phone and leaned Oakley’s way. He opened a PDF on the device and scrolled through the highlights of a contract for a sports convention appearance. It wasn’t a ton of money, but he knew Oakley enjoyed the travel and the expenses were covered.

Oakley nodded along. His gaze slid over Rocky’s shoulder again. “All that sounds good to me. Send it to me and I’ll get it signed. Do you want me to take care of your little problem so you can get out of here without being followed?”

Rocky shoved his phone back in his pocket. “I won’t pass on that deal. The quicker I get out of here, the faster I can get back to Jakk.”

Oakley winked. “I’ve got you.”

Rocky watched him stand and head Eric’s way. On the sly, he looked on as Oakley accidentally on purpose bumped into Eric’s table, tipping over a beer in his lap. The moment Eric wasdistracted by Oakley’s profuse apologies and attempt to clean up his mess, Rocky made his break. He was out the door before Eric looked back up again. An evil smile pulled at his lips as he hailed a cab. It was time to get back to his man. He didn’t want anything to slow him down. Fuck Eric. Jakk was his now. He wouldn’t give him up.

The nightclub was loud and the neon lights made Jakk’s head hurt. He tried desperately to smile and enjoy himself. Instead, he couldn’t stop thinking about how he hadn’t heard from Rocky all day. Jakk didn’t want to disturb him, in case he was still in meetings. The day had been a series of highs and lows. They had won. Everyone excitedly celebrated. Everywhere he looked, all Jakk saw were fake friends. Fake people. He didn’t feel the same way about a lot of things any longer. There was no going back.

A beer appeared in front of his face. “I’m surprised you’re not out there dancing with your team. Aren’t you the reason they won?”

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