Page 104 of Headed for Home

“You have a team to coach.”

“I’m not going on the field until you tell me what he did.” His firm stance reinforces the message.

That earns him an eye roll. He doesn’t budge, only lifting his chin at me to get on with it. The story blabs from me in a sloppy replay. With each detail, his muscles flex tighter. I watch him grow into an imposing force when I expose Alan’s plans for my farm. Even Shawn notices the change in my typically carefree boyfriend, giving me a thumbs-up before ushering the twins to the bleachers.

That allows me to use a variety of colorful terms to describe the bane of my existence. Once I’m done, Drake’s expression resembles a stone wall. He’s practically frothing at the mouth. I almost feel guilty for aiming his fury on Alan, but then I remember the bully’s threats. Sutherland Homes will probably give him a bonus for accosting me. The entire company deserves Drake’s wrath.

“So, yeah,” I breathe. “He’s a menace along with the shady business that employs him.”

“I can’t believe he came at you.” My boyfriend cracks his knuckles. “He’s officially made an enemy out of me.”

“It’s just a tactic. I don’t think he’s dangerous. Not that I’m excusing his awful behavior,” I add.

“Doesn’t matter what reason led him to you. It’s messed up and can’t continue. That’s why I need to handle this.”

My palms drift across his Colts shirt. “Let’s focus on winning the game.”

His heart hammers beneath my hand. “Like it’s that simple.”

“It’s for the kids.”

A conflict sparks in his gaze. “That’s not fair. Shawn can take my place.”

“But he’s not their coach. Please stay,” I urge. “For me? Sutherland can wait.”

His stubborn streak remains fixed on my gaze. “But they’re going to pay.”

“Tomorrow, trouble.” I rise onto the balls of my feet to kiss him. “Honor is defended best after breakfast.”

“That doesn’t sound right.”

Laughter bursts from me, bringing a smile along for the ride. “You’re questioning my phrasing?”

“Ah, there she is.” Drake’s focus dips to my mouth. “I’ve missed your happiness.”

My grin spreads into pure bliss. “It belongs to you, just like the rest of me.”

“Jeez, woman. Fine. I’ll wait to defend your honor until dawn.”

“That’s all I ask. Love you.” A loud smooch gets planted on his cheek.

He twists to kiss me properly. “I love you, beauty. More than anything.”

“Which is why you’re here.” I check our surroundings for children before patting him on the butt. “Get out there, big guy. They’re depending on you.”

He winks and jogs backward to the field. “What happens when we win?”

I don’t overlook his optimistic choice in verbiage. “You know that drawer in my bedroom I don’t let you touch?”

Drake stumbles but catches himself. “Uh-huh.”

My eyebrows wiggle to the throbbing beat between my thighs. “Make me proud and I’ll let you slide in there.”

The tires squeal as I take the last turn too tight. I can almost hear Kenzie giggling about me getting stuck in the mud, but there’s no humorous tone in my truck on this drive. Not when the headquarters for Sutherland Homes is straight ahead.

I speed through the enormous parking lot that’s far too large for their measly business. It doesn’t surprise me that the assholes insist on occupying more real estate than needed. The reflection shining off the mirrored building is blinding. Go figure. These dipshits want me to be disoriented when I stumble inside. Rather than risk giving them an advantage, I crank the wheel and slam to a halt in the center of four spaces.

My trusty bat beckons me from the backseat. I consider slinging it over my shoulder as added insurance, but Cassidy’s logic stops me. As I stomp toward the entrance empty-handed, the promise I made to her pounds into my skull.

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