Page 57 of The Way We Win

“Did I scare you?” His dark brow furrows.

“Oh, no, I just nearly jumped out of my skin is all.”

“I’m sorry!” He puts a hand on my elbow, and Jack shifts behind me.

I don’t dare look at him.

“I saw you over here, and I figured I’d come over and say Hi.” Ronnie’s round cheeks remind me of an elf when he smiles. “You’ve been looking really pretty lately.”

My eyes do flicker to Jack’s this time, and his brow arches.

“That’s so nice. Thank you, Ronnie.”

“You can call me Ron. I was wondering if you might want to have dinner tomorrow night at Parky’s.” He leans closer and adds, “With me.”

I’m completely caught off-guard, which isn’t good for my lying skills.

“You were?” is the best I’m able to conjure.

“Yes, ma’am.” He continues standing there, smiling.

“Well, I’ll be… This is so unexpected.” I lift wide eyes to Jack, who is not smiling.

“We’ve known each other a few years, and well, I’d like to get to know you better.”

My lips press together, and I nod slowly. “I’ll need to double-check my schedule, but that’s such a nice invitation. Thank you, Ronnie… er, Ron.”

“Don’t think too long, now.” He gives my elbow a gentle squeeze.

A soft growl comes from Jack, and the hair on my arms rises.

I cough a little laugh as Ronnie steps back. “I won’t.”

He tips his hat to Jack. “Good game, Coach.”

“Thanks, Ronnie.” It’s a curt reply.

The man leaves, and I hold my expression completely neutral as I turn to Jack. His face is unreadable, but his eyes are hot. I can’t tell if he’s angry, but I’m very aware of my heart thumping hard in my chest.

“What were we saying?” I blink up at him, trying to keep it light. “Kimmie doesn’t want you to be alone?”

He takes my beer and his and puts both in the trash. “My place, ten minutes, wear your sexy librarian dress.”

It’s an order, and my stomach flips. “Yes, sir…”

His nostrils flare, and he goes to the door. I fall against the bar to catch my breath.

14

Jack

Ronnie Freeman is a harmless little man, a math teacher at the high school. Allie is clearly not interested in dating him, but it’s a testament to my state of mind how badly I wanted to rip his arms off and shove them up his ass for daring to touch her.

We haven’t even discussed Rip Sinclair, and the pain I’m prepared to inflict on that man if he dares to show his ugly face in Newhope—or anywhere near my girl.

I’m not sure when the switch was flipped or how, but there’s no going back for me. Allie is mine, and I won’t let anyone hurt her or try to date her.

The soft tap on my door breaks my murderous thoughts, and my muscles tense in anticipation of seeing her again.

---