Page 10 of Protecting Player #73
“It’s a place downtown called Clever Girls.”
“Never heard of it.” But you bet I’ll be tasting everything on the menu now.
“They opened a few years ago. I helped with the marketing in my freshman year, and now they have a steady following and loyal customers.” Her prideful tone is addictive.
“What kind of food do they serve?” It’s about to become my favorite.
“They do a lot of fusion foods, so you get a mix of everything. My favorite is their Asian spring mix salad with roasted cinnamon quinoa and grilled watermelon or peaches with crispy chicken bites.”
That seems oddly delicious.
“Sounds like my kind of food.”
Before she can respond, Kace and Cash bring over a few pitchers of beer, and the guys get louder.
“Alright, alright, alright!” Kace draws everyone’s attention by using his best Matthew McConaughey impression as he stands behind Brea, knocking me back a bit. “The reason we’re here tonight. Our very own Brea King landing her first big girl contract with the team!” Everyone hoots and hollers. “Brea, we weren’t too sure about you at first, but girl, you have blended well into team life and brought your A-game to every practice. Welcome to the family!” More cheering, beer chugging, and calls for food.
“You want something other than beer, pup?”
She leans farther into me as Cash gets closer than she’d like.
“Don’t suppose Matty serves cocktails?”
I understand her skepticism, but Matty will make her anything she wants.
“What’s your flavor?”
“Peach bellini?” I pat her hand and go get one for her.
“So you got yourself a girl, do ya?” Matty asks before I can order.
Glancing back at Brea sitting between Kace and Cash now as they joke with her, her head tossed back in laughter, I consider the question and reply, “Yeah, Goose, I think I do.”
He observes her for a second, then says, “She’s a good one.”
“The best.” I still have so much to learn about Brea, but we have all the time in the world. “Any chance you’ve got what you need to make her a pitcher of peach bellinis?”
He eyes me for a minute before confirming that he does, shocking me. “I like to keep some fruity things around just in case. She want something to eat other than the fried crap you and the boys devour?”
I chuckle. “I think she’d appreciate that.”
He taps the counter before me. “I’ve got you covered. Come back in ten, and I’ll have her squared away.”
“Thanks, man.” As I’m about to return to Brea, another man approaches her, and from the way Kace, Cash, and a few other guys grow serious around her, I’m guessing this is the best friend.
Sauntering up behind him, I overhear him say, “This isn’t really your scene, B. How about I take you out of here, and we celebrate privately?”
Yup, just like I thought. Boy is into her, and she doesn’t have a damn clue.
Draping my arm across his shoulder, the man stands half a foot shorter than me. “Hey there. Thor, right? How about you grab a seat, a drink, and get to know us a little? We’d sure like to know who our girl is hanging around. Make sure she’s safe when she’s not with us.” Thor stiffens from my threatening undertone.
“No, this celebration should be with family,” he spouts, and Kace and Cash get to their feet, insulted.
“We are family,” Kace responds.
“No one loves her like we do,” Cash chimes in, crossing his arms.
“Thor, truly, I want to be here.” Brea stands up, and I wrap my arms around her from behind, resting my chin on the top of her head after leaving a kiss on her temple. Multiple sets of eyes land on me, some pissed about this guy, others curious about me and Brea.
