Page 9 of Protecting Player #73
He shrugs. “Felt right.” That’s more of an answer than I anticipated. Taking his hand, he’s quick to grab my bag from me and intertwine our fingers. This man is so confusing. “I’ll jump in the shower, then we’ll head out.”
A nod is my only response because I’m unsure what’s happening here. I can’t date him. It’s literally in my contract. Should I nip this in the bud now? Will he be mad? Will I be making the biggest mistake of my life?
I need to talk to Alex.But she can’t know.
Groaning, I drop to the ground outside the locker rooms and bury my head in my hands as my mind swirls. I don’t know what to do because I don’t know his intentions, but I do know that above all else, I must protect my heart.
Chapter 7
T.K
It takes everything in me not to touch Brea as I drive to the team’s usual bar. Goose’s is owned by Settlers legend Matty Goose. He opened it after his retirement in the nineties because he hated his team never having a low-key place to unwind, and it’s become tradition to go at least once a week since the day it opened. I’m excited to share it with Brea now.
Glancing over to her in the passenger seat, her fingers curl into the hem of her floral dress at mid-thigh. “You always wear dresses,” I comment. I’m not complaining, but in the month she’s been around, I haven’t seen her in anything else.
“I like the airy flow of them. I don’t feel constricted.” She shrugs.
I also happen to know that when she’s with the team, she wears a tiny pair of shorts that cup her ass perfectly. The wind blew up last week while she was lying on the field taking a video of our practice, and since she hadn’t bothered to wrestle the fabric back down, I knew it was because of those shorts.
“You look good in them.” I want to say so much more. That she’s fuckable, that her ass and tits pop, and those toned legs make my mouth water, but that would make her withdrawfrom me. When I notice her checking her phone again, I ask, “Expecting to hear from someone?”
She meets my eyes when we stop at a light, and I recognize the disappointment. “My best friend, Thor.”Is a fucking guy? Son of a bitch.“He said he’d let me know if he could come tonight. I haven’t heard back from him yet.”
Grinding my molars, I work to relax so I don’t crack a tooth. “Maybe he’s going to surprise you?” Jealousy rears its head when she lights up at the idea.
“You think so?”
I can’t give her the answer she’s looking for because I don’t want this asshole anywhere near her, not when she’s been sad all fucking day because of him.
“Sure.”Just don’t be disappointed when he doesn’t show.“He know some of the guys are going to be there?” She nods, and I have my answer. He’s into her and playing the long game.
I’ve spoken with Brea enough to know she hasn’t dated much, which means she’s more than likely a virgin. She wants the whole fairytale thing with the happily ever after. I’m not letting this douchebag take that from me, which means I need to get shit squared away with the team because her contract will likely have a no fraternization clause. I get it, but I don’t fucking like it at all.
“Here we are,” I say as I park in front of Goose’s. The sign blinks like it’s about to die, with a goose beak-first into a beer bottle, and the name beside it.
It’s an old school building, just like Matty. All brick and mortar, with a large front window and tables right against it. Honestly, it gives dive bar vibes, but inside, it showcases a multitude of Settlers memorabilia, along with some of the best bar food, and more local lagers on tap than most places.
“Give it a chance.” I smirk when I glimpse Brea’s skeptical gaze before she shrugs and agrees.
As we exit my car, a few more pull in with the team in tow. Almost half the guys have shown up. Most are single or in casual relationships, but I was hoping a couple of married players would come with their partners. So far, that’s a no. It’s fine; I can arrange something more intimate once I’ve got my girl locked in and she’s ready for that step. Hopefully sooner rather than later.
Gripping Brea’s hand with mine, I lead her into the bar as some of the guys start getting rowdy as they enter, and I glare at any of them who get too close to her. I’ll kick their asses if any of them hurt her, even by accident.
“Oh, this is far cozier than I would have guessed.” Her eyes roam the space as she takes in everything from framed and signed pictures to replica trophies, and the huge bar filled with top-shelf liquor. There is nothing Matty doesn’t have here, and he’ll happily boast about it to anyone who’ll listen.
“Guys, table in the back is all set up!” He waves to it as he serves a customer.
A few jaws drop as we walk through, but one of the cardinal rules is for customers to leave us be until Matty says otherwise. Most nights, we’re all willing to talk, take pictures, or sign things. Tonight, that will only happen if Brea agrees; it’s her night after all.
“Is Alex coming?”
Brea shakes her head sadly. “She’s out of town for some meetings in Nevada.”
“Parents?” I ask, curious about the people who raised two women who are polar opposites but still the best of friends.
“This isn’t really their scene. Tomorrow, they’re taking me to dinner at one of my favorite places.” She bites her lip before saying anything more, and I think…I fucking hope…it’s because she was about to ask me to join them. I’d say yes in a heartbeat.
“Oh yeah, where’s that?” Pulling out a chair for her, I wait until she’s seated, then take my own before dragging her as closeto me as possible. She’s startled, but I notice the pink tinge in her cheeks. She likes it, even if she doesn’t want to admit it.
