Page 28 of Playing Hard to Hate
“I’m good, thanks for thinking about me. Must have girls all over you with how considerate you are.”
“Ha, I wish. Want to dance in the meantime?” he offered, and I shook my head.
“My, uh, heels are too high.”
“So what’s your day-to-day like?” he asked, pretending to be very interested in my career, but his eyes were laser-focused on my cleavage, thanks to Milly’s great idea of coming to a blind date in one step above my birthday suit.
I explained my daily routine, how I got gigs, and everything I was so passionate about with my job. He interrupted a lot, didn’t ask any follow-up questions, and then tried to eat half of my second appetizer.
I was on my third gin and tonic when he spotted Griffin and his teammates.
“Is that the Atlanta Braves?”
I turned around in my seat and pretended to look. “Seems like it.”
“Think they’ll give me an autograph?”
“Sure, why not?” I shrugged, wondering why my goddamn phone hadn’t rung yet.
“I’ll be back.” He slid from the booth and headed toward Griffin and his teammates. I watched, hoping Griffin didn’t tell him we were friends and wishing I could signal the server for my check so I could slip out of here undetected.
Eventually, I spotted our server, and I told him to split our bill. I paid for my three drinks and one appetizer. I struggled to read the numbers and calculate the tip. I drank far too fast and on too little food.Bad idea, Tate. Bad fucking idea.Especially with that dweeb looking at me like he has the whole night.
I start to stand up, and he’s there, and so is Griffin.
“You didn’t tell me you were friends with one of the players.”For fuck’s sake.
“Didn’t think it was important. I have to go. I’ll see you later,” I told Dylan, avoiding Griffin’s gaze as I stood on both feet and wobbled slightly. I hoped Griffin didn’t notice as I started for the exit.
“Oh, wait let me get my coat. We can go back to my place.”
I halted in my tracks and whirled around.
“Dylan, while I had a great time, I will not be going anywhere with you,” I told him firmly, and he seemed to forget about the very large, angry-looking man behind him as he stepped forward and draped himself over me.
“You dressed like this for me. Let me show you a good time.”
“No. I will be going home alone,” I insisted, and he started to lead me to the exit. Griffin looked on in amusement, watching this guy mess up every chance with me. He looked like a damn predator, a wolf who hadn’t had a meal in weeks staring its prey down. And tonight? Tonight, I was his prey.
“You need to pay your tab,” I pressed, and he waved me off.
“I’m a regular. I’ll get it next time. What’s your favorite position? I’ll do whatever you want, as long as you come home with me.”
“That’s enough, champ. She won’t be going anywhere with you.” Griffin snatched me from under a whiskey-reeking Dylan and pulled me to his chest. I nearly stumbled, but he steadied me. “Go home. Sleep it off, dude, and don’t ever call her again.”
“I don’t even have her number,” Dylan slurred, and I hid my face in Griffin’s chest. He smelled so fucking good it should be sinful.
“Good. I’ll tell you what.” He slowly letgo of me, even though I had been glued to his chest, pushing me gently to the side, and quickly stepped in front of me, lessening the distance between him and Dylan.
I didn’t know whether to feel scared or protected in that moment of silence, but then his voice deepened and his chest puffed up, his beautiful back muscles bunched beneath the thin material of his shirt.
It was getting hot in here.
I must have had too much to drink.
“If you do as much as look her up on social media, I will break your face in half. If I ever see you within five hundred feet of her, you will end up in the hospital. This is your only warning. Consider this your restraining order. Fucking creep.” Griffin led me to where his teammates were and set me up on a barstool. “Get me a coffee and lemon water for her.”
“You didn’t have to save me. I’m not your damsel in distress.”
