Page 64 of Hard Hitter

He smoothed a hand over his hair without mussing a single strand. “Who knows? Micah was a liar, and a violent one. We’ve discussed his shortcomings before.” Craig’s tone dismissed the topic, and his eyes landed on Chloe for only the second time that night. “I’m much more interested in learning about your girlfriend.”

Chloe tilted her head. “That’s funny, I’m much more interested in learning about why youneededNoah’s attendance tonight.”

“It’s in his best interest to learn how to network. If he wants to maximize his endorsements, he needs to be a fan favorite. But I’m sure I don’t have to tell you about his future career.”

Frustration crashed into the wall I’d erected to prevent this exact conversation. Craig didn’t care what I wanted—he only cared about the potential money and fame in my future. As long as he believed I was at TU playing football with the intention of entering the draft, he left me alone to live my life with only the monthly phone calls to check up on his investment.

As soon as I’d picked TU, Craig had become friends with the dean, and he was petty. He’d have no problem destroying my academic career to punish me. I knew from experience when I’d wanted to try wrestling after my freshman year of high school. He’d insisted to the school I needed summer classes to keep up, and I’d missed the try-outs. Bonus for him, he convinced the administration I was quiet because I was stupid. Thank god my actual teachers didn’t believe his shit.

I had one more year to my degree, and then Craig lost all his power.

Chloe smirked at him, undeterred. “Don’t worry, I’m well acquainted with what Noah wants in the future.”

Craig narrowed his eyes and took a sip of his drink. “I can see why he’d be enamored by you, but you won’t get anything from him. Noah knows better. You’d have more luck with a different target. I’m sure it wouldn’t be hard for you to find a suitable substitute with your… charms.”

His clear disdain grated on my nerves, but I could have ignored his opinion if he hadn’t let his gaze linger on Chloe’s curves. The way he looked at her—as if she were a possession he’d enjoy owning—ignited my fury. I’d avoided the conversation for three years, and in one fleeting glance, I broke through that wall because I wasn’t going to let anyone treat Chloe like that. Not even the man who could destroy my future.

“I’m not going into the NFL, and Chloe isn’t a ball bunny. You need to apologize.”

Annoyance darkened Craig’s eyes. “Of course, you’re going into the NFL. Chloe, would you excuse us for a moment?”

I crossed my arms. “Apologize first.”

Craig sighed. “You’re acting like a recalcitrant child. I’d thought you were past this.” With obvious reluctance, he faced Chloe. “I’m sorry if my advice offended you. Now if you’d be so kind, perhaps a drink at the bar?”

“She’s not going anywhere,” I told him calmly, belying the anger pulsing inside me.

Chloe laid a hand on my arm. “It’s okay. I have to take a leak anyway. Craig, I’m sure we’ll meet again since I plan to be around for a long, long time. Seeing as how Noah can make his own decisions.” Chloe flashed me a smile, and I knew she’d purposely phrased her exit to antagonize Craig. A bit of rebellion in my defense without forcing me to intervene.

I definitely loved her.

Craig watched her thread the groups of people on her way out of the reception area, then checked to be sure none of those people had crept close enough to overhear our conversation.

“You’ll need to break up with her.”

I frowned and managed to muzzle my first reaction ofhell, no. Craig didn’t react well to displays of emotion, and I’d already lost my temper once. “I disagree.”

“She’s completely inappropriate, and I can only imagine your change of heart about professional football came at her behest.”

“Chloe encouraged me, yes, but she supports whatever I decide.”

He took a sip of his drink and scoffed. “She’s hoping you’ll prove an easy road to a life of luxury. You need to be aware of the dangers inherent in letting your baser instincts run amok. Look at your father.”

My frown deepened. “What does that mean?”

Craig shook his head and lowered his voice. “He had a solid future set out for him until he met your mother.”

I’d heard the second part before, but the first part was new. Craig didn’t often speak well of his brother, but he regularly blamed my mother and her unexpected pregnancy for ruining my dad’s life. If not for my dad’s abandonment, I might have been tempted to think Craig’s opinion was skewed by his own feelings.

“Did he ever try to contact me?” I’d never asked the direct question before. Craig had always been quick to point out how easily my dad had forgotten me when he was trying to excuse his own shitty parenting, and I’d believed him.

Craig shifted his gaze off to the distance with a frown. “No. Micah may be out of prison, but he has no place in your life. Just like Chloe. Break up with her. End of discussion.”

My jaw ticked at his obvious lie and attempt at misdirection. I couldn’t tell the extent of his interference, but I was pretty sure now there was more to the story of my father’s imprisonment. We’d moved shortly after for Craig’s job, and I’d never considered that he wouldn’t keep my dad updated.

I’d written Micah letters, so many letters, until the utter lack of response convinced me Craig was right. My dad had left me behind along with the rest of his life. If Craig had sent the letters, Micah would have known where to find me.

“What did you do, Craig?”

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