Page 49 of Girl Going Nowhere

After a few moments of us staring at one another, I ask, “You’re really not going to kiss me, are you?”

He lowers his hold from my face, a somberness taking over his features. “No, I’m not.” Before I can ask why, he closes the distance, presses his lips against the top of my head, and says, “I respect you too much.”

CHAPTER TWENTY-ONE

Rafael

Every muscle inmy body screams after the first full week of training with the team. I’d like to think I’m in the best shape of my life—something I’ve had to be to get where I am. The MLB doesn’t want the weakest or slowest players; they want the ones who have trained to win. It’s the only way to get a spot playing in front of millions of people. They have plenty of other guys waiting for their chance on the roster, so I sure as hell am going to give them all I’ve got.

I cringe when somebody slaps my back and sidles up beside me as we leave the complex. “Coach either has it in for you or thinks you’re going to be the next me.”

When I see who’s talking, I have to hide my disdain behind a phony chuckle. “There can only be one Jonathon Dover,” I tell the egotistical dickbag looking down at me like I’m not shit. I know for a fact his people have been tipped off about the articles written about him. Vanessa told me he hires specialists who shut these things down before they go to print all the time with a big, fat check.

Part of me hopes the payoff works like I’m sure it has plenty of other times bad press has nearly come out about him. I have a bad feeling this is somehow going to come back on me if the allegations come to light.

Dover doesn’t think anybody knows about half the shit he’s done based on his cocky smile, but I’m pretty sure everybody does. They’re just smart enough to keep quiet about it because it won’t benefit them. Me? I’ve got everything to gain from his fans turning against him if they find out he’s not the saintly family man he’s painted himself to be.

The douchebag in question grins. “People are betting on when I’ll announce my retirement. It never fails. Once athletes reach a certain age, everybody starts searching for the younger version of them. Coach has heard the talk and wants to make sure he’s got a replacement ready.”

That’s what he thinks I am? Just some young rookie looking to fill his shoes. “Who knows,” I joke. “Maybe he’ll see how good I am and offer to pay you out of your contract early. Give you time to spend with your growing family since that’s so important to you.”

For a split second, the remark hits exactly where I want it to. His eyes flash with warning before narrowing. He doesn’t like anybody threatening what he’s built, but he’s so cocky he doesn’t know there are people already working on it.

The problem with people who think they’re invincible is that they never see their own demise coming. Which means the fall is that much harder when it finally strikes.

Well, good fucking riddance.

Dover grips my shoulder like we’re old pals, but the tight hold is anything but friendly. “I hear you’re good, but it’s going to take you a long time to get where I am, kid. I wouldn’t buy a Lambo yet if I were you.”

Kid.He’s not much older than me, but I don’t bother pointing that out. I’ll play his game for as long as it takes. “You’re probably right. I’ve got a lot of work ahead of me.”

He smacks my back and laughs when he sees me flinch. “You should go see Samantha over in the PT office. She gives a great rub down if you catch my drift.”

My jaw tics.

“She’ll help you with those muscles, is what I mean,” he corrects, shooting me a wink before sauntering off to where his expensive car is parked.

It isn’t until I’m sitting in my beater that I see Vanessa’s name pop up on the screen. The woman is suffocating me, but every time I ignore her call, she’ll blow up my phone ten times worse until I have no choice but to talk to her.

She’s been checking in every day since practice started to make sure I haven’t fucked up yet. Mostly because I spend half the time we’re on the phone complaining about what an asshole Dover is to everybody. The fact he hasn’t been kicked off the team is astounding. I guess that’s what happens when you make the team one of the leading champions in the league.

“I haven’t punched anyone yet,” is how I greet her.

Her laugh is sultry. “That’s good because we don’t need any competing headlines for the next few days. Be on your best behavior or I will castrate you.”

She can only mean one thing. “You officially sold the story,” I say, scrubbing my eyes.

I knew it was going to happen; I was just hoping I had a little more time before the potential fallout. Dante is going to see firsthand what this will do to his roommate. It’s not my problem, but I know he’ll make it one of his.

“This needs to happen. I already promised you a fair share of the check they cut. It’ll be wired into your account by next week.”

That’s not what this is about. “What am I supposed to say if Dante asks about this?”

“I don’t see why you’d say anything to him about it at all.”

“Dover is my teammate,” I state. “There are bound to be questions. Like if I’ve heard anything from locker room gossip. You know how the guys talk. Dante might think Dover has said something about it. If he calls me out—”

Vanessa sighs. “What, Raf? What could your brother possibly do if he calls you out on a lie? I’ve told you before. Deny knowing anything. This isn’t your mess, it’s Dover’s. The rest will fall into place.”

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