Page 74 of Play Maker

“Hope, we should discuss this somewhere—”

“No,” she interrupted him. “Rob, we’re done. I can’t believe I didn’t see what was going on before, but I see it now. You might want to take your son to get help.”

Rob nodded once and hooked Shad’s elbow, but Shad pulled his arm free.

He spit at Adam’s feet, using his sleeve to mop up the blood on his face. “This is assault, and I’m taking it to the university. You won’t play another day in your life.”

I sucked in a breath as Rob towed Shad out of the room. “Can he do that?”

Adam shrugged. “He can try, but Coach doesn’t like whiney assholes choosing his players.”

Mom frowned at the door they’d left through as she patted Adam’s bicep. “I knew I liked you. Take care of my girl while I deal with the mess.”

“Always,” Adam murmured, but I didn’t think the words were meant for her.

27

Adam trailed his fingers down my arm, lifting my wrist to press a kiss next to my bracelet. “I know I said it before, but it bears repeating. From now on, we leave if a situation makes you uncomfortable.”

An uncontrollable giggle rose up my throat. “And miss out on the chance to ruin a wedding?”

He chuckled. “All in a day’s work.”

I picked up his right hand and examined the red knuckles. “Punching him was dangerous. You need to take better care of yourself if you want to keep catching footballs for money. How did you not break your hand on his face?”

Adam flexed his fingers a couple of times, staring down at his hand. “I used to get in a lot of fights before I learned humor is a better defense than my fists. It’s not really a skill you forget. Besides, I pulled my punch.”

My brows rose. “I think you broke his nose.”

“I definitely broke his nose. That was the goal. I’m sorry I didn’t get there sooner.” The guilt in his tone broke my heart.

“Adam…” I sighed, cupping his face. “You weren’t even supposed to be here. None of this is your fault, though you’re paying for it. I don’t want you to get in trouble with your team or hurt yourself so you can’t play or miss an opportunity to pursue something that should be important to you.”

“Not as important as you.”

“Yes, as important as me.Youare as important as me. This is not a pedestal situation—we’re on equal ground. Go to your performance, you still have time.”

His face shifted into the stubborn expression I knew so well. “I’m not leaving you here alone.”

I smiled and nodded toward my mom who was talking animatedly to the catering staff. “I’m not alone. Despite recent events, Icantake care of myself. Go.”

Adam opened his mouth to argue again, but I stopped him with a soft kiss. He quickly deepened it, reminding me I hadn’t had his mouth on me in several days. My pulse sped, and I let out a quiet whimper.

His grip on me tightened, and I knew if I didn’t slow things down, I’d lose myself completely. With more than a little regret, I pulled back.

“Please, do this for me,” I whispered.

He dropped his forehead to mine for a beat, then nodded once. “I’ll be back to take you home, and I’m not leaving again. Stay with your mom, just in case.”

Mom returned the second Adam walked away, confirming my suspicion she’d only left to give us some privacy. I kept my eyes on Adam until he turned into the hallway where I couldn’t see him anymore.

“Whew,” Mom fanned herself. “I don’t remember him being quite so intense.”

I didn’t have any urge to discuss my sex life with my mom, so I stayed silent. She seemed to understand because she curled an arm around my shoulder, pulling me in for a hug.

“He reminds me of Archer a little. Must be an athlete thing.”

I swung around to stare at her. “Why the hell did you break up with him then?”

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