Page 45 of I Got You

“Yeah, I am, and I’d like to know exactly what you were suggesting to my wife.” Maggie’s head snaps up to look at me, and I feel her body tense for the briefest second before her attention moves back to the dick.

He takes a step back, his eyes flicking from me to Maggie and back again. He takes another step back. “I was just telling her how great Hank is looking this season.”

“That so.” I glare, letting him know I don’t believe one dirty rotten word. “Well, that definitely has nothing to do with you, so why don’t you go make yourself somewhat useful and get your other players ready for the game, coach.”

Maggie’s small hand slips into mine, and I find my temper calming with the warmth. I’m not one to throw punches, but I don’t like men who think they can push women or kids around.

“Hank starts as long as he’s earned his place, which is what Coach Miller has told him. If that changes, I’ll discuss that with him,” Maggie clarifies before he turns and walks away.

She twists to look up at me. “Well, that was handy timing. I’m pretty sure if you growled he would’ve crapped his pants.” I grunt, and she grins, pulling me by the hand further away from the stands and into the concession line. “I have to get popcorn for the kids. What do you want, big guy? My treat for scaring off that numbnut.”

“I just want to know what he said to you. I didn’t like his hand around your arm or his face or the fact that he looks like he shouldn’t be responsible for coaching toddlers.”

“Well, tell me how you really feel.” She laughs. “He offered to help Hank train. When I said more training isn’t what he needs, he tried to get me to discuss it over dinner.” She rolls her eyes. “When I gave him the big hell no, he tried to nonchalantly threaten Hank’s starting position.”

“He’s a douchebag and should be fired.” I tried to keep my temper in check, but why hide it when it’s the truth.

“Yep, to both, but for today we’re going to watch Hank own the field and show these other jokers what true hard work and dedication can do.” She pays for the snacks, and we walk back toward the bleachers. “Nice jersey. Does it sting a little?”

I look down at the shirt and then at the line of matching shirts in the stands waiting for us. I realize how unnatural this is for me. There wasn’t a single time in my career when someone sat in the stands just for me. It’s weird to be here, but at the same time, part of me is curious about the experience, just as I’d been when we spent the afternoon together.

We climb over a few people to join Cole and the kids. I slap Cole’s hand and squeeze between him and Maggie.

“Nice work running off that little dirtbag.” Cole’s annoyed tone is quiet as he takes a sip of his water.

I glance at him. “Is there anyone else I should be worried about?” Realizing both Cole and Hank had their eyes on this guy worries me there might be more.

“Not in this city.”

I don’t like his answer. “Care to elaborate,” I try to say with less tension than I’m actually feeling at the moment.

“No, just her ex did a number on her, and he likes to play games.” I turn my full attention to him, and Cole must see smoke starting to rise. “Hold on,” he whispers with just a hint of amusement, like anything about this is funny. “She’ll never get back together with him. It’s not like that. He just likes to pop up, and it just takes her right back to that time.”

My hackles calm, and the relief I feel at his words is concerning, but I decline to investigate why.

Cole jumps to his feet, cups his hands, and hollers “Matthews” as Hank takes the field. The ball goes into play, and I watch Hank move up and down the field like a man on a mission. I know little about soccer, but it’s clear this kid is exceptional.

Hank scores the first goal of the game, and I can’t help but stand and yell along with the rest of my row, feeling proud of the young man who has honed his skills. It reminds me of a time when football gave me the escape I needed.

We sit back down, and Maggie bumps my shoulder. “In case I forget, thanks for being here today.”

“I’m just sorry I wasn’t here earlier so you didn’t have to deal with…numbnuts.”

She bursts out laughing. “Well, now that I have you, I might just keep you around, you big bear.”

I meet her beautiful blue, joy-filled eyes, and an unfamiliar feeling comes over me, almost as if that joy is contagious. She’s got me. I think that’s exactly what I’m afraid of. I’ve never been anyone’s anything, but what happens when she doesn’t need me anymore?

Chapter 15

MAGGIE

I’m alone in Shane’s truck, and I’m tempted to search every nook and cranny to see what I might discover about my new husband, but if he isn’t the freaking cleanest man I’ve ever met. No receipts or empty coffee cups. No gum or wrappers. What coach doesn’t chew gum? I don’t think he even leaves fingerprints behind. He’s probably filing for divorce after seeing the interior of my car.

The man offered to take the kids home after the game so they didn’t have to run errands with me on my way to get Teddy. Um. Ok. Yes, please.

So here I am, driving his big truck and running into a jewelry store. Shane’s declaration to the pathetic excuse of a coach made the decision. He laid the ‘w’ word out there like it was the most natural thing in the world. Wife. He called me his freaking wife, and in a way that told that asshole he should cover his balls. It’s just a word, and for us, it’s only a title printed on a signed document, but it was the first time in a very long time I felt protected, cared for, and not like I have to deal with every single thing on my own.

After a quick search through the cases, I found just what I wanted, and it should be ready in a few days. I dash to get Teddy, hoping he’s not the last one standing there. The kid is wild but fears being left behind. I try to always make sure I’m on time, and as I pull up to the ice rink, I see him standing with the group, waiting for rides. He climbs in the back, hyped up on sugar, and gives me a play-by-play that lasts the entire ride home.

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